Most common 1999 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of the 93 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Sunfire complaints by model year
Best Sunfire years: 2004, 2001, 2005. Years to avoid: 1996, 1997, 1995, 1998. Compare all years →
1999 Pontiac Sunfire recalls (2)
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…
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel backlighting May not function after adjusting the interior light intensity.
Remedy: Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it.
What 1999 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Electrical system all 21 →
During normal operation of a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 4dr, 2.2 liter engine, automatic transmission. The wiring harness at the drivers door frame, at the connection of the underdash harness and the rear of vehicle harness shorted, causing the insulation to catch fire. This situation shorted other circuits in the harness causing braking problems with the anti-lock system. Vehicle was able to be stopped safely, and the driver, with good samaritan assistance was able to extinguish the fire. Fire rendered the hood latch inoperative. This prevented the driver from disconnecting the battery ground cable, to prevent further damage and/or fire.
The air conditioning compressor pump (A/C pump) comes into contact with the (1999) OEM lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition is worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent is only detectable by low fluid level over extended period of time (apporximately 6 months to a year): no wetness on the hose or pooling of coolent fluid under the vehicle is detectable prior to a larger hole being worn into the hose. Prior to larger hole being worn into hose, coolent loss is in vapor form, but not in a sufficient amount to be seen. Once the hole in the hose becomes large enough to be detected by fluid pooling under the vehicle, the coolent fluid will come in contact with the powertrain control module (PCM) and cause failure of the PCM. The PCM controls major engine and braking functions. …
Engine & cooling
The air conditioning compressor pump (A/C pump) comes into contact with the (1999) OEM lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition is worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent is only detectable by low fluid level over extended period of time (apporximately 6 months to a year): no wetness on the hose or pooling of coolent fluid under the vehicle is detectable prior to a larger hole being worn into the hose. Prior to larger hole being worn into hose, coolent loss is in vapor form, but not in a sufficient amount to be seen. Once the hole in the hose becomes large enough to be detected by fluid pooling under the vehicle, the coolent fluid will come in contact with the powertrain control module (PCM) and cause failure of the PCM. The PCM controls major engine and braking functions. …
I was driving the car just after I purchased it and became cold so I turned on the heater and within 30 seconds smoke filled the car. I thought the engine was on fire. It smelled like burning oil or gas. I called delphi about recalls and before I could finish a sentence the man cut me off saying that the only recall on my car was for the o ring on the fuel. He said if I have a 1999 and that was defective I would be spewing fuel everywhere. I described what happened and he just cut me off. My brother purchased the car from a dealer for over 3,000 dollars and I have no idea what the odometer is suppose to be because he said the dealer told him to bring it back and he would fix it. After he paid the dealer he contacted the dealer and the dealer told him that he will contact my brother when he can fix it. According to the odometer it has a little over 23,000 miles. …
Brakes
I was purchasing this used car from a dealer. They replaced the ignition assembly 3 times. The car would mysteriously shut off, the ignition assembly would not allow the key to be removed and multiple times this happened. I lost allot of money I put on the car as it became obvious they could not fix it and I had to let them take it back with no refund to me.........they said at the dealer that I was lucky that I didn't have a fire.
Rear brakes keep coming out of adjustment. When I stop or hit the breaks just right they don't catch and I tend to keep going forward then stop. Almost got in a couple of accidents, but I got luckly. Tried changing the hardware, still have the same problem. Brakes squeal and grind. It's not safe. Tired of figuring out what do about them. It's been on going for almost 3 years.
1999 Pontiac Sunfire engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire a good car?
Based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Sunfire rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Sunfire at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?
The electrical system — 21 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (18) and brakes (13).
How many recalls does the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, the most recent from January 27, 2004 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Sunfire?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2001 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1997, 1995 and 1998. See the full Pontiac Sunfire years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Pontiac Sunfire problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.