2005 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
- 68
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
93% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 68 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
93% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-06-22
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and fuel/propulsion system
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. While parked, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge would not display a reading. A few weeks later the temperature gauge and the speedometer also failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-18
Speedometer is stuck at 85-90 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-02
Steering
6% · 4 reportsVehicle speed control
6% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving with cruise control on in a remote area of Utah (Between milford and minersville) I ran over a cattle guard running across the road. Immediately, my gas pedal dropped to the floor and attempted to gain maximum speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-10
Engine
4% · 3 reportsExterior lighting
4% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing turn signal.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear turn lights on our 2003 Pontiac Sunfire continue to fail leaving us without turn signals. We have taken the vehicle back to the dealer, including under a safety recall, but the fix (Put "Grease" On the bulb) has not ended the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-11
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
2005 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08E063000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 93% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.