1999 Pontiac Sunfire Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 23%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,850miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 23% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,850 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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“1999 Pontiac Sunfire burst into flames immediately following loud clunk in engine while driving on expressway. Vehicle is totaled. Spark plug fell to ground as fire started.”
NHTSA complaint #10014247, filed 2003-04, 89,000 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 2003-08Related recalls
- 04V036000Jan 27, 2004On 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…Covers: Pontiac Sunfire 1998–2001, Chevrolet Cavalier 1998–2001, Pontiac Grand AM 1998 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10013000Feb 23, 2004If 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 60 | 88% |
| 2004 | 16 | 50% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 24 | 29% |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% |
| 2000 | 23 | 24% |
| 1999 | 21 | 23% |
| 1998 | 21 | 18% |
| 1997 | 30 | 16% |
| 1996 | 38 | 19% |
| 1995 | 27 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsAir bags
10 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 29, 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