2002 Pontiac Sunfire Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 20%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,272miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 20% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,272 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Air conditioner loud noise while on, ABS rattling when stopping in non wet weather. Popping while turning right. Headlamps don't always turn on when switch is engaged. Engine noise as if something is wrong with lifters.”
NHTSA complaint #10142228, filed 2005-11, 370 miles“While driving at any speed or while sitting still consumer can see and feel the engine shaking violently. Also, there is a pinging sound coming from the front end. Dealer wants to change the brake pads and turn the rotors.”
NHTSA complaint #10081739, filed 2004-07, 29,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
| 2002 | 16 | 20% |
| 2001 | 10 | 15% |
| 2000 | 17 | 18% |
| 1999 | 13 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 13% |
| 1997 | 28 | 15% |
| 1996 | 29 | 14% |
| 1995 | 14 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
24 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsInterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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