1998 Pontiac Sunfire Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1998 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.

• 04V036000Jan 27, 20041,415,231 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
  Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1998–2001, Chevrolet Cavalier 1998–2001, Pontiac Grand AM 1998 +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. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an…

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• 02V286000Nov 4, 20021,159,156 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Rack and pinion
  Covers: 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…

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• 97V219000Nov 24, 199724 vehicles potentially affected
  Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
  Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1998

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.

  Possible consequence: The wheel could separate from the vehicle. If the vehicle were in motion, a vehicle crash could result.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque of all wheel nuts and, if necessary, tighten any that may be below required torque.

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← All problems reported for the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire