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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the vents and a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact and the front passenger were able to safely exit the vehicle without any injuries. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl * the contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
Tried to start the ignition but it would't, which was really odd considering my car hasn't given me any real trouble. I took the key out of the ignition and closed the door and it tried to start without the key. I went in the house to call a ride to work and heard the radio going. I looked out to see who it was and saw a fire going in my car. I called the fire department to put the fire out. Afterwards, they said that my airbag deployed into the steering column causing the fire.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. After it rained for approximately 3-4 days, the contact noticed standing water in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. She started the vehicle and noticed that all of the instrument panel lights were illuminated. After several days of allowing the vehicle to dry out, every instrument panel light, with the exception of the air bag light, dimmed. The dealer stated that they would not inspect the vehicle for less than $350. The contact no longer drives the vehicle because she fears for her life due to the defect. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 09/13/08. Updated 09/16/08
I bought my car in oct 1999 since I have had 3 recalls.none of those are the other problems I have experienced or repaired already. In 2000 I had to replace the front wheel beearing in the passenger side that was in bad condition,in 2001 I had to replace the rear strut mounts becasue the were dried and cracked, I month ago my wipers broke a pin and clip broke and they stop in the up position. Now my window on my drivers side will not go up or down I have been having problems with it for about a year now. My daughter in laws rack and pinion just went out in her 96 Sunfire and she didnt recieive a recall but I did. I loved this car wene I got it but I will never recomend it to anyone or purchase another one
Purchased the vehicle in 2001. The '97 Sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, I had got repairs occasionally for this and that. However, I never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past June the vehicle broke down. After getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. I would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing ignition failure. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and placed on a diagnostic machine. The fuel pump and ignition switch were replaced. The vehicle is presently at the dealer. The current mileage is 46,741 and failure mileage was 45,000.
I had headlight problems and the headlights failed completely, then the horn failed and the brake lights...it cost me $1500.00 to have my wiring redone and the headlights are still dim. I also have a problem with my dashboard lights coming on for check engine, battery and airbag. I took it to 2 dealers and nothing with this problem was fixed.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire with a safety recall problem* the vehicles ignition switch was recalled. The consumer has replaced the ignition switch twice prior to recall notification. The consumer never received reimbursement for either repair.
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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 16% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-070 (switch, Mar 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 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.