2002 Pontiac Sunfire Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.

20012003
Complaints
128
Crashes
9
Fires
5
Injuries
15
Fatalities
2
Recalls
0

Worst 2002 Pontiac Sunfire Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#118 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:87,965 mi
Fires:1
#28 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:53,433 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#36 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:19,633 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.

Electrical Faults
18
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
87,965
Steering Defects
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
53,433
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
19,633
Hydraulic Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
32,309
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
11,417
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel Pump
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Interior Lighting
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wiring & Fuses
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Pontiac Sunfire Years

2002 Pontiac Sunfire — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has 128 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 18 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (18 complaints, avg 87,965 mi); Steering Defects (8 complaints, avg 53,433 mi); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (6 complaints, avg 19,633 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 55,887 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire include 9 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 15 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Pontiac Sunfire reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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