1996 Pontiac Sunfire Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,025miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 7% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,025 miles. 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.
“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“The light switch assembly failed while driving at night. The light switch assembly was replaced about 3 years ago for the same problem by a certified GM dealer. It should not of failed the first time and then the new one only lasted about a 2 1/2 - 3 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10179424, filed 2007-01, 159,900 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 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“The headlights go out unexpectedly when the dimmer switch is moved to or operated in low beam. Faulty dimmer switch. I had to put a piece of paper in the switch so I wouldn't high beam everyone on the way home one night.”
NHTSA complaint #10052526, filed 2004-01Related recalls
- 96V250000Dec 17, 1996The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1996, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1996, Pontiac Grand AM 1996 +1 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 25 | 35% |
| 2002 | 6 | 7% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
| 1997 | 11 | 6% |
| 1996 | 15 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsSteering
19 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