1998 Pontiac Sunfire Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 18%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 18% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 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.
“While driving the vehicle will shut down and the theft system light with start flashing will start again and but shut down again I was driving on a city street and had it at a dealer they replaced the ecu the gauges and the ignition they replaced the ecu 3 times with no avail this has happened to all 4 of my pontiacs”
NHTSA complaint #11098157, filed 2018-05, 165,000 miles“I took my Sunfire to the dealership for the specified ignition switch recall and am now having problems with my starter. The starter I have is not even one year old - I am sure this has something to do with the recent recall work done at the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10081305, filed 2004-07, 82,000 miles“Brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and rear defroster all stopped functioning. Problem initially happened about 5 minutes after starting vehicle, but now is persistent and none of these items function posing a major safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10919968, filed 2016-10, 56,000 miles“Vehicle was blowing 30 amp fuse going to rear defogger grid. Found melted insulation on 12 volt line and ground resulting in short circuit. Defogger grid still drawing enough current to melt insulation of 12 volt line. Disconnected rear defogger grid to prevent possible fire in dash.”
NHTSA complaint #10291910, filed 2009-11, 192,000 miles“1998 Pontiac Sunfire gt anti-theft system won't disengage, car is dead. (when the anti-theft system is triggered, the fuel pump is shut off) it may have been triggered by using a copy of the original key. Following manufacturer's instructions (turn on iignition for 10 min, turn off and turn on again) doesn't work. An internet search revealed that there are 1000s of people with the same problem with Sunfire and other GM cars. I would like GM to acknowledge the problem and repair the faulty system.”
NHTSA complaint #10407734, filed 2011-06, 60,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V036000Jan 27, 2004On 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 1998–2001, Chevrolet Cavalier 1998–2001, Pontiac Grand AM 1998 +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…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10013000Feb 23, 2004If 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…
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 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
32 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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