Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Numerous failures with my car I am only listing the ones which have happened more than once 1..transmission failure, transmission failed 3 times first time while traveling 35mph car came to a dead stop tires locked up, car would not even roll, causing near accident. 2...window motors failed twice on each each door of my 4 door car 3...headlight switch has failed 3 times causing dangerous situation at night 4...severe water leak in trunk area , water getting in through fender well or trunk underbody, caused so much to puddle up a mushroom started growing from back seat,... Water puddled underneath carpet in spare tire area so it was not visible to naked eye, but was sloshing back and forth with every stop and go of vehicle still to this day have not been able to pinpoint exact location water is getting in although it for sure is from underbody 5... …
I had the fuel pump replaced on this vehicle in December 2006. I have been given information indicating this pump is in the suspect group of pumps covered by the delphi recall number 07e-015. I contacted the number listed, and was told that since someone else had entered information on the VIN that they will not tell me anything. They refused to tell me how to have the inspection or reimbursement done. This vehicle was wrecked by my daughter in March 2006, and there is an ongoing investigation of the ABS system also.
1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2l. Rear right brake locks. Causes the car to shudder and difficult to stop. This also causes the ABS and brake light to illuminate on the dash. Brakes have been replaced. Possible failure to stop is the greatest concern. This May lead to accident.
Applied brakes with general pressure, realized vehicle not slowing down, applied more pressure, brakes immediately locked up, no warning, 4 months prior dealer replaced warped rotors; loss control, crashed into rear of a van; vehicle totaled.
Driver noticed that when brake pedal was depressed the vehicle would vibrate. Rotors were found to be warped and were replaced. Approximately three months later, on wet road conditions, the ABS failed allowing vehicle to crash.
-the horn on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has quit working and been repaired three times. The people at the shop said that it was getting wet apparently everytime I went through water because of it being pointed downward. -the muffler has been fixed three times -there are more that I can not remeber right off hand -their is an electrical problem with the whole car. The light on the radio time and staion display has not worked since I bought it, the driver's rear door light has not come on, the passenger rear window lets down but will not let up when needed since right after I got the car, the lights in the dashboard go on and off without even being touched, while riding down the road, the widshield wipers will just come on without being turned on and then stop halfway down impairing vision, the passenger rear tail light blows all of the time, it has never stayed with a bulb that works, etc. …
February 2007 had vehicle serviced and was told rear calipers needed replacement. Work was completed totaling $875. Within a week, the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to skid and failure to stop. Nearly hit a pedestrian in cross walk at 20 MPH. Returned to service, was told adjustments needed to the ABS brakes system. Service completed. 4 weeks later the vehicles brake system locked up and a grinding noise occurred. Returned for service, pads replaced, brakes adjusted per the mechanic. 3 months have passed now and now the ABS brake light illuminates periodically and now within three months of replacement of the brake pads and adjustments to the ABS system, I again notice the vehicle veering right when applying the brakes and the rear brakes tend to lock at speeds of 20 to 35 MPH with a light scrapping and/or grinding noise again. …
The car has had muliple problems beginning with the replacement of the horn in 1997. Many of the sensors have been replaced several times, the parking brake still does not function properly, and I have replaced many major parts on the car. Pontiac flatly refuses to do anything about my problems, they have only offered courtesy transportation after engaging in a shouting match & all they know how to say is "sorry, your out of your manufactures warranty & we do not provide that information" I have received the worst service you can possibly imagine. It has been at the dealership at least 9 times in under two years!
While driving at any speed the consumer is having problems with the throttle cable which is causing the pedal to stick, and when applying the accelerator the vehicle isn't getting any speed. There was no prior warning. *akthe vehicle experienced total loss of the throttle almost causing an accident, the problem with vehicle was recall but the consumes vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN. The vehicle vibrates while braking due to warped rotors, the right front seatbelt was twisted, front brake pads were replaced.
I have constant problems with this vehicle. Major difficulty stopping when pavement is wet. My complet brake and rotors have been replaced on at least 3 occasions. I've also had problems with leaks, right rear window has been replaced. Problems with vibration when at a standstill, almost losing power. Smell of gas fumes. Problems with the transmission.
Brake complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 14% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, though it has 7 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 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 160,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes 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.