NHTSA — Electrical System: Ignition: Switch Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,638 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner Comments

problem #9

Mar 152007

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing ignition failure. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and placed on a diagnostic machine. The fuel pump and ignition switch were replaced. The vehicle is presently at the dealer. The current mileage is 46,741 and failure mileage was 45,000.

- Destin, FL, USA

problem #8

Nov 302006

Sunfire

  • 131,746 miles
1997 Pontiac Sunfire with a safety recall problem* the vehicles ignition switch was recalled. The consumer has replaced the ignition switch twice prior to recall notification. The consumer never received reimbursement for either repair.

- Concord, NH, USA

problem #7

Jun 012005

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles
Purchased the vehicle in 2001. The '97 Sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, I had got repairs occasionally for this and that. However, I never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past June the vehicle broke down. After getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. I would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect.

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #6

Feb 032004

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving vehicle at moderate speed vehicle accelerated on its own. Ignition switch wouldn't shut off, and emergency brake was ineffective. Vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser to stop. Consumer called 911 for help.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #5

Jun 142003

Sunfire

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The headlights on my 1997 Pontiac Sunfire vehicle are so dim, I cannot drive my car at night. It looks like I am driving with flashlights. I was told by a mechanic at sunland Pontiac dealership, el paso, tx that there was nothing they could do. I told them the headlights have always been to dim on my vehicle. I told them I wanted new headlight assembly with brighter bulbs or higher wattage. I was told that they did not have any new head light assembly that contained brighter bulb, or higher wattage, and there was nothing else they could do. I complained every time I took my car in for maintenace. Incident date is approximate date. They will have it on record. Also, I am having problems with my ignition switch again. It is very hard to turn to start the car. You have to hold it in a certain position for it to start, sometimes it will star, and sometimes it won't. there was a recall on this. I have had many problems with my car, every since I purchased it brand new in 1997. I filled out a form and sent it to the dealership and gmac about all the problems I was having and they never responded to my complaints. I can E-mail you a copy of the complaint form I sent to them. The most disturbing defect about the car is that you can see the loose wiring behind the steering wheel connected to the dash. The mechanic where I purchased the car told me that all of the 1997 5 speed Sunfires came like that from the manufacture. So, they put in a piece of black foam, so I would no longer see the wiring. This is a fire hazard. If I had know then, what I know now, I would have given the car back to them, and demanded my $3,000 down payment back. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me to correct the defects and problems that I am having with this car. Thank you.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 102002

Sunfire

  • miles
Contacted the dealer said the defective ignition switch caused battery cable to melt down. Please provide additional information.

- East Lyme`, CT, USA

problem #3

Mar 222002

Sunfire

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While the consumer was driving the battery light came on and stayed on twice. The dealer replaced the alternator as a possible cause, also the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle could not be started and the dealer notified that the starter needed to be replaced. Consumer received a recall notice on ignition switch. The dealer had not fixed for lack of parts.

- Oxford, MS, USA

problem #2

Apr 152002

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
Received recall 02V070000/ manufacturer's recall 02008, and dealer indicated can't get parts until may or June.

- Mount Pearl, NF, USA

problem #1

Jul 272001

Sunfire

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While starting vehicle, steering wheel started smoking. Vehicle refuses to start. Consumer states that the ignition began to smoke after vehicle was jump started, ignition switch burned and melted and burned out the battery, consumer has ignition switch for inspection.

- Royal Brook, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?