2000 Pontiac Sunfire recalls and problems

The 2000 Pontiac Sunfire has 1 safety recall and 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
96
Crashes / fires
13 / 5
Injuries / deaths
12 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire recalls

Recall 04V-036: Electrical System

Reported Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

Fix: 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.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System32
Engine and Engine Cooling27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Fuel System, Gasoline14
Power Train11
Exterior Lighting11
Equipment10
Air Bags9
Visibility7
Steering6
Seat Belts4
Suspension4

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 10
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 6
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 6
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Pontiac Sunfire complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 160,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2020
My car was driving perfect until 3 weeks ago, it has since then wont start back up. Thought it was something to do with spark, then tried spark plug wires, new battery, checked alternator and fuses, coils all good. Then I was lead to maybe the gas that was in it. Dropped gas tank, put new fuel filter, checked fuel pump, gas lines, it did stay running one time since but was shaking roughly with a flashing check engine light. Will not run anymore since then. Have not been able to drive my vehicle for 3 weeks now and it is my only car.. Also before the car started having the above problems my…
Electrical System · at 106,000 miles · reported Jun 28, 2017
"takata recall" while driving at night on a county road and switching from low beams to high beams, the headlights went completely dark and did not come back on until switching back to low beams. After inspection, noticed the day runners also were not working. All fuses were plugged in and good. Replacing the relay did not fix the problem described herein.
Exterior Lighting · at 164,283 miles · reported Mar 7, 2017
The contact owns a 2000 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle's turn signals would intermittently fail to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall that involved a similar failure (Gmc recall number: 03043); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 164,283.
Air Bags · at 115,000 miles · reported Sep 21, 2013
Daughter hydroplaned, went into ditch on right side of road, traveled across road into left ditch and hit tree, opening the convertible top during crash and totaled vehicle airbags didn't deploy during crash.
Power Train · at 150,000 miles · reported Feb 5, 2013
My daughters car was having starting problems (Not enough gas getting to the engine to start, had to pump the gas). I took it for a test drive in a empty parking lot once it started. I was going approx 10mph the first time I pushed the gas pedal to the floor. When I released the pedal it stayed in place at full throttle. I pushed the breaks to stop the car and had to throw it into neutral before the throttle released. Scared the hell out of me!! Thank god my teenage daughter never pushed the throttle all the way down!! I tried it several more times with the same results. Somehow the throttle…

Other Pontiac Sunfire years

Compare all Pontiac Sunfire years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire: 04V-036 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (32 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.