Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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... …
Engine runs hot at the very top of the gauge just before the over-heating mark on the gauge. Losing coolant. Car some times has trouble starting and back-fires. Water pump had to be replaced at 43,000 miles as it had a hole in it and was leaking. Oil leaks in several places, oil coming out of exhaust pipe, check engine light keeps coming on. Replaced gasket between the transmission and engine due leaks. Currently, the clutch sticks intermittently and I sometimes can't get the transmission to go into reverse. Had to replace high-pressure power steering pump due to leaks. Electrical system currently has a problem whereby I can't turn on the car alarm, the sensor alarms don't function right, drivers-side window only works intermittently and I've burned-out about 5 fues in six months. Driver's leather seats ripped at the sewed ribbing at around 15,000. …
-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. …
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.
Transmission failure seems to occur with no warning. This vehicle was 4 weeks passed the 3- year warranty when the transmissiom flew apart. Pontiac would not cover any cost of replacement. The transmission had a defective part, and should not have failed. I have owned GM products for over ten years. GM has now lost a customer.
On 01/30/1999 after makeing a left hand turn my car lost all power. After having it towed to browns transmission service inc, 1035 wells ave, newark oh,43055; I found out that the transmission would need to be over hauled to replace the torc converter. The repair bill was $960.00.
In the morning when moving the pawl from park to drive, and when transmission shifts from first to second gear, vehicle will feel like somebody had bumped it on the rear. Taken to a technician who said that problem was with the power control module.
When turning off a road onto a highway, I noticed that the car was stuck in 2nd gear. I carefully drove to the nearest gas station. Now the car won't engage on reverse, drive, 2nd & 1st.
Right axle broke out of the transmission jerking the car harshly to the right and into a curb,front right tire was pushed back to where the front right clip and the door jam meet.
Vehicle never shifted into park even though the indicator showed park position, resulted in a roll away,tightened the shifter cable it was loose.
Transmission complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 10% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.