1998 Pontiac Sunfire Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 4% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles.
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.
“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“I own a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. The failure is with the headlights/daytime running lights. .. The daytime running lights work fine, but at night, when I twist the lever to turn the headlights on, only my daytime running lights stay on and my headlights remain at about 1/2 brightness and the daytime running lights indicator stays on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129653, filed 2005-07“I own a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire and have a problem with the daytime lights staying on even when the switch is turned to have the night time headlights on. It goes back and forth from day to night lights and will not stay on night when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10225667, filed 2008-04“Consumer states while driving vehicle the turn signals lights and the head lamp not working properly. Dealer replaced the dimmer switch four times and the problem is reocurring. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022194, filed 2002-11“Problem with headlights and the daytime running lights intermittently switching back and forth while driving at night. Dealer was contacted. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #898649, filed 2001-11Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 25 | 35% |
| 2002 | 6 | 7% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
| 1997 | 11 | 6% |
| 1996 | 15 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
32 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 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 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