2000 Pontiac Sunfire

● Typical for this model
2000 Pontiac Sunfire
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:19.102Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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
96
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2000

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 2 complaints 1985 1991: 1 complaint 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 119 complaints 1996: 201 complaints 1996 1997: 190 complaints 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 2000: 96 complaints 2000 96 2001: 66 complaints 2002: 82 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2004: 32 complaints 2004 2005: 68 complaints
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 119 complaints 1995 1996: 201 complaints 1996 1997: 190 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 96 complaints 2000 96 2001: 66 complaints 2001 2002: 82 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 32 complaints 2004 2005: 68 complaints 2005
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 119 complaints 1995 1996: 201 complaints 1996 1997: 190 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 96 complaints 2000 96 2001: 66 complaints 2001 2002: 82 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 32 complaints 2004 2005: 68 complaints 2005

2000: 96 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19852
19911
19942
1995119
1996201
1997190
1998120
199993
200096
200166
200282
200372
200432
200568

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

33% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a small fire occurred in the steering column and instrument panel. In addition, the front driver's side windshield was cracked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-23

Engine and engine cooling

27% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Service brakes

21% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My car was driving perfect until 3 weeks ago, it has since then wont start back up. Thought it was something to do with spark, then tried spark plug wires, new battery, checked alternator and fuses, coils all good.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-16

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel system, gasoline

15% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and delivery.

Power train

11% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2001-01-26SQClosed 2002-09-30 Erratic fuel gauge
  2. I
    2002-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-03 Engine stall due to fuel starvation
  3. I
    2002-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 2003-12-30 Erratic fuel gauge
  4. R
    2004-03-01Electrical system04V036000 On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" Position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if…

  5. R
    2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, and FP10027-11B1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The…

    Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

  6. R
    2008-10-16Steering08E063000 Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (Sold under dorman's "Oe solutions" Brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059…

    Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.

Buy-smart checklist

2000 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V036000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
  • Recall 08E063000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire have?
3 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.