1998 Pontiac Sunfire Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 6% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 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.
“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“The coolant light has continuously flashed for the past few days. The vehichle was returned to dealership in order to fix. The manual states that coolant should only be replaced at 155,000 miles or every 5 years. This is the third incident, which leads me to believe that the vehicle has a major malfunction. The previous incident, the oil was in the coolant and the coolant was in the oil. I am in the process of discussing this situation with the military legal services about my options. My vehichle should be ready this afternoon if the problem is fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #712222, filed 1999-09“When vehicle reached a normal temperature it caused hesitation. Vehicle has been in dealer's shop on two occasions, and had the clutch replaced between 1500-2000 miles. However, problem has reoccurred. Dealer wanted to replace the clutch again. Seeking help in NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #863201, filed 2000-06“Transmission design allows for the vehicle to roll when releasing brake pedal on inclines. Transmission replaced for this problem and slipping out of gear, however continues to roll.”
NHTSA complaint #542278, filed 1998-10Related service bulletins
- 10023942Oct 1, 2007Information on 4t40-e (mn4) and 4t45-e (mn5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh…
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
32 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsAir bags
11 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 30, 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