2002 Pontiac Sunfire
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 119 |
| 1996 | 201 |
| 1997 | 190 |
| 1998 | 120 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 66 |
| 2002 | 82 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 32 |
| 2005 | 68 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and switch.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAR ENGINE STOPPED. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS DUE TO RUBBING ON THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140408
Also filed under STEERING
I FILED A COMPLAINT ON A 2002 GRAND AM GT VIN [XXX] CONCERNING STEERING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030105
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IT SPENT 6 WEEKS IN THE SHOP THE FIRST TIME BACK IN LATE 2011 BECAUSE THE WIPERS, LIGHTS, POWER ANYTHING IN CAR WENT ON THE FRITZ AND LOCKS FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130410
23% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: steering — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and anti-theft device.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and emission control.
INJURY12% of complaints: visibility — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and fan/motor.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
2002 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have?
2 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.