1999 Pontiac Sunfire Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 11%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 11% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,100 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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“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“Dt: the consumer stated that both air bags deployed when the vehicle was rear ended then it hit the vehicle in front. The vehicle stopped at a traffic light when this happened. The only vehicle in motion was three cars back. The consumer stated that the air bag hit the windshield with such intensity that it shattered the windshield. The vehicle was towed to the impound lot by the police. No one looked at the vehicle. The consumer was hit by the driver's side air bag in the mouth and chest and sustained a mild concussion, facial bruising, chest pains, headache, and dizziness. …”
NHTSA complaint #10140362, filed 2005-10, 155,000 miles“While traveling on wet pavement consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a ditch. Airbag light illuminated, but airbags didn't deploy. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that light indicated that airbags have deployed. Cause was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #8005885, filed 2002-03“While driving at 35 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. It hit a steel mail box trying to keep from hitting an animal. Upon impact, air bag did not deploy. Vehicle flipped over.”
NHTSA complaint #10087287, filed 2004-08Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 7 | 11% |
| 2000 | 9 | 9% |
| 1999 | 10 | 11% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 27 | 14% |
| 1996 | 33 | 16% |
| 1995 | 13 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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