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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving vehicle at moderate speed vehicle accelerated on its own. Ignition switch wouldn't shut off, and emergency brake was ineffective. Vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser to stop. Consumer called 911 for help.
While driving on ice about 40-45 MPH, brakes applied, hitting a patch of ice. Lost control of vehicle, hit a metal medium head-on. Neither air bag deployed in accident. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy problem. Vehicle was totalled. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
I was in accident at 45 MPH. A vehicle turned in lane and stopped, I hit my brakes, and my vehicle did not slow. I hit his car and pushed it appx. 15 feet. I dropped it in neutral and that helped. The accident totaled my vehicle. I felt that the brakes did not function properly.
Tires completey exploded and eventually replaced the rims, and since the third time I have not had any problems with the tires. I had to have a complete set of brakes put on, which I had to pay for. I am now having to face paying over $1000 for a new transmission, the headlights had problems not even a month after I got the car. The radiator had a whole in it from a screw that came loose from under the hood and it was shot back up into the radiator, they goodwilled this.( dot number: )
This car has been more trouble than it is worth. I have replaced the brakes and rotors twice already and need to replace them again already. I found out today that I have another craked head gasket, I replaced one two years ago just after I bought the car. The engine coolant light stays on most of the time even when the tank is full. I'm very frustrated!
Front and rear struts & mounts failed &rattled problem started immeiately, not properly identified until 60000, had to pay $700 to fix. Front brakes wore out almost immediately. Seat belt slips out of anchor and is painful to reach (short driver, seat moved up). Windshield wipers started stopping in the up instead of down position, block vision.
When brakes were applied under nomal stopping conditions pedal became hard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Driver stopped vehicle with emergency brake. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle. Manufacturer was notified. Repair shop stated the brakes were worn, consumer states the brake pedal became stuck.
Anti-lock brake system not working properly causing them to engage almost everytime vehicle stops or slows down. On other occasions the the brakes were applied and kicked in but did not stop the vehicle causing it to slide into an intersection. Nlm
When driving at any speed and making any type of turn, there is a thumping noise coming from the steering whell, and when applying the brake's, there is vibration within the brakes. Also, panels in the rear on both sides keep coming off.
When driving the vehicle or putting the vehicle in reverse the brakes will grab and squeak. Then when putting foot on the brakes to stop the vehicle, the vehicle will slide and the brakes will lock up.
Brake complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 15% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, though it has 6 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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.