Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact experienced difficulty starting her vehicle and turning the ignition switch. The following morning, she opened the door and noticed that the steering column melted and was lying on the floorboard. A police report was filed. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 02V070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). Pontiac stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the closest dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, but were unable to correct the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 157,000.
When driving and speed reached 40 MPH the car vibrates, when speed reached 60 MPH it vibrates again. When decelerating after driving for a little while, and speed reached 10 MPH (while decelerating) the car vibrates violently, then shuts off. When I restart the engine it runs noisily while still in park, then shuts off again when put in gear. I have to wait a minute or two before I start the car and put it in gear and it runs, until I decelerate again and the cycle starts over. I have had my head gasket repaired/replace by jay Pontiac in columbus georgia at my expense because I receive the recall notice on the head gasket leak several years after the recall campaign was over. I have had my alternator repaired/replaced, transmission problems, etc. …
We have had this car for about 2 years, and have had problems since the beginning. First thing was the cooling fan. It quit working about 6 months after we bought the car. We had that fixed then started having other electrical problems. The brake lights would work here and there, the turn signals would work one day and not the next, now they don't work at all. The ABS light would flash off and on and the brake light would come on also. We know that filing this complaint will not fix the problems we are having with the car, we just wanted to make it known that we will never buy another Pontiac due to the problems we are having with this one. Thank you for your time.
This was not a crash. The vehicle was sitting in the driveway turned off. It would not start in the morning and about two hours later the ignition wiring caught on fire. The steering column and dash board were melted. The front seat caught on fire. The front windshield cracked in a large circle the size of a basketball. There was smoke damage inside the vehicle and to the items in the trunk. The fire dept said that if the windshield would have broken all the way through that the vehicle would have exploded. As it was, the lack of oxygen put out the fire.
Strange noise came from ignition when vehicle was cranked. Engine continued to run after ignition was switched off. After several attempts to switch off, the engine shut down and smoke came from the ignition area. Smoking stopped, but later vehicle was found with the interior engulfed inflames.
Key was not in the ignition when the horn started to blow on its own . Also, within minutes consumer noticed flames coming out of steering column. Prior to this incident ,consumer had tried to start vehicle, but ignition did not turn over, and heard a grinding noise.vehicle was a total loss.
Just found out about recall about starter. Had fire (smoke) in steering wheel and entire electrical system not working right. Windows stuck half way, blinking lights in dash and had motor replaced, but very bad, due to sudden loss of oil and motor froze. Car is in destruction mode.
Thee vehicle was parked when it caught on fire due to a recall regarding the ignition switch and steering column number 02V070. Consumer never recieved a recall notice. The vehicle has been deemed totaled.
In fulfillment of recall 02008-s, a GM dealership claims that replacement of the starter wiring harness will destroy the terminal on the solenoid, resulting in the required replacement of both the solenoid and starter motor. Both parts are in good working order but GM will not cover the cost of this damage, approx $260. In short, a rusty terminal will probably break when removed. For this, GM wants to sell a new starter with solenoid at full price. I have confirmed the likelihood of the damage with an independent mechanic. GM refused me directly upon appeal. This is a very important recall, though relatively simple to implement. The car is only 7 years old. GM should be required to cover the full cost of implementation, without profiting on an otherwise unnecessary replacement of expensive components. GM could replace just the solenoid or perhaps even just the terminal. …
Vehicle is leaking water from head gasket. Coolant light illuminates on dash. Took to dealer. Also there was a recall campaign 00V367000. Dealer found small hole in cylinder head. Engine will not start and is overheating. Vehicle shuts off at stop. Vehicle shuts off while driving. Alternator, ignition switch, head gasket, coolant, fan belt, plugs and water pump was replaced. Found front hub bearing making roaring noise. A/C stop working. Dealer found compressor failed. There is a strong gas odor when cranking vehicle. Fuel injector was replaced.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
NHTSA investigations
Fire in steering column area
Electrical complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 23% of the model year's 119 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-070 (switch, Mar 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 10 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.