1999 Pontiac Sunfire Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 18%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,299miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 18% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,299 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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“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“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“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“I brought my vehicle in because it stalled several times for no reason. I was told there was nothing wrong with it. The day I picked it up it stalled again. Aproximately one month after the original visit I discovered that the catylytic converter was not functioning but was told this probably did not cause the stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #714463, filed 1999-11Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 13% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 | 25 | 26% |
| 1999 | 17 | 18% |
| 1998 | 32 | 27% |
| 1997 | 31 | 16% |
| 1996 | 39 | 19% |
| 1995 | 38 | 32% |
Other parts of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
21 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 27, 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