MYRModel Year Report

2003 Pontiac Sunfire

● Typical for this model
2003 Pontiac Sunfire
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:00:21.726Z

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, 2003 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 2002: 82 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 32 complaints 2004 2005: 68 complaints 2005
2003: 72 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19852
19911
19942
1995119
1996201
1997190
1998120
199993
200096
200166
200282
200372
200432
200568

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11%

11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10%

10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20040514 — PE (closed 20040914)

TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION

I 20040914 — EA (closed 20041122)

TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION

R 20050118 — exterior lighting

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES AND APPLY GREASE OR REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR P

Campaign 04V524000 — 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

2003 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V524000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ● 2001 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1997 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 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.