2003 Pontiac Sunfire Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 11%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 11% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased the car in 2006 with everything on it stock. In 2009 the coil pack started misfiring causing the catalytic converter to go bad and also causing the rods bearings to spin.”
NHTSA complaint #10295015, filed 2009-12, 80,000 miles“Rear turn signal bulbs blew out three times because of a malfunction in the socket. Also, exhaust fumes entered the passenger cabin after driving for a period of thirty minutes. Dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10063539, filed 2004-03, 10,000 miles“Vehicle intermittently stall on the highway without warning. The vehicle has been to the dealer eight times and still hasn't found the problem. Since the last correspondence the consumer was involved in an accident when her vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer who informed the consumer that a service bulletin had been issued in november 2003 regarding this problem. The consumer was never notified of a recall from the other dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10071957, filed 2004-07, 14,000 miles“Dt: bought vehicle brand new and it has been in the repair shop 15 times for the same problem. It is dying at random for no reason and will not start back. Sometimes it takes up to 20 minutes or longer before it will restart. Mechanic had no idea why this problem happened. The car was taken to different dealership, but no one could figure this out. Two weeks ago the car was subjected to a pressurized test. Consumer has the car towed on 5-31-2005 because it died, and did restart. There have been lots of problems to try to correct, but nothing worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10122557, filed 2005-05, 15 miles“The contact stated intermittently, the vehicle stalled while driving. There were no warning lights when this occurred. The vehicle was put in neutral then restarted. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. Also, the clutch failed on the vehicle twice. The first time occurred while parked and the dealership replaced the clutch pin. The second time, 3 months later, while driving the clutch went to the floor. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it is currently being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10150782, filed 2006-02, 87,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
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 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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