NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,706 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 engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner Comments

problem #17

Oct 192004

Sunfire

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The consumer noticed while driving the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the oil filter had a hole in it which caused the oil leak. The mechanic also informed the driver that the motor mounts needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

- Soldiers Grove, WI, USA

problem #16

Dec 102003

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles
My brother owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire with only 47,000 miles on it and the engine seized (needing engine replaced estimated cost $3,500). I understand the car is about 6 years old but the vehicle is driven minimal miles. GM dealership did a diagnosis costing us $289 and concluded per the invoice: Perform tear down on engine - remove valve cover and found valve spring on #2 cylinder broken - remove cylinder head and found head of valve had gone through top of piston and scored cylinder wall. The dealership quoted us cost of the following: $3,250 for a brand new one with a 3 year/75,000 mile warranty or $1,400 for a used engine with 88,000 miles on it (no warranty) or $1,600 for a used engine with 62,000 miles on it (no warranty). Now, I scratch my head and wonder how GM justifies us paying almost $1,500 of a used engine with more miles on the engine than the engine we already have at 47,000 miles that does not work. After three weeks we had the vehicle repaired a reputable auto service for $1,089. The auto service suggested taking photos of a part in the engine noted above to be defective. The auto service said this part should never have broken on a vehicle with only 47,000 miles. We informed GM customer service of this defective part and told them about the pictures but GM has done nothing to address this issue. I thought GM might look further into investigation of the defective part but no. I do not want this to happen to someone else. Is this a realistic expectation to have this costly repair at 47,000 miles" can we do anything else"

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #15

Dec 132003

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Hazel Park, MI, USA

problem #14

Apr 212003

(reported on)

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

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

The vehicles engine shuts off while driving. In addition, the auto theft system light would illuminate which prevented the consumer from starting the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes.

- Nyack, NY, USA

problem #13

Jun 212002

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
A ticking sound in the front where the timing chain cover is.I have changed the chain-sprockets-tensioner- 3 times-the first when the tensioner broke.I will give you the last time I changed it.

- Commerce Twp., MI, USA

problem #12

Mar 112002

Sunfire

  • miles
Head gasket failed at only 70000 miles, garage opinion is that it is due to faulty components and coolants, and will continue to be an issue. GM claims responsibility for the exact same make and model for 1996 in a special policy.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #11

Oct 032001

Sunfire

  • miles

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

Engine check light continues to turn on, and inside cab there is a smell like something is burning. Also, an internal coolant leak. Contacted dealer.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #10

Jan 022001

Sunfire

  • miles
Since the accident I have complained of thumping and clanking noises.. car started to stall under 1X RPM... engine light came on, possible solution was crankshaft. Then they said it was possibly a bushing. I noticed in your files someone else had the same problem. I don't understand why such problems on a car that is pampered and low miles. The dealership said it had nothing to do with the car accident"?"

- Biddeford, ME, USA

problem #9

Feb 132001

Sunfire

  • miles
Head gasket has external water leak at driver side, front area. I understand this is a known problem.

- Atoka, TN, USA

problem #8

Dec 172000

Sunfire

  • miles
Engine threw a rod.talked to others that have had the same problem.even on multiple engines.

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #7

Oct 141998

Sunfire

  • miles

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

Engine valve cover gasket failed twice in two months. Nlm

- Tekonsha, MI, USA

problem #6

Nov 221999

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
The intake valve spring in the 3rd cylinder snapped causing the vehicle to vibrate and the check engine light to illuminate. Nlm

- Trenton, NJ, USA

problem #5

Nov 221999

Sunfire

  • miles
This car has been more trouble than it is worth. I have replaced the brakes and rotors twice already and need to replace them again already. I found out today that I have another craked head gasket, I replaced one two years ago just after I bought the car. The engine coolant light stays on most of the time even when the tank is full. I'm very frustrated!

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #4

Dec 181996

Sunfire

  • miles
Leased 1997 Pontiac Sunfire new in December 1996. Have had consistent loss of engine coolant/overheating (even in -40C weather), strong stench of coolant in car, causing headaches and nausea, since car was first purchased. Repeated visits to dealer failed to diagnose or repair. Now dealer says head gaskets are defective. May not be covered by GM warranty.

- West Hill On Canada M1c 2j4, AK, USA

problem #3

Feb 141998

Sunfire

  • miles
While driving vehicle would stop for no reason. There would be no warning. Engine would not start up right away when this happens.

- Granada, MS, USA

problem #2

Oct 161997

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
While driving vehicle at 40-50 mph engine oil filter fell off without warning, causing vehicle to loss oil pressure and enigne shutting down.

- Howell, MI, USA

problem #1

Jun 081997

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
Clunking noise when shifting and turning corners due to failed transmission mounts.

- Tampa, FL, USA

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