1996 Pontiac Sunfire Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 6% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,050 miles.
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“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 contact owns a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. Within a week of purchasing the vehicle, it began overheating. In addition, the headlights would remain illuminated when the vehicle was turned off, wiper fluid was leaking, and the muffler made a loud noise. The contact has not been able to reach the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was 136,050. Updated 10/03/08 updated 10/06/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10240905, filed 2008-09, 136,050 miles“During recent snow storm wipers stop in the upright postion. Then continue to stay in the upright position when the off switch is clicked. They do work but won't lay down they stay up. Also have seen on the road other sunfires with same problem. Wipers up. To get them to lay down must turn them on then pull fuse.”
NHTSA complaint #704389, filed 1999-03“Ticking and knocking noise when started up, charge light stayed on and rattling noise from under the vehicle, engine intermittently would not turn over, replace tensioner, starter, and generator assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #524100, filed 1997-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 10 | 12% |
| 2001 | 4 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 6% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
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 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 29, 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