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 1996 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While on the street vehicle was in park and the key was taken out of the ignition switch. Then, vehicle caught on fire behind the steering wheel. Black smoke. And large flames appeared. Fire department show up to extinguish the fire. Dealer notified.
While driving 25 MPH the vehicle caught fire under the glove compartment. Due to the interior damage the vehicle was totaled. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No injuries reported. Please provide additional information.
I purchased a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire in July of 2003. I previously owned a 1997 Sunfire and didn't have any problems like this. The most serious issue is when I turn my headlights on, the fuse blows and the tail lights and the dash lights (lights for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temp gauge) do not work. I almost got into an accident when my lights and dash failed me. When I was trying to replace the fuse sparks flew out and the fuses blew immediately. I feel it is a manufacturer defect. It is going to cost me a large amount of money to have this fixed. GM also wont give me the time of day when I call and complain. I think that there should be at least an investigation. ( * number of failures is approximate there are more. I thought it would be fair to state the very least amount I have counted.) also my vehicle has been inoperable for several weeks. …
When the consumer attempted to start the vehicle the ignition failed to turn, when all of a sudden smoke emitted from the steering column. The consumer contacted the fire department and they disconnected the cable and battery. The key no longer turned the ignition, the car was sent to the dealership , however they refused to fix the vehicle, because they claimed that smoking of a vehicle was not under warranty. The fire department had to fax them a notice that is was a fire. Dealer notified.
Consumer tried to start vehicle,but it would not start. Consumer tried again, and noticed smoke coming from ignition area, engine was shut off. 10-15 minutes later, vehicle started on its own without key in ignition, consumer shut off engine again. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time, recall letter was received after this incident.
Consumers son tried to start the vehicle, which would not turn over. The key switch continued to try starting resulting in an ignition fire. Taken to dealer and repaired. Consumer received a recall notice(02V070000) about the ignition switch defect. Consumer would like reimbursement of monies paid.
NHTSA recall 02-v-070-000/ manufacturer's recall 02008 while going 55-60mph black smoke was coming from exhaust and vehicle stalled. Guages on dashboard read normal. General motors indicated that problem had to be repaired to determine cause. Consumer was in an accident that totaled vehicle.
Car turns over but will not start.brought it back to dealer and they replaced the camshaft sensor. Got the car back two days later and the same thing happened. Brought back to dealer and they said it was the OEM sercrity system. Took back and are still having problems starting all the time.
The ignition switch had a short circuit which caused the vehicle not to start. After the ignition was repaired it still didn't work properly. The head light (high and low beams) failed. The horn failed. The wiper failed.
I read in the Sunday March 3, 2002 chicago tribune, about the l8 reports to date alleging a steering column fire in Pontiac sun fires. I wish to report the same incident for my l996 sun fire. I am the original owner.
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 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 19% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-070 (switch, Mar 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 9 fires and 1 injury 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.