15th Jun 2004, 11:38
With less than 47,000 miles on it, the transmission in my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire all, but died. The part that actually gave out was the rear housing assembly, and it cost nearly $1,900 to have it fixed.
25th Aug 2004, 17:25
Our 96 sunfire also won't run when it rains, and our very reliable mechanic can't find the problem. Does anyone have an answer?
28th Oct 2004, 09:45
I have had a 1999 Sunfire for almost 4 years. I bought it when there was 57,000 km on it, now there is 147,000. I have had so many problems and honestly I'm a little afraid to drive it now. The things that have gone wrong over the past 3.5 years are as follows:
1. Torque Converter (twice)
2. Serpentine belt (Twice, but once because a pin blew when I was on the highway and took the serpentine belt with it)
3. Signal lights seem to burn out rather quickly.
4. Thermostat (once, and I have to take it in again)
5. Forward Clutch Drum (apparently it was broken and rattling around) it cost 2268.41 to fix.
6. There was also a recall for the ignition switch (battery was sending to much power to and could've caused a fire in the steering column)
Is there a certain place to go to receive info on past recalls? Anyways, the car will be paid for in September at which time I will be selling it. I will most likely be able to write "complete engine overhaul" on it. Not so impressed with the Sunfire...
31st Jul 2006, 18:22
The problem you are all having regarding the car not starting is actually not related to the weather at all. It's the junk computer system. Take it to your mechanic and have him clear out the error codes. If it still happens, you will have to replace the main board... a common problem on all Pontiacs that many mechanics aren't aware of, or are unable to diagnose until the problem occurs.
15th Aug 2006, 22:45
I have a 1999 sunfire, the only things I've had to replace are the ignition, which could easily go out on anything, and the thermostat... you treat any car good, it'll treat you good. my car has 97000 miles.
2nd Aug 2007, 01:53
I have owned a 1996 Sunfire for a year now; it's my first car, but I have experienced some of the same problems. When the temperature changes quite a bit, it won't start. This is easy to fix though by simply pumping the gas pedal, and than holding it down while you start the car, and pumping as necessary. Some mornings it can be a nightmare though; takes a minute just to get it to hit 500 RPM to start turning over on its own.
My serpentine belt ripped today; probably my own fault for driving like an idiot.
My brother probably sunk $3000+ into this car after he bought it used for $5000, but it's at 211,200 and still going strong. It is shaky, but I think I may have a warped brake rotor. Also a grinding feeling sometimes in the pedal when going slow speeds... Don't know what that's all about.
Been a good car for me so far though...
8th Feb 2010, 20:19
I own a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, the coupe with the 2.2 litre in it, and it's a very reliable car.
I noticed a lot of people mentioned electrical problems, and there was actually a recall on the Sunfire for bad wiring harnesses; you can check if your car is affected by this; it might explain your problem.
They also recalled a group of them for bad ignition switches, and I think there was another batch recalled for something else as well.
Overall a decent little car, but currently not worth more than $2,000, and that's if it's in perfect condition.
15th Jun 2004, 09:03
I bought a used 1999 Sunfire fully loaded. It was a fun car when I first had it. Loved driving this car. I was just on a long trip 800 km. The car suddenly started to make some weird taping sounds. I pulled over on the shoulder, 1st thought it was a problem with the oil change I just had done, but turns out the engine blew. I have 90,000 km on the car. In miles it is 57000. The motor is just breaking in. Whatever happened to making things last and good workmanship? I have since heard there is a problem with the 2.4litre engine which is what I have. Will I buy another Sunfire, NOT IN THIS LIFETIME.