1993 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.
24% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing radiator assembly and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).
19% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRIC WIRING BURN UP. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950725
I HAVE A 1993 PONTIAC SUBNBIRD, 2.2 L,AT,AC. I AHVE WENT THROUGH 3 BATTERIES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE ALTENATOR CHECKED AND IT CHECKED OUT GOOD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THIS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040114
14% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and rear/other.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE LAP SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER SIDE, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION SPEED 50 MPH. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950511
11% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
Campaign 93V121000 — 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
1993 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V121000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V190000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1993 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 1993 Pontiac Sunbird?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird have?
3 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.