MYRModel Year Report

2001 Pontiac Sunfire

● Typical for this model
2001 Pontiac Sunfire
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:03.738Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Sunfire Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1991: 1 complaints 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 2001: 66 complaints 2001 2002: 82 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2004: 32 complaints 2004 2005: 68 complaints 2005
2001: 66 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 32%

32% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and switch.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED A FOUR VEHICLE CRASH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141201

Also filed under AIR BAGS

AFTER BEING DRIVEN, VEHICLE WILL SMELL LIKE RUBBER BURNING ON OUTSIDE. WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20020201

PRIOR TO INCIDENT BEING REPORTED, A BURNING RUBBER ODOR COULD BE DETECTED WHILE STANDING BESIDE VEHICLE AFTER NORMAL OPERATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020131

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and turbo/supercharger.

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. FEEL FREE TO ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20020913

IN A FRONTAL COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, CAUSING MAJOR INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020909

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20010126 — SQ (closed 20020930)

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE

I 20020930 — EA (closed 20031230)

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE

R 20040301 — electrical system

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 P

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 NECESSAR

Campaign 04V036000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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 UNI

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.

Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20081016 — steering

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 (SOL

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.

Campaign 08E063000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V036000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ● 2005 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1997 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 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.