1996 Pontiac Sunfire Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 10%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 10% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,750 miles. 1 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“When turning off a road onto a highway, I noticed that the car was stuck in 2nd gear. I carefully drove to the nearest gas station. Now the car won't engage on reverse, drive, 2nd & 1st.”
NHTSA complaint #10205618, filed 2007-10, 10,500 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 1999-02“On 01/30/1999 after makeing a left hand turn my car lost all power. After having it towed to browns transmission service inc, 1035 wells ave, newark oh,43055; I found out that the transmission would need to be over hauled to replace the torc converter. The repair bill was $960.00.”
NHTSA complaint #703970, filed 1999-03Related service bulletins
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsBrakes
29 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