1997 Pontiac Sunfire Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 14%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 14% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 13 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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. After it rained for approximately 3-4 days, the contact noticed standing water in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. She started the vehicle and noticed that all of the instrument panel lights were illuminated. After several days of allowing the vehicle to dry out, every instrument panel light, with the exception of the air bag light, dimmed. The dealer stated that they would not inspect the vehicle for less than $350. The contact no longer drives the vehicle because she fears for her life due to the defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231846, filed 2008-06, 60,000 miles“1997 Pontiac Sunfire air bag deployment. While driving the vehicle was involved in an accident. The vehicle was hit on the rear passenger side door. The front air bag deployed upon impact. The consumer was under the impression that the frontal air bags were only supposed to deploy during frontal collisions.”
NHTSA complaint #10079806, filed 2004-06“Consumer was traveling in a very bad snow storm at approximate speed of 40mph and coming down an incline. Trying to avoid hitting another vehicle, consumer crashed into a brick wall. Driver's airbag didn't deploy. Car was totalled. Seat belt was being worn at the time. Consumer suffered chest injuries. No response from Pontiac, they were collecting information.”
NHTSA complaint #879509, filed 2001-01“While driving on ice about 40-45 MPH, brakes applied, hitting a patch of ice. Lost control of vehicle, hit a metal medium head-on. Neither air bag deployed in accident. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy problem. Vehicle was totalled. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834688, filed 1999-02“Ea98-007; while at a red light for 2 minutes, put the vehicle in 1st gear and for no apparent reason the driver's and passenger's air bags deployed, causing an accident. Manufacturer stated that airbag sensor and the accident caused the airbags to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #821649, filed 1998-03Related recalls
- 98V146000Jun 29, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1997
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 7 | 11% |
| 2000 | 9 | 9% |
| 1999 | 10 | 11% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 27 | 14% |
| 1996 | 33 | 16% |
| 1995 | 13 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
42 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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