Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
Head gasket leaked coolant and was replaced at 44,941 miles. It started leaking again at 54,313 and had to be replaced. Pontiac won't cover it because the car is more than 7 years old and dealer won't cover it because it was more than one year when it had to be replaced the second time. What's the problem with this head gasket anyway??
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.
Any time the car is started, either cold or warm start, the motor has a very irratic idle, comes close to stalling, and gives off very strong exhaust fumes. The problem lasts for 1-3 minutes, during which the car is unable to be driven. Until this time has elapsed, the motor is unresponsive to any throttle input. If I attempt to drive the vehicle, the problem worsens, and eventually stalls. After normal operating temperatures have been reached, the problem seems to disappear. I have had this problem for about two years now, and can not seem to get a straight answer from GM, or any of the local dealers as to the cause. I have spoken with other owners of the same model Sunfire, and 95% of them have had or are having the same problem, and have also been told by local dealers that the problem does not show up on any of the diagnostic equipment. …
Torque converter clutch failure caused a vibration in the drivetrain from 35mph to 50mph. The dealer suggested disconecting the clutch as the cheapest way to stop the problem. The car has since lost about 3mpg. This was not the right way to fix this problem. The head gasket started leaking around 55,000 miles. A Pontiac service manger told me it would cost about $500.00 to fix the leak,,or I could put some "bars leak' in the coolant to seal up the leak. Again this is the cheap way out for a while, but not the correct way to fix the problem. The dealerships I dealt with already knew that these problems were found in this model car,but stopped short of saying it was a manufacturing problem.
The dates are estimates. The first problem was the gasket that was bad and was replaced under warranty. The second problem was the engine head cracking and the internal parts failing. The manufactuar was contacted without any avail of getting any help. The dealer where I had the repairs done stated he couldnt tell what caused the problem of the engine. My file number with GM Pontiac is 00017728. The diagnostic guess on the bill was #1 main and rod bearing came apart. Engine head cracked at # 3 spark plug area. Losing coolant at that location. Service was performed at billy navarre Chevrolet. Showing billing date of 1-31-2000
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.
In 1995 I bought my Pontiac Sunfire and scince I have had it I have had to put 3 head gaskets on it and one head the first 1 was replaced at 36,275 in 1998 and at that time they need to replace the pistons and rings do to this problem. The next time was in2000 with 64,915 mile at that ime it was just the head gasket then the 3rd time they replaced the head gasket and the head which was caused by replacing the head gasket so many times this time I had to.
Head gasket leaked, and was replaced at 87000 miles under special policy #98054. At 112,800 miles, head gasket failed again, and needs to be replaced again, this time not under warranty. This should be a recall , as the gaskets are obviously defective, and general motors is very aware of this problem in these vehicles, according to the technical service bulletin.
The first failure of the head gasket was on aug 12, 1996 with 12,453 miles. Pontiac will not recall the 2.2 liter (iron) duke) engine, nor are they willing to replace the engine. The warranty states it will be covered for 7years/100,000 miles, but what happen after that??? The head gaskets only last on the average for 15 months.
Engine complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 32% of the model year's 119 complaints. The component named most often is engine (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Sunfire engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Pontiac Sunfire engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.