1996 Pontiac Sunfire Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 9%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 9% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“February 25, 2009 - noticed when using the tilt steering lever, the steering column did not lock at certain levels (lower position). Within a week of noticing this problem, I notice the steering column seemed loose and when it was difficult at times when turning left. In one incident, nearly lost control of the vehicle when another vehicle veered into my lane on the freeway at speeds of 65 MPH. I had to over compensate the immediate turn to avoid loosing control of the vehicle and crashing. March 13, 2009 - noise heard when turning or steering the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10262706, filed 2009-03, 165,000 miles“On sun feb.9,2003 my rack and pinion went out of my car and is now not drivable . I started noticing problems the last few weeks a weird sound and problems turning left. I had it looked at by a mechanic and he said my rack and pinion went out. I do know several people have gotten recalls recently, but I have not and I have a 9 month old baby and single mother. Im just glad he wasnt in the vehicle or I wasnt on the highway wene this happened but now I am faced with the cost of repairing this, what do I do?”
NHTSA complaint #10005566, filed 2003-02, 93,832 miles“- the contact owns a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. The vehicle made a knocking noise when the steering was turned all the way to the left. There was recall 02v286000 for the rack and pinion steering, but it did not include this vehicle due to the VIN. The contact felt that it should be extended since this vehicle had the same failure as stated in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10187960, filed 2007-04, 112,000 miles“This is about a recall that the dealer will not fix on my 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. You list the problem with my steering in your recalls. It take all the strength to turn the wheel to the left and can turn to the right with one finger. 02v-286000.”
NHTSA complaint #10177956, filed 2007-01“The power steering actually had two intermittent incidents the same day that indicated a problem was occurring. The power steering locked up two times, once pulling me into a curb and the second time pulling me into a median in a parking lot. Each of these two times, the power steering released and was able to be driven again. I, however, had about 9 miles to go to get home and felt that it was an intermittent problem. I continued on my way home. I turned left onto a street, where other cars were oncoming, and the steering locked up as I turned. …”
NHTSA complaint #708267, filed 1999-07Related recalls
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Trans Sport 1996–1998 +4 more
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 42 | 22% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 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 30, 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