NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire; the most frequently affected component is steering. Owners filed 78 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 6 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #2 for number of recalls.
Problem: Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. These replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. The weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube may be defective.
Risk: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on october 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
Fuel system, other — Pressure relief devicesCampaign 07E021000 · 12 Mar 2007
Problem: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk: Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on april 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Electrical system — SwitchCampaign 04V036000 · 27 Jan 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
What owners complain about
Share of the 33 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system14 · 42%
Engine and engine cooling6 · 18%
Air bags4 · 12%
Service brakes3 · 9%
Fuel system3 · 9%
Traction control system2 · 6%
Engine2 · 6%
Steering2 · 6%
When complaints were filed
20048
20056
20064
20071
20084
20091
20111
20121
20131
20144
20172
From owner complaints
We have a 2001 sunfire that has horn problems. Sometimes the horn works, sometimes it doesn't. We have taken it by dealerships and they say they cannot find the problem. We had a 1998 sunfire that did exactly the same thing. This is an obvious defect and it is a safety issue because of the loss of the horn. *tr
Nhtsa recall campaign #04v036000; pontiac issued an ignition switch recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although the consumer experienced the same problem as those vehicle's that caused the windshield to crack and 2700 hundred dollars worth of damage to the vehicle. The rear seat belts did…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving 25 mph, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a…
Timing chain guides went out after only 50,000 miles. My mechanic said this is the third one he's done like this. *nm
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.