2003 Pontiac Sunfire recalls and problems

The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire has 1 safety recall and 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Pontiac Sunfire recalls

Recall 04V-524: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 256,025 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear lamps that provide stop and turn signals and tail lamp functions stop working because of inadequate contact between the bulb and socket. In addition, if one bulbs were to become inoperative while the vehicle was operating in cruise control, the cruise control would disengage when the remaining bulb was activated. If both lamps were to become inoperative, the cruise control would not engage.

Risk: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply grease or replace them if necessary. The recall began on january 18, 2005. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

2003 Pontiac Sunfire problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	28
Electrical System	27
Engine and Engine Cooling	8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Air Bags	6
Fuel System, Gasoline	5
Power Train	4
Visibility	4
Structure	3
Equipment	3
Latches/Locks/Linkages	2
Seat Belts	2

Most reported parts

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 4
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit — 3
Electrical System › Wiring — 3
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 2
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/Trunk — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 38,000 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 2003 Pontiac Sunfire complaints

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

Electrical System · at 180,000 miles · reported Sep 3, 2014

Every time I let my car sit for 2 hours or more, I start it up and the belt on the tensioner squeak for 15 seconds. Also the battery light comes on and the rim fluctuate between 1,000 and 2,000. When I drive it the battery light will continue to stay on but every time the air bag light turns on and I'm accelerating the engine will not shift, the rpms will rev up to red line if pushed that far, eventually the light for airbag and battery will shut off and it will shift. Sometimes when I hit the gas pedal while this is doing this at night, my dashboard as well as radio lights will shut off until…

Engine · at 98,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2014

The contact owns a 2003 pontiac sunfire. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a rattling noise from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the timing chain separated and caused the tensioner and valve to fail. The timing chain valve and tensioner were replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Electrical System · at 12,760 miles · reported Jul 7, 2014

I was driving home from vernon down's casino and was making a right and was about to switch into third gear the RPM's where 3000 and the engine just died ........ Maugeri''s auto on albany and bleeker st. Towed my car to his shop fixed the steering column as a result of the engine dieing the window's wont roll up and the interior just got soaked in wet in the rain after on the date of 7/714 paid almost a grand for towing and steering column in the vehicle . I AM a recipient of the traumatic brain injury program and use the vehicle to and from my structured day as well as my neurologist as well…

Steering · at 123,000 miles · reported Jun 15, 2014

Bought a 2003 pontiac sunfire from a dealership 5 months ago. I told the owner/salesman I wanted a safe 1st car for my kid. My kid and some friends were driving,it was raining and the back tires started to slide,my kid regained control of the car briefly and said after a few minutes the steering locked up and they ended up in a spin. The car hit an object on the passenger side,spun around and hit another on the drivers side,then bounced off that and landed across a deep ditch where it was hit again in the rear when stopping. No steering. No brakes. The engine was still going even though the…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 120,000 miles · reported Mar 3, 2014

The contact owns a 2003 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but did not rectify the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.

Other Pontiac Sunfire years

2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Pontiac Sunfire years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire: 04V-524 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (28 reports), followed by electrical system (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 38,000 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.