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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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! …
Contacted a local auto dealer, cutter Pontiac (waipahu, hawaii - levy, service agent, ph# [phone]) and inquired about my vehicles posted 3 recall issues; ignition, fuel system, & steering wheel. I even emailed an official list of my vehicle's recall issues I was told the following, after levy had the opportunity to review my email,with my recall list: 1. Ignition - I was told that my concern had past the original date of recall, 2004 ???, so dealer is unable help me resolve this issue 2. Fuel system - I noted that I smelled fuel back a few weeks prior, I would need to bring my vehicle down and they would diagnose the problem, but would charge me for the diagnostic check. 3. Steering wheel - again, I was told they would need to do a diagnostic check, but still charge me. …
Prior to incident being reported, a burning rubber odor could be detected while standing beside vehicle after normal operation. Then, on 04-jan-2002, vehicle was parked for approximately 20 minutes when a neighbor informed owner there was a fire underneath the car. Owner started vehicle and moved vehicle away from the fire, leaves were burning. Consumer noticed that a long cable attached to front-axle was dangling from undercarriage, and was charred in middle from the fire. An inspector from manufacturer examined vehicle and informed consumer there was no problem with car. Manufacturer refused to provide consumer with a copy of the report. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at any speed. The failure was experienced several times. The contact replaced the fuses. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The failure and the current mileages were 116,000. Updated 06/20/12 the consumer stated the fuel injection was not replaced. Her husband replaced the fuses. Updated 06/22/12 updated 8/20/12 the consumer also stated the vehicle used an excessive amount of fuel. Updated 08/23/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The vehicle was able to start and, at times, upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn over to start the vehicle from the ignition. The dealer replaced the battery and the ignition switch, but the failure continued. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V036000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. While driving 25 MPH, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA recall campaign #04V036000; Pontiac issued an ignition switch recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN although the consumer experienced the same problem as those vehicle's that caused the windshield to crack and 2700 hundred dollars worth of damage to the vehicle. The rear seat belts did not work.
Electrical system failure. Under dash wire harness needs replacement. Speedometer, tach and all other gauges failed. All safety and diagnostic lights come on ... Reputable electronics repair shop diagnosed problem and cost to repair in excess $2,000. Car not drivable, not able to sell, not able to be register in ny state.
Odometer display is visible when first starting car. As soon as you begin to drive, the odometer reading begins to flicker. Does not appear to be giving an accurate reading either. Shop stated that new dash assembly would have to be installed to correct issue since access to wiring was not possible.
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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 32% of the model year's 66 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 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.