1997 Pontiac Sunfire Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 16%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 16% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, 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.
“I had headlight problems and the headlights failed completely, then the horn failed and the brake lights...it cost me $1500.00 to have my wiring redone and the headlights are still dim. I also have a problem with my dashboard lights coming on for check engine, battery and airbag. I took it to 2 dealers and nothing with this problem was fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10081248, filed 2004-07, 80,000 miles“Tried to start the ignition but it would't, which was really odd considering my car hasn't given me any real trouble. I took the key out of the ignition and closed the door and it tried to start without the key. I went in the house to call a ride to work and heard the radio going. I looked out to see who it was and saw a fire going in my car. I called the fire department to put the fire out. Afterwards, they said that my airbag deployed into the steering column causing the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10108351, filed 2005-02, 110,000 miles“Purchased the vehicle in 2001. The '97 Sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, I had got repairs occasionally for this and that. However, I never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past june the vehicle broke down. After getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. I would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect.”
NHTSA complaint #10172140, filed 2006-10, 91,000 miles“I bought my car in oct 1999 since I have had 3 recalls.none of those are the other problems I have experienced or repaired already. In 2000 I had to replace the front wheel beearing in the passenger side that was in bad condition,in 2001 I had to replace the rear strut mounts becasue the were dried and cracked, I month ago my wipers broke a pin and clip broke and they stop in the up position. Now my window on my drivers side will not go up or down I have been having problems with it for about a year now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005569, filed 2003-02, 128,003 miles“Tl * the contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10607304, filed 2014-07, 200,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 60 | 88% |
| 2004 | 16 | 50% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 24 | 29% |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% |
| 2000 | 23 | 24% |
| 1999 | 21 | 23% |
| 1998 | 21 | 18% |
| 1997 | 30 | 16% |
| 1996 | 38 | 19% |
| 1995 | 27 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
42 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsAir bags
27 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 27, 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