1998 Pontiac Sunfire Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 12%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,241miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 12% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,241 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 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“Apparently, their is a known issue w/the 98 Pontiac Sunfire steering rack and pinion gear making it feel like their is a total loss of power steering, even though the power steering pump is working properly. I purchased this car in january of 2011 off a little old lady, who kept it in a garage and barely drove it, the car only had 51,000 miles on it. She advised that she didn't know of any recalls, so she didn't take it in for any of the recall repairs. I have check the NHTSA website as well as several other reputable sites and have found their have been several recalls on this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428381, filed 2011-10, 66,241 miles“On 9/5/02 my car was involved in an accident which totally destroyed it. Accident was caused when I was slowly making a left turn, suddenly I experienced loss of power making it very hard to maneuver car due to high resistance. I was going south, and when I started to make left turn, north bound was free and clear, but because the length of time I spent trying to control my vehicle, another car going north approached the intersection where I was and could not avoid hitting the other car causing the crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014345, filed 2003-04, 51,000 miles“A clicking noise was coming from the steering column. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs twice, and results indicated that the steering column needed to be greased, otherwise the consumer could lose steering while driving. The noise was the sound of metal on metal. Gm was aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10106898, filed 2005-07, 60,000 miles“This is an ongoing problem with my steering column. When I turn my steering wheel to the right or left, it makes a bumping noise. It happens every time the wheel is turned to the right or left. Now it has gone out and the recalls r the same but they say it does not cover my car I need to know how this is going to be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10083180, filed 2004-08Related 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 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
32 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
15 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