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 1999 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
The instrumental panel on my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire recently started functioning erratically I.e. Gauges (gas gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer) would start fluctuating wildly. Local Pontiac dealership has diagnosed the vehicle as having a defective (or burned out) instrumental panel cluster. I was told that this component was not covered under any type of lifetime warranty and that the repairs would cost $472.31. In researching this problem on the internet, it appears to be systemic among late 1990 to early 2000 Pontiac vehicles. From a safety standpoint, it is a dangerous circumstance to be driving 70-75 MPH on the highway and to have your instrument panel start malfunctioning. Pontiac should be forced to recall these defective instrument panel clusters and repair them at no charge.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that they had to replace the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V036000 (electrical system). The failure and the current mileages were 86,000.
I had a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. It was parked outside of residence when it caught on fire. This was a few years ago approximately around July of 2006. Pontiac did not accept fault. They said the fire destroyed any evidence of a defect.
Mileage flashes on and off like there is a short and air bag light stays on the whole time the car is running and while driving.:( clunking in front end possibly by tires? Like the shocks or whatever
My headlights do not stay on. They turn off when I use my turn signal, or if I hit a bump. The hi-beams and drl's are fine, it's just the regular headlights. Also my engine shows that it is overheating on my temp. Guage, but does not act like it. When the A/C is turned on, it returns to a normal level. Another thing is my airconditioning line has a hole in it from another hose rubbing up against it. I think it's either my steering hose or radiator hose. When I turn left my car makes an awful grinding noise.
The wiring harness is shorting out which has made my ignition switch short out and my computer. Pontiac has issued a service bulletin. Since there is enough people with this problem they should issue a recall and not just stop at a bulletin. This could have made possibly made my car catch on fire. I feel that this is a hazard. This is going to be costing me right about $1000, this is a rough estimate from the mechanic.
Consumer received recall 04V036000 concerning ignition switch failure. Dealer performed recall repairs and charged consumer $500.00 however, the vehicle continued to have starting problems. Dealer tried to repair the vehicle three more times and charged $500.00 each time a repair was done.
Ignition circuit thermal events regarding 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. ** answer required***. The consumer stated there is no service dealer near his home to get the recall taken of. ( recall #04V036000).
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 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 23% of the model year's 93 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires 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.