1996 Pontiac Sunfire Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 19%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,725miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 19% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,725 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire in july of 2003. I previously owned a 1997 Sunfire and didn't have any problems like this. The most serious issue is when I turn my headlights on, the fuse blows and the tail lights and the dash lights (lights for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temp gauge) do not work. I almost got into an accident when my lights and dash failed me. When I was trying to replace the fuse sparks flew out and the fuses blew immediately. I feel it is a manufacturer defect. It is going to cost me a large amount of money to have this fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062663, filed 2004-03, 106,450 miles“Car turns over but will not start.brought it back to dealer and they replaced the camshaft sensor. Got the car back two days later and the same thing happened. Brought back to dealer and they said it was the oem sercrity system. Took back and are still having problems starting all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10037080, filed 2003-09, 119,813 miles“While on the street vehicle was in park and the key was taken out of the ignition switch. Then, vehicle caught on fire behind the steering wheel. Black smoke. And large flames appeared. Fire department show up to extinguish the fire. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10081603, filed 2004-07, 75,000 miles“While driving 25 MPH the vehicle caught fire under the glove compartment. Due to the interior damage the vehicle was totaled. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No injuries reported. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10065566, filed 2004-04, 119,000 miles“The ignition switch had a short circuit which caused the vehicle not to start. After the ignition was repaired it still didn't work properly. The head light (high and low beams) failed. The horn failed. The wiper failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10011186, filed 2003-07, 156,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 60 | 88% |
| 2004 | 16 | 50% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 24 | 29% |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% |
| 2000 | 23 | 24% |
| 1999 | 21 | 23% |
| 1998 | 21 | 18% |
| 1997 | 30 | 16% |
| 1996 | 38 | 19% |
| 1995 | 27 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsBrakes
29 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 28, 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