2004 Pontiac Sunfire Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, 9% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 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.
“Bought car used in 2013. Everything seemed to be okay until 9/12/14 when the theft system service light came on and I noticed the speedometer, rpms, and gas indicators were not reading - car began stalling like it was going to shut down. I was traveling about 50 to 55 MPH on a busy street. After car is shut off for a time it starts up okay and runs until the same thing reoccurs after going about 20 miles or so - if car shuts down while moving it could cause a serious injury or death. I have read numerous complaints about this same thing on various websites. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637233, filed 2014-09, 112,000 miles“Vehicle was driven and parked for the evening. In the morning went to start the vehicle and vehicle would not start. Multiple attempts were tried to start. New starter installed and still no success to start. Vehicle was towed to repair shop. After evaluation it was found the timing chains had broken and infringed on the cylinder heads. Vehicle requires replacement engine as per mechanic. Investigated other claims of the same incident happening and have found that the 2.2l ecotec engine has had several complaints over the last 5-7 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10584763, filed 2014-04, 55,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the timing chain became fractured and as result, the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10548218, filed 2013-10, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10143445Jun 15, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
16 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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