1996 Pontiac Sunfire Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 14%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 14% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Numerous failures with my car I am only listing the ones which have happened more than once 1..transmission failure, transmission failed 3 times first time while traveling 35mph car came to a dead stop tires locked up, car would not even roll, causing near accident. 2...window motors failed twice on each each door of my 4 door car 3...headlight switch has failed 3 times causing dangerous situation at night 4...severe water leak in trunk area , water getting in through fender well or trunk underbody, caused so much to puddle up a mushroom started growing from back seat,... …”
NHTSA complaint #10405944, filed 2011-06, 75,000 miles“1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2l. Rear right brake locks. Causes the car to shudder and difficult to stop. This also causes the ABS and brake light to illuminate on the dash. Brakes have been replaced. Possible failure to stop is the greatest concern. This may lead to accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10384013, filed 2011-02, 188,300 miles“February 2007 had vehicle serviced and was told rear calipers needed replacement. Work was completed totaling $875. Within a week, the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to skid and failure to stop. Nearly hit a pedestrian in cross walk at 20 MPH. Returned to service, was told adjustments needed to the ABS brakes system. Service completed. 4 weeks later the vehicles brake system locked up and a grinding noise occurred. Returned for service, pads replaced, brakes adjusted per the mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10262702, filed 2009-03, 160,000 miles“-the horn on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has quit working and been repaired three times. The people at the shop said that it was getting wet apparently everytime I went through water because of it being pointed downward. -the muffler has been fixed three times -there are more that I can not remeber right off hand -their is an electrical problem with the whole car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10020716, filed 2003-05“I have constant problems with this vehicle. Major difficulty stopping when pavement is wet. My complet brake and rotors have been replaced on at least 3 occasions. I've also had problems with leaks, right rear window has been replaced. Problems with vibration when at a standstill, almost losing power. Smell of gas fumes. Problems with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #703462, filed 1999-02Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10023171Oct 31, 2007Abs pump running when not needed.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
| 2002 | 16 | 20% |
| 2001 | 10 | 15% |
| 2000 | 17 | 18% |
| 1999 | 13 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 13% |
| 1997 | 28 | 15% |
| 1996 | 29 | 14% |
| 1995 | 14 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology