2002 Pontiac Sunfire

● Typical for this model

2002 Pontiac Sunfire
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:54:01.310Z

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

2002: 82 complaints

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show 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

I FILED A COMPLAINT ON A 2002 GRAND AM GT VIN [XXX] CONCERNING STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030105

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

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH

Show 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

2002 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 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

▲ 2004 ● 2001 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1997 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

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 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.