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 1998 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving the vehicle will shut down and the theft system light with start flashing will start again and but shut down again I was driving on a city street and had it at a dealer they replaced the ECU the gauges and the ignition they replaced the ECU 3 times with no avail this has happened to all 4 of my pontiacs
Brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and rear defroster all stopped functioning. Problem initially happened about 5 minutes after starting vehicle, but now is persistent and none of these items function posing a major safety hazard.
1998 Pontiac Sunfire gt anti-theft system won't disengage, car is dead. (when the anti-theft system is triggered, the fuel pump is shut off) it May have been triggered by using a copy of the original key. Following manufacturer's instructions (turn on iignition for 10 min, turn off and turn on again) doesn't work. An internet search revealed that there are 1000s of people with the same problem with Sunfire and other GM cars. I would like GM to acknowledge the problem and repair the faulty system.
Vehicle was blowing 30 amp fuse going to rear defogger grid. Found melted insulation on 12 volt line and ground resulting in short circuit. Defogger grid still drawing enough current to melt insulation of 12 volt line. Disconnected rear defogger grid to prevent possible fire in dash.
I took my Sunfire to the dealership for the specified ignition switch recall and am now having problems with my starter. The starter I have is not even one year old - I am sure this has something to do with the recent recall work done at the dealership.
Recall no. 04V036000, ignition switch: the dealer will not repair the recall because the vehicle is salvaged. Since the dealer refused repair, vehicle doesn't start and can no longer be driven.
The ignition switch failed without warning. Two months later a recall was issued and part repaired, however, the problem still existed. The consumer iwas concerned that the vehicle will catch fire.
I think you have a problem when you have a 2 year old car seems to be falling apart from the inside out. I originally owned my car for 3 months when the temp. Gauge zeroed out from a shorted out fuse. The next problem was odometer went blank and showed me symbols in 05/1999, and the electrical cluster was replaced. Later in 09/1999, my coolant system busted after a visit to the dealership, where I was told that cars are okay to reach the red line before it will overheat. Most of the coolant system was replaced and tests done. I did not trust the work, and took it to another GMC dealer, to find that the coolant temp. Sensor needed replaced, just 2 days later. Now in 08/2000, my odometer is showing the same old symbols, due to an electrical problem. My problem is electrical problems are right in front of me, and I am unaware of it. …
My radio's lcd lighting is blurred and not properly lit with full digits. It blinks as though there is a short. It has been replaced 3 times already. The speakers also play inconsistantly even when balance is shown as equal setting. Cd's will skip for no reason. The car will not start on first attempt after driving for a period of time or if it is extremely hot outside. In traffic, the car wants to overheat. The needle will rise to warning mark and car runs rough. Sometimes a burning odor is detected. The left side front wheel sounds like metal on metal grinding. Car feels wobbly.
When starting out, vehicle starts but when you push the accelerator it stalls, when you try to restart it keeps turning, it won't catch. It has also hesitated while driving at 30 MPH and 60 MPH. It has done this 15-20 times and been to the dealer at least 7 times. They say that there is nothing wrong, once they updated my computer, another time they replaced my computer, but it still stalls and hesitates.
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, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
Electrical complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 18% of the model year's 120 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.