There are no safety recalls for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, but owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA.
2005 Pontiac Sunfire problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 63 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 15
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,000 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 2005 Pontiac Sunfire complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Jun 22, 2022
None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.
Electrical System · at 130 miles · reported May 4, 2017
Going down hill, turned my car to the right and the car keep going straight. It did not turn at all. I almost got hit by on coming traffic, but my car hit the curve first stopping an accident from occurring I have replace window motor twice and they have went out again now. And I have also replaced window motor buttons for a second time in the past 3 years
Electrical System · reported Mar 29, 2016
Recall needed! Instrument cluster has failed. Started with the fuel gauge moving in wrong direction into speedometer. Empty is at 110mph. Speedometer stuck at 55mph while coming into town and needing to reduce to 35mph with my children in the car with me! With the line of traffic that was behind me im guessing it was stuck there for a bit before I knew something was wrong. After pulling over and turning motor off and on several times it now goes down to 45mph and increases from there. Rpm dial stopped working moments after speedometer stuck. Heat guage seems intact but who knows for sure. So…
Electrical System · at 75,000 miles · reported Feb 3, 2015
Instrument gauge (Speedometer) went first then slowly progressed into all of them. They are sporadically accurate, but most of the time rest at the low or high end and often off into the next gauge. I paid firestone a few years back to do a diagnostic hoping one gauge was faulty causing the rest to fail, but its the cluster. Cost for replacement ~ $800. (For me about 3 weeks pay) so recently I decided I cant take it anymore and went searching for alternative prices and look what I find, a billion sunfire owners with the same problem. (Okay but a lot) and these are just the people that have…
Electrical System · at 1,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2014
Vehicle randomly shuts off, usually when idling or stopped. Clock and radio reset. Car can easily be restarted, but clock and radio must be reset. Has happened many times. Dealer was unable to locate a problem on several service appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (63 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,000 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.