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Pontiac SunfireModel year report

1999 Pontiac Sunfire Problems

Complaints
93filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
87,500miles, 26 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, particularly an ignition switch that can overheat or melt and wiring that chafes and shorts, along with cooling-system leaks and rear brakes that repeatedly go out of adjustment. Complaints also describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes, and transmission problems that show up at relatively low mileage. Many reports come in between roughly 80,000 and 110,000 miles, though several electrical and brake complaints were filed at much lower mileage.

  1. Electrical system

    Ignition switch overheating / key start failure

    • 14 complaints (15%)
    • median 89,000 mi at 13.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2014

    Owners describe the engine failing to start or the car cutting out while driving, with the key sometimes stuck in the ignition after the ignition assembly is replaced. Complaints mention heat and melted internal switch parts, and some report wiring harness damage or a burning smell traced to the ignition circuit. Several owners say the dealer replaced the ignition switch, and some note the repair was charged even when a recall campaign applied to this symptom. Reported from under 100,000 to about 240,000 miles, with several complaints filed within the first few years of ownership and recurring after repeated repairs.

    Recall 04V0360001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether recall 04V036000 was performed and keep the receipt; check that the engine starts promptly without holding the key in start, and look for melted or discolored connectors around the ignition switch and under-dash harness.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was purchasing this used car from a dealer. They replaced the ignition assembly 3 times. The car would mysteriously shut off, the ignition assembly would not allow the key to be removed and multiple times this happened. I lost allot of money I put on the car as it became obvious they could not fix it and I had to let them take it back with no refund to me.........they said at the dealer that I was lucky that I didn't have a fire.”

    NHTSA complaint #10631179, filed 2014-09, 160,000 miles

    “The wiring harness is shorting out which has made my ignition switch short out and my computer. Pontiac has issued a service bulletin. Since there is enough people with this problem they should issue a recall and not just stop at a bulletin. This could have made possibly made my car catch on fire. I feel that this is a hazard. This is going to be costing me right about $1000, this is a rough estimate from the mechanic.”

    NHTSA complaint #10032828, filed 2003-08
  2. Electrical system

    Instrument cluster and odometer misbehaving

    • 12 complaints (13%)
    • median 92,700 mi at 8.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2013

    Owners describe the odometer blinking or scrambling, sometimes in hot or cold weather, and returning to the correct reading when it comes back on. Others report the fuel gauge, temperature gauge and speedometer fluctuating wildly, with a dealer diagnosis of a failed instrument panel cluster and a repair estimate quoted to the owner. Some complaints connect the behavior to a short in the instrument panel or to a burned-out indicator bulb that cannot be replaced separately. Reported from about 11,000 to 170,000 miles, including several vehicles with less than 60,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Watch the odometer and gauges through a full drive cycle, including a cold start, and ask whether the cluster has been replaced or repaired.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Since I bought the car, the odometer blinks and scrambles at various times, and when it is working the mileage is correct. Also, whenever I turn on my hazard lights, my anti-lock brake system light comes on and will stay on until the car has been off for awhile. Lastly, the vehicle has always made a grinding noise when I turn left, or accelerate uphill and I have had 3 motor mounts replaced and taken it to 3 dealers and 2 auto shops and nobody can seem to find a problem!”

    NHTSA complaint #10121423, filed 2005-05, 11,000 miles

    “Vehicle has a short in instrument panel which cause its components to malfunction at different times, for example the odometer,fuel gauge, and speedometer. Dealership has been contacted. Please provide more details.”

    NHTSA complaint #10004692, filed 2003-01, 20,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    Rear brakes out of adjustment, weak pedal

    • 10 complaints (11%)
    • median 30,000 mi at 2.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2010

    Owners report rear brakes that keep coming out of adjustment, requiring repeated readjustment and leaving the pedal feeling soft or the car continuing forward when braking. Complaints mention squealing and grinding, and several describe stops where the brakes did not catch as expected, worse in wet weather. Some owners say dealers found nothing wrong, while others had the hardware replaced without resolving it. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 95,000 miles, with several owners describing the problem continuing for years.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask for service records on rear brake adjustment and hardware, and test the pedal feel and stopping behavior on a wet road during the test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Rear brakes keep coming out of adjustment. When I stop or hit the breaks just right they don't catch and I tend to keep going forward then stop. Almost got in a couple of accidents, but I got luckly. Tried changing the hardware, still have the same problem. Brakes squeal and grind. It's not safe. Tired of figuring out what do about them. It's been on going for almost 3 years.”

    NHTSA complaint #10025348, filed 2003-07, 30,000 miles

    “I had the brakes serviced at 4 different Pontiac dealers in two different states for the same thing.. My brakes did not work I kept telling them they say nothing is wrong with them you are crazy they told me so after 6 months of this it got old...I went to midas a free inspection by the time I left I had spent 150 dollars for new brakes because my rear brakes were never adjusted it left the lit and the plant without ever being ajusted or aligned so for months I was riding around with no brakes scary thought huh? …”

    NHTSA complaint #708416, filed 1999-07
  4. Engine cooling

    Coolant loss and engine fires

    • 12 complaints (13%)
    • median 160,000 mi at 11.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2014

    Complaints describe coolant disappearing with no visible puddle, traced in one report to the A/C compressor rubbing through the lower radiator hose, and radiator caps that fail and are replaced repeatedly. Other owners report a thump or loss of power followed by fire from under the front of the vehicle, and one describes smoke entering the cabin after the heater was turned on. Dealer responses described in the complaints ranged from no diagnosis to replacement of parts without a lasting fix. Reported from about 89,000 to 200,000 miles, with several fire reports occurring during normal driving.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check the coolant level and look for rubbing or wear on the lower radiator hose near the A/C compressor, and ask whether the radiator cap and cooling system have been serviced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My headlights do not stay on. They turn off when I use my turn signal, or if I hit a bump. The hi-beams and drl's are fine, it's just the regular headlights. Also my engine shows that it is overheating on my temp. Guage, but does not act like it. When the A/C is turned on, it returns to a normal level. Another thing is my airconditioning line has a hole in it from another hose rubbing up against it. I think it's either my steering hose or radiator hose. When I turn left my car makes an awful grinding noise.”

    NHTSA complaint #10185467, filed 2007-03

    “The air conditioning compressor pump (A/C pump) comes into contact with the (1999) oem lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition is worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent is only detectable by low fluid level over extended period of time (apporximately 6 months to a year): no wetness on the hose or pooling of coolent fluid under the vehicle is detectable prior to a larger hole being worn into the hose. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10133509, filed 2005-08, 133,700 miles
  5. Electrical system

    Headlights and dash lighting cutting out

    • 6 complaints (6%)
    • median 126,050 mi at 10.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2013

    Complaints describe low-beam headlights that go out over bumps or when the turn signal is used, and daytime running lights that blink erratically. Owners say dealers acknowledged corrosion or a break in the front wiring harness, and some replaced the combination switch or a salvaged harness only to have the problem return. A separate group describes instrument panel backlighting that stops working after the interior light dimmer is adjusted. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 155,000 miles, often after several years of use.

    Recall 99V218000

    What to check: Test the low beams over a rough road and while operating the turn signals, and confirm the dash and odometer backlighting works at each dimmer setting.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have 1999 Pontiac Sunfire and I have had nothing but problems with the headlights. One is that I have no highbeams and the headlights go out after driving it for awhile,the driverside light flashes on and off from time to time I have talked to a mechanic about this problem and they said it was the headlight harness. I went to the local junk yard got a harness and it solved the problem but just recently it happened again.”

    NHTSA complaint #10298920, filed 2010-01, 102,100 miles

    “Low beam headlights failed to operate. Daytime running lights operate erratically (sometimes blinking rapidly). I replaced both bulbs and drl relay. I took the vehicle to the dealer hoping that he would be most efficient and lowest cost troubleshooter based on his familiarity with this model. Calls to multiple michigan dealers acknowledge the existence of this issue on 1998 and 19'99 Sunfire/cavaliers. Root cause is corrosion of wiring within the wire harness. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10065741, filed 2004-04, 67,000 miles

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 87,500 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 4 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 32 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seats (4), Body and structure (4), Interior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “During normal operation of a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 4dr, 2.2 liter engine, automatic transmission. The wiring harness at the drivers door frame, at the connection of the underdash harness and the rear of vehicle harness shorted, causing the insulation to catch fire. This situation shorted other circuits in the harness causing braking problems with the anti-lock system. Vehicle was able to be stopped safely, and the driver, with good samaritan assistance was able to extinguish the fire. Fire rendered the hood latch inoperative. …”

NHTSA complaint #10346427, filed 2010-07, 238,000 miles

Engine cooling: “Check engine and air bag lights have been lit for about 1 year and local dealer was unable to find problem or fix. Vehicle recently hit a bump and driver airbag deployed without further incident. Speed about 30 MPH with another adult in passenger seat and infant in rear-facing seat in rear.”

NHTSA complaint #10160955, filed 2006-06, 95,000 miles

Brakes: “My brakes have failed on me on several occasions, my vehicle will not stop when the brakes are applied. They, barnett auto group have replace the brakes system twice and I am now having a serious problem with the anti-lock brake kicking in almost every time I come to a slow stop. I can hear the anti-lock valve behind the dash poping off at the time my vehicle doesn't brake it keeps on gliding like if it was hydroplaning.”

NHTSA complaint #733670, filed 2000-10

Air bags: “Mileage flashes on and off like there is a short and air bag light stays on the whole time the car is running and while driving.:( clunking in front end possibly by tires? Like the shocks or whatever”

NHTSA complaint #10029321, filed 2003-07, 50,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

27% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 133,700 miles.

0%0–108%10–2519%25–5015%50–7519%75–10015%100–15023%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (26 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 87,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’9916’0116’03’05’07’09’12’14
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Sunfire · coupe not rated3 / 4———
Sunfire · sedan not rated4 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1999 Pontiac Sunfire version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Sunfire FWD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual213125$2,700
Sunfire FWD2.2L 4-cyl4-speed automatic202823$2,900
Sunfire FWD2.2L 4-cyl3-speed automatic202622$3,050
Sunfire FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual203024$2,800
Sunfire FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192823$2,900

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 32 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 32 bulletins →

Other model years of the Pontiac Sunfire

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20056861,0000—26Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20043245,0001—27Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20037234,4591—25Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20028235,6900—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20016663,0001—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20009663,5001—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19999387,5002—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199812071,6203—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199719095,0006—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1996201136,0507—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199511992,0225—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Pontiac Sunfire model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, particularly an ignition switch that can overheat or melt and wiring that chafes and shorts, along with cooling-system leaks and rear brakes that repeatedly go out of adjustment. The issues reported most often: Ignition switch overheating / key start failure; Instrument cluster and odometer misbehaving; Rear brakes out of adjustment, weak pedal.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire have?

NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 21 complaints (23% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 17.

Has the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (Sunfire, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire reported?

Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 87,500 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 133,700 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.