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2004 Pontiac Sunfire recalls and problems

The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire has 1 safety recall and 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
32
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire recalls

Recall 04V-300: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 23, 2004 · 37 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt.

Risk: In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. The effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries.

Fix: Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on august 23, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System16
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Structure3
Exterior Lighting3
Engine3
Equipment2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Unknown or Other2
Air Bags1
Electronic Stability Control1
Wheels1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 6
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 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 2004 Pontiac Sunfire complaints

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

Structure · reported Aug 13, 2020
While driving my 2004 pontiac sunfire, I had to hold the steering wheel to the left in order for it to go straight. I thought I might need a front end alignment and dropped the car off at my neighborhood firestone dealer that normally works on my cars. After checking the car, they called me and said the frame of the car was rusted out and it was unsafe to drive. When I picked up the car, they gave me pictures of the front passenger side of the frame which all ready had cracked apart due to the rust. They said if you hit a pothole or anything in the road the frame could split apart and cause an…
Unknown or Other · at 176,557 miles · reported Aug 15, 2017
The inner ignition lock needs to be changed about every 60,000 miles. You can't turn the key over at all so obviously you can't start your car. This should be a recall, alot of other people have the same problem.
Structure · at 92,000 miles · reported May 12, 2015
My daughter left home and the vehicle frame, of the 2004 pontiac sunfire,broke in two parts while she was driving the vehicle. The tow truck driver said it broke due to it rusted into two parts. She was not injured but the car of course was inoperable. There was no wreck or accident for the frame of this vehicle to disintegrate. She could have been seriously injured if she was traveling at more than 35 MPH and on an open highway. I contacted general motors and they gave this a GM case number and suggested I contact you concerning this problem to make other vehicle owners aware of it. The shop…
Electrical System · at 112,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2014
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. Apparently, the approximate cost to…
Service Brakes · at 102,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2014
Vehicle does not always start right away. The vehicle has shut off multiple times while driving in town and on the highway.

Other Pontiac Sunfire years

200520042003200220012000

Compare all Pontiac Sunfire years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire: 04V-300 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (16 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 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.