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 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.
93% of complaints: electrical system — 63 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20220622
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, 20120918
SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 85-90 MPH. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120502
6% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20051110
4% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20050511
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2005 Pontiac Sunfire — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.