1992 Pontiac Sunbird
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH20% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and trunk lid.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ON MY SUNBIRD KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING ABRUBT MALFUNCTIONS. IT IS DANGEROUS IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURS USUALLY ON A COLD OR RAINY DAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031016
17% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO DAYS THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH STARTED UNDER THE DASH BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971223
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.
Remedy: INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.
Campaign 91V166000 — check if this car was fixed
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE KINK IN THE CABLE CAN CAUSE EITHER A HIGH EFFORT ACCELERATOR CABLE, STICKING ACCELERATOR CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 92V048000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VERY COLD WEATHER, WATER THATN ENTERS THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT FREEZES AND CAUSES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT OR BIND
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 93V190000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V166000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V048000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V190000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1992 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 1992 Pontiac Sunbird?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.