Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

1997 Pontiac Sunfire: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, most recently filed November 2002. Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 1 steering · 1 electrical · 1 suspension Source: NHTSA Complaints 190filed Owner reports, 1991–2002 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 26mpg combined $2,512/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.2 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V286000 Filed Nov 4, 2002

GM/POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY

Steering · rack and pinion
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Repair progress not yet reported1,159,156 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V286000
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V070000 Filed Mar 6, 2002

GM/IGNITION SWITCH

Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON 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 THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence
IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Repair progress not yet reported1,589,948 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V070000
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 98V319000 Filed Dec 15, 1998

GM/REAR SUSPENSION

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.
Repair progress not yet reported27,083 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V319000
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 98V146000 Filed Jun 29, 1998

GM/AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.
Consequence
AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
Repair progress not yet reported675,302 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V146000
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 98V032000 Filed Feb 25, 1998

GENERAL MOTORS/FMVSS 214

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.
Repair progress not yet reported8 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V032000
Listed for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V106000 Filed Jun 28, 1997

GM/COMPACT SPARE TIRE

Wheels · space saver wheel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence
A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.
Repair progress not yet reported652 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V106000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Sunfire years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Pontiac SunfireAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (190)

190 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

29involved a crash
8involved a fire
19injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 190.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1997 compares with other Sunfire years

Best and worst Sunfire years →
1 2 119 201 190 120 93 96 66 82
1991199419951996199719981999200020012002
This year (1997)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined

26
mpg combined
22
city
33
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,600
CO₂ tailpipe
342 g/mi
EPA class
Compact Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,512per year
$209per month
577gallons a year

Miles ÷ 26 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1997 Pontiac Sunfire configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600342
2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25$2,700356
2.2 L 4-cyl · 3-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24$2,800370
2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive20 / 31 / 24$2,800370
2.4 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23$2,900386
2.4 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 23$2,900386

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1997 Sunfire for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Sunfire years

Where to next

Which Sunfire years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1998 Pontiac Sunfire report120 complaints · 3 campaigns →1996 Pontiac Sunfire report201 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1997 Pontiac Sunfire FAQ

How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 02V286000 (steering), 02V070000 (electrical), 98V319000 (suspension), 98V146000 (air bag), 98V032000 (structure), 97V106000 (wheel). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1997 Pontiac Sunfire problems?

Owners filed 190 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (42), Engine and engine cooling (31), Electrical system (30) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire get?

EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 22 city, 33 highway and 26 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1997 Sunfire compare with other years?

Among the 1991–2002 Pontiac Sunfire model years at least five years old, the 1991 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 1996 the most (201). The 1997 drew 190. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Report an errorMethodologyHow we use AI
Was this report useful?Report a data error
My Garage
Save this car and we'll flag new recall campaigns next time you visit.