1996 Pontiac Sunfire Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 4% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“I was on vacation in wv. When I slowed to turn a corner I felt a thump under the car and the car lurched to the right. Steering felt as if there was a flat tire. Had to pull hard right to straighten car then lost steering control altogether. I observed that the left wheel seemed to be sliding outward while the right wheel remained vertical.. At mechanic's the following day we discovered that the subframe had rusted so badly that the left wheel assembly had fallen through it. The steel of the frame has rusted in layers - paper thin layers with heavy corrosion on all edges. I am apalled! …”
NHTSA complaint #709988, filed 1999-08“Was towing another vehicle behind the motor home when the frame of vehicle started to rip apart near towing bar. Had been to dealer & mechanic welded part back together. District manager was suppose to come check. Have not heard anything yet.”
NHTSA complaint #850335, filed 1999-10“Engine runs hot at the very top of the gauge just before the over-heating mark on the gauge. Losing coolant. Car some times has trouble starting and back-fires. Water pump had to be replaced at 43,000 miles as it had a hole in it and was leaking. Oil leaks in several places, oil coming out of exhaust pipe, check engine light keeps coming on. Replaced gasket between the transmission and engine due leaks. Currently, the clutch sticks intermittently and I sometimes can't get the transmission to go into reverse. Had to replace high-pressure power steering pump due to leaks. …”
NHTSA complaint #754873, filed 2001-11Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 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 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