1990 Pontiac Sunbird
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 37 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Service brakes
3 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
3 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was in an accident there was a car seat strap in the rear seat car seat was thrown forward there was no child in car seat. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-09
Electrical system
2 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Ea94-013 active, under the hood fire, electrical short, vehicle had been driven and parked saw smoke coming from under the hood, will provide more information.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-18
Tires
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
-
I
1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
-
R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
-
R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.