1997 Pontiac Sunfire Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 16%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 16% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 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.
“My brother owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire with only 47,000 miles on it and the engine seized (needing engine replaced estimated cost $3,500). I understand the car is about 6 years old but the vehicle is driven minimal miles. Gm dealership did a diagnosis costing us $289 and concluded per the invoice: perform tear down on engine - remove valve cover and found valve spring on #2 cylinder broken - remove cylinder head and found head of valve had gone through top of piston and scored cylinder wall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052893, filed 2004-01, 47,000 miles“The vehicles engine shuts off while driving. In addition, the auto theft system light would illuminate which prevented the consumer from starting the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10017225, filed 2003-04, 20,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over ,and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10051926, filed 2004-02, 30,000 miles“This car has been more trouble than it is worth. I have replaced the brakes and rotors twice already and need to replace them again already. I found out today that I have another craked head gasket, I replaced one two years ago just after I bought the car. The engine coolant light stays on most of the time even when the tank is full. I'm very frustrated!”
NHTSA complaint #715187, filed 1999-11“Since the accident I have complained of thumping and clanking noises.. Car started to stall under 1x RPM... Engine light came on, possible solution was crankshaft. Then they said it was possibly a bushing. I noticed in your files someone else had the same problem. I don't understand why such problems on a car that is pampered and low miles. The dealership said it had nothing to do with the car accident???”
NHTSA complaint #743005, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 13% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 | 25 | 26% |
| 1999 | 17 | 18% |
| 1998 | 32 | 27% |
| 1997 | 31 | 16% |
| 1996 | 39 | 19% |
| 1995 | 38 | 32% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
42 complaintsElectrical system
30 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