1997 Pontiac Sunfire Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 22%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 42 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 22% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 2 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.
“1997 Pontiac Sunfire all of a sudden, would not turn left and I hit a pole, come to find out the rack and pinion suddenly went out. I had to have rack and pinion replaced, this is very scary and dangerous, dealer said they have heard of no problems with rack and pinion, and were of no help at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10000815, filed 2003-01, 99,000 miles“I am furious about the way the recall service has been handled on my 97 Pontiac Sunfire. I will never buy another Pontiac. I scheduled for the recall service (rack & pinion/bearings) to be replaced on my vehicle. After my car had been at the dealer all day, I was told late that afternoon that the recall part needed to service my vehicle would not be in for 1 to 2 weeks (closer to 2 weeks). I was also told at that time that it was highly recommended, due to danger reasons that I did not operate this vehicle, because my vehicle was severely damaged in the recall area. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008377, filed 2003-03, 72,000 miles“Heard and felt a loud thud sound from steering area driving home. Power steering feels like it is gone when turning left, but turns easier when turning right at low speeds. Steering wheel becomes off centered at times. Almost feels as if I might loose control of front tires during turns or at higher speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #10449288, filed 2012-02, 91,000 miles“Tilt steering wheel will not lock into place allowing steering wheel to move freely up and to the left. Dangerous for steering during normal driving and in particular if evasive safety maneuvers are needed. Fixed at repair shop but was told that the entire pivot unit may have to be replaced at a very high cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10177064, filed 2006-12, 70,000 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
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Trans Sport 1996–1998 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10022926Aug 1, 2007Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [I-shaft]).
- 10019516Feb 1, 2006Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 42 | 22% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
31 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 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