Most common 2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of the 66 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 →
2001 Pontiac Sunfire recalls (1)
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire:
Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of…
What 2001 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Electrical system all 21 →
Continuation of odi 10093259: repeated inappropriate activation of pass lock 2 anti-theft system. The pass lock activates without warning resulting in stranding of motorist. GM denies defect in pass lock. However, dealer service manager states that, "I know that it will happen someday, that I'll go to start my (GM product) and the passlock won't let me." the service manager stated that "it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when" (the defect occurs). The dlr refers to the problems with the system as "an acceptable price to pay for having a theft prevention system. Inappropriate activation of the passlock system is likely to result in incidental injuries to stranded motorists if the incident occurs in a high crime area. Owners of vehicles equipped with passlock have no warning of pending failures which are expensive to repair. …
I too have a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire se 2.2 auto with about 58,000 miles on it. I bought this car in March of 2002 with only 14,937 miles on it. I had no problems with this car till November 2004 at 44,874 miles, when an 8 point buck ran into the left side front fender and damaged it, the hood, windshield, driver's door, roof, and back door while I was driving 55 MPH. The car was repaired, then sat outside for about 4 1/2 years. Had to install a new fuel pump and battery, then I started driving it again every day in November 2009. Now I have no high beam headlights, lights are good. Also, when I put the transmission into gear, the daytime running lights flash real fast about 7 or 8 times, then go out, and the service light comes on, but if I turn on the low beam headlights first, it is fine! …
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and the traction warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
All of a sudden, my front brakes no longer worked properly?! Only rear, emergency brake and l front? Had r front caliper completely removed and replaced, yet problem still existed?! Was told something could be wrong with GM's anti lock brake unit installed into the master brake cylinder? Cost was going to be around $800.00 to replace unit that, on my vehicle was assembled in Mexico?
2001 Pontiac Sunfire engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire a good car?
Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Sunfire rates average: 32% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sunfire at the same age. It is one of the best Sunfire years by this measure. 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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?
The electrical system — 21 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and brakes (10).
How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 38% 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.