2004 Pontiac Sunfire
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 32
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
50% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 32 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
50% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving my new 2004 Sunfire that was just purchased at the end of August, when I saw a flame come out from under the dash near my foot. I slammed on the brakes, through it in park and jumped from the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled!
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-20
The RPM needle went totally on the right side into the needle of the speedometer. Can't tell how fast I am going. Expensive to replace. Paint starting to chip in different places.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-10
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
Engine
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-17
Structure
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing body and trunk lid.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving my 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, I had to hold the steering wheel to the left in order for it to go straight.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-13
Service brakes
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-08-23Seat belts04V300000 Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an…
Remedy: Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on August 23, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and Pontiac at…
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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
2004 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V300000 · Seat belts
- Recall 08E063000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire have?
- 2 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.