1997 Pontiac Sunfire Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 6% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While turning the steering wheel the consumer could hear a loud popping noise which came from the front end. The steering wheel also jerked away from the consumer. The cause of this problem has yet to be determine. The dealership was notified but was unable to resolve the problem. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10051991, filed 2003-12, 39,000 miles“Unknown rear suspension component failed, causing loss of control and accident in which the rear axle and suspension components were severely damaged, so that the original broken component could not be determined. Accident occurred while vehicle was traveling in a straight line on level ground at about 60 MPH. The brakes were applied and did not engage the anti-lock system, yet the rear end of the car swerved wildly, which caused the car to hit a high curb, severely damaging the right rear tire, axle, and suspension.”
NHTSA complaint #10021293, filed 2003-06, 108,000 miles“Vehicle was taken to local GM dealer for its first front end alignment after purchase. Service check by dealer found left and right lower a frames and the stablizer links plus both front tires had to be replaced before an alignment could be done. Est cost $350. Upon investigation when speaking with maintenance personnel I discovered that this is a high failure item. The personel informed me that they replaced these control arms all the time. They know it is a very poor design and causes problems with customers. …”
NHTSA complaint #706682, filed 1999-05“Front and rear struts & mounts failed &rattled problem started immeiately, not properly identified until 60000, had to pay $700 to fix. Front brakes wore out almost immediately. Seat belt slips out of anchor and is painful to reach (short driver, seat moved up). Windshield wipers started stopping in the up instead of down position, block vision.”
NHTSA complaint #718942, filed 2000-02“When driving at any speed and making any type of turn, there is a thumping noise coming from the steering whell, and when applying the brake's, there is vibration within the brakes. Also, panels in the rear on both sides keep coming off.”
NHTSA complaint #848440, filed 1999-09Related recalls
- 98V319000Dec 15, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
42 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsAir bags
27 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