2001 Pontiac Sunfire Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 32%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles
- 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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 32% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 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.
“I too have a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire se 2.2 auto with about 58,000 miles on it. I bought this car in march of 2002 with only 14,937 miles on it. I had no problems with this car till november 2004 at 44,874 miles, when an 8 point buck ran into the left side front fender and damaged it, the hood, windshield, driver's door, roof, and back door while I was driving 55 MPH. The car was repaired, then sat outside for about 4 1/2 years. Had to install a new fuel pump and battery, then I started driving it again every day in november 2009. Now I have no high beam headlights, lights are good. …”
NHTSA complaint #10393215, filed 2011-03, 45,750 miles“Electrical system failure. Under dash wire harness needs replacement. Speedometer, tach and all other gauges failed. All safety and diagnostic lights come on ... Reputable electronics repair shop diagnosed problem and cost to repair in excess $2,000. Car not drivable, not able to sell, not able to be register in ny state.”
NHTSA complaint #10169639, filed 2006-09, 65,000 miles“Nhtsa recall campaign #04v036000; Pontiac issued an ignition switch recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN although the consumer experienced the same problem as those vehicle's that caused the windshield to crack and 2700 hundred dollars worth of damage to the vehicle. The rear seat belts did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10101792, filed 2004-12, 48,547 miles“Odometer display is visible when first starting car. As soon as you begin to drive, the odometer reading begins to flicker. Does not appear to be giving an accurate reading either. Shop stated that new dash assembly would have to be installed to correct issue since access to wiring was not possible.”
NHTSA complaint #10138782, filed 2005-10, 46,600 miles“Have had the vehicle to the dealer a number of times (3) for multiple front end lighting system failures of various components. Failure has always been linked to issues with the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10218935, filed 2008-02, 84,000 milesRelated 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
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- 10125106Nov 7, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle's odometer appears to be inaccurate relative to a known distance traveled…
- 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…
- 10118256Jun 12, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the programming and activation of the OnStar system. For many 2008 and prior model year GM…
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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology