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Pontiac SunfireModel year report

2002 Pontiac Sunfire Problems

Complaints
82filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
35,690miles, 59 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns 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
24 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 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 trouble — ignition switch and key problems, daytime running lamp and headlight faults, wiring and gauge failures — usually on higher-mileage cars. A second cluster involves the brakes, reported at very low mileage with noise, premature rotor and pad wear, and in some complaints a pedal that went to the floor. Steering complaints center on a loose or wobbling steering column and on the wheel losing assist or locking during a turn.

  1. Brakes

    Brake noise, worn rotors and weak stopping

    • 16 complaints (20%)
    • median 20,735 mi at 1.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2014

    Complaints describe grinding and squealing from the brakes, premature pad and rotor wear, and rotors that cracked and were resurfaced or replaced by the dealer. Some owners report the pedal going to the floor or the car failing to stop as expected, and in a few cases the dealer found a failed or contaminated part of the hydraulic system. Often reported very early, many under 30,000 miles and some within the first few hundred miles.

    What to check: Have the rotors and pads inspected for wear or cracking, check pedal feel and brake fluid condition, and ask for service records on any prior brake hydraulic work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On november 12, 2008 I was in an auto accident. I was driving my 2002 Pontiac Sunfire that I had purchased on october 28, 2008. As the car ahead of me began to brake I began to brake as well. However, it did not feel as thought the brakes grabbed causing me to collide into the car in front of me. I have a broken foot caused from pushing on the brakes.”

    NHTSA complaint #10249575, filed 2008-11, 91,000 miles

    “The brakes on my Pontiac Sunfire 2002 grinds, and when you hit a bump it sounds like the front end is coming apart, I believe its the brake system that's causing the awful noise, its embarrassing that a new car sounds like a 1969 Pontiac firebird coming down the road.”

    NHTSA complaint #10018835, filed 2003-05, 18,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Lights, wiring and gauge malfunctions

    • 17 complaints (21%)
    • median 51,400 mi at 3.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2015

    Owners describe daytime running lamps and headlights that quit or work intermittently, turn signals that blink a few times and stop, wipers that switch on by themselves, and dash gauges that drop out. Several say the dealer traced the trouble to a wiring harness, a fuse box, or corroded rear light connectors. Some report repairs that did not last. Mostly reported between roughly 24,000 and 136,000 miles, on cars ranging from a few years to over a decade old.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test every light function, the wipers and the turn signals, and watch the gauges while driving; ask whether any wiring harness or fuse box work has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The drl lights on my daughters Pontiac Sunfire malfunctioned and quit working. The problem with the drl's is that they are wired into the headlights, and when the drl s short out they disable the left headlight. I have trying t to get it repaired but haven't found the problem yet. I have replaced the drl relay, the headlight switch, the bulbs, with no luck.”

    NHTSA complaint #10419392, filed 2011-08, 125,627 miles

    “I have a 2002 pontac Sunfire I bought on 10/22/2003. Every since I have owned it, I have had to keep taking it back for electrical problems. As a matter of fact ,it is at the dealer right now , for a problem in the fuse box. The car had only 23,000 miles when I bought it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10068104, filed 2004-04, 24,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Ignition switch and key problems

    • 10 complaints (12%)
    • median 107,764 mi at 11.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2007–2014

    Complaints describe the key becoming stuck in the ignition, failing to turn, or the ignition seizing in the on position so the car would not shut off. Some report the car would not start or would not go into gear until a shop replaced and reprogrammed the ignition switch. In one case smoke came from the steering column area and the engine stopped, with the dealer attributing it to a short in the ignition switch wiring harness. Reported across a wide range, from about 53,000 to 151,000 miles.

    What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch or lock cylinder has ever been replaced, and check that the key turns freely through all positions and releases cleanly.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have been the only owner of my 2002 Pontiac Sunfire; well back in 2011 it just would not start; took it to a trusty mechanic who told me I had to go to the dealership cause most likely I needed an ignition switch; so I took it to the dealer in town; being they are a GM dealer; I mentioned what it needed; they looked at it for several days and told me I needed a new computer system; and it was 703.00 for labor and everything; okay so we decide to fix it; get it back and guess what several weeks later it dies on the interstate while my …”

    NHTSA complaint #10637142, filed 2014-09, 92,488 miles

    “Steering column began to smoke and car engine stopped. Dealership determined the cause to be a short in the ignition switch wiring harness due to rubbing on the steering column.”

    NHTSA complaint #10578213, filed 2014-04, 80,000 miles
  4. Steering

    Loose or wobbling steering column

    • 8 complaints (10%)
    • median 10,450 mi at 2.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2016

    Owners report the tilt steering column would not stay locked and the wheel wobbled side to side, in some cases moving while driving. Dealers described a worn part inside the column and quoted replacement of the whole column. Other complaints describe the steering wheel cover separating from its frame and play developing in the wheel. Reported from roughly 83,000 to 123,000 miles in most cases, one as low as 32,000.

    What to check: With the car parked, push and pull the steering wheel and try to rock the tilt column; ask whether the column or wheel has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My tilt steering wheel column wobbles from side to side, it would never stay locked in one position and with time it started to move while driving, people have attempted to fix it, but it doesn't last and I can't get a safety inspection because of it, the inspector says it is too dangerous. It has never been wrecked or damaged and was bought brand new, it about 123,000 miles on it. When I turn to the left especially, the steering wheel flops from left to right.”

    NHTSA complaint #10918510, filed 2016-10, 123,000 miles

    “Steering column locked on me while I was making a left turn. I literally had to pull hard to the left to avoid hitting another car or going right up into park cars. I called to Pontiac roadside service so they can tow because the car is still under warranty. Dealership they took it to said they found nothing wrong, I refuse to pick it up and drive it any longer. I have children and their lives are not worth a $12,000 car. This is the 2nd time in 4 months that this car has been returned to the dealership for defects.”

    NHTSA complaint #10025339, filed 2003-07, 17,100 miles
  5. Engine cooling

    Stalling and loss of power while driving

    • 10 complaints (12%)
    • median 36,400 mi at 3.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2003–2014

    Complaints describe the engine cutting out at random while moving or at a stop, sometimes when the clutch is pressed, and occasionally refusing to restart. Some owners report the car lost power in cold weather or in rain, and a few link it to a fuel pump replacement or a computer reprogramming that did not resolve it. Reported from about 33,000 to 72,000 miles, sometimes in cold or wet conditions.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether stalling has been diagnosed or any fuel pump, ignition or computer work was done, and test drive from cold including a stop-and-go stretch.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2002 Pontiac Sunfire stalls at random times, whether in motion or at a complete stop, when ever the clutch is put in. Issue began in the standard warranty with only 33,817 miles, but after multiple testdrives and just normal driving, this issue has carried over onto the extended warranty. The initial day I took my car in for this issue was 10/8/2004, last time it was in for this same issue was 3/4/2005 and still not resolved. The service advisors flat out say, honestly, we have no idea what is causing this and have no idea on how to fix it. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10112714, filed 2005-03, 33,817 miles

    “When slowing down to a stop, or turning the car loses complete power. No dash signs are shown during this process. Starts up immediately if heat/defrost is not turned on or is turned off, let the car sit for a minute. This happens when defrost or heat is used or not used only happens in the winter when temp. Falls below 40 degrees. Every time I turn on the car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10181000, filed 2007-01, 60,000 miles

Buying note. This model year draws a wide spread of complaints for a car of its age, weighted toward electrical and brake problems reported at low mileage. A pre-purchase inspection covering the brakes, wiring and lighting, plus a cold test drive, is worth the cost on any example you consider.

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 82 consumer complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 59 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,690 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 305 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: Body and structure (5), Interior lighting (3), Seat belts (3), Tires (3), Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “Turned off the vehicle, got my fuses and relay's all checked and turned the car on the next morning, nothing on my dash panel is working. No mileage, none of the gauges work, fuses and relays are all good.”

NHTSA complaint #10745149, filed 2015-07, 194,460 miles

Brakes: “While attempting to slow my 2002 Sunfire to make a turn I lost my brakes. The pedal went to the floor without resistance. I was able to coast to a stop then had car towed to dealership. They claimed that the system was contaminated by the wrong brake fluid causing the seals to fail. The oil change facility that had last serviced the vehicle had no record of topping off the fluid and insists that it did not touch the brake fluid. Warning light never came on.”

NHTSA complaint #10028899, filed 2003-07, 24,000 miles

Engine cooling: “I purchased a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire brand new in 2001 thinking I could save money on gas..at around 20,000 miles the timing chain broke and messed up the whole engine. The engine is a no tolerance engine and when one thing breaks it messes up everything. Service fixed the timing chain because it was still under warranty. I returned regularly to the dealership stating I could hear a noise, and being a woman was not taken seriously. I even sent the vehicle home with the service rep for the week-end and was told he couldn't hear a thing. …”

NHTSA complaint #10207075, filed 2007-10, 20,000 miles

Steering: “Was not notified by Pontiac that my sunroof should be serviced yearly to prevent leaks. I contacted the dealer where I purchased the car and was told GM has no recommended service yet everywhere I have asked has told me it needs serviced or you will have leaks. Dealer said there is nothing they can do for me. Now I have clogged drain lines and have water leaking into my trunk, and the water has damaged my back speakers. Also, I am very upset with the design of the shifter light. …”

NHTSA complaint #10148038, filed 2006-01, 42,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

58% of the 59 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,000 and 91,000 miles.

19%0–1019%10–2520%25–5012%50–7512%75–10015%100–1503%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (59 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 35,690 miles.

Complaints by year filed

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

’0314’05’07’09’11’14’16
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 2002 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 2002 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 manual223025$2,700
Sunfire FWD2.2L 4-cyl4-speed automatic213024$2,800
Sunfire FWD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual213024$2,800
Sunfire FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual192923$2,900
Sunfire FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic182621$3,200

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

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 305 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 305 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical trouble — ignition switch and key problems, daytime running lamp and headlight faults, wiring and gauge failures — usually on higher-mileage cars. The issues reported most often: Brake noise, worn rotors and weak stopping; Lights, wiring and gauge malfunctions; Ignition switch and key problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have?

NHTSA recorded 82 consumer complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 24 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes with 16.

Has the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (Sunfire, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire reported?

Among the 59 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,690 miles and the middle half falls between 18,000 and 91,000 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. 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.