1997 Pontiac Sunfire Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Steering › Rack and pinionCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Trans Sport 1996–1998 +4 more
Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Possible consequence: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
- Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997 +2 more
Reported issue: On 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 through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Possible consequence: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…
- Suspension › RearCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Possible consequence: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
- Air bagsCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Possible consequence: Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
- Structure › BodyCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
Possible consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
- Wheels › Space saver wheelCovers: Pontiac Sunfire 1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Possible consequence: A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. Owners are requested not to use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.
← All problems reported for the 1997 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.