Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
1. High use of transmission shift cable leads to separation at the transmission end link. 2. Once the shift cable link wears out it falls down and the transmission can no longer be shifted through gear positions from within the vehicle. A vehicle can be left stranded in any gear, drive, reverse, neutral, or any other position. 3. A temporary fix is possible with a zip tie, but is only temporary due to heat and wear on the zip tie. An oe replacement for the shift cable needs to be installed. This is a high failure item leading to stranded vehicles in many dangerous locations and needs to be upgraded with a fail safe connection at the transmission end.
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently, the vehicle stalled while driving. There were no warning lights when this occurred. The vehicle was put in neutral then restarted. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. Also, the clutch failed on the vehicle twice. The first time occurred while parked and the dealership replaced the clutch pin. The second time, 3 months later, while driving the clutch went to the floor. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it is currently being repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that when the gear lever was shifted, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,080. ...updated 01/20/16 updated 1/12/16 *9cn... Updated 04/20/18
Turned off the vehicle, got my fuses and relay's all checked and turned the car on the next morning, nothing on my dash panel is working. No mileage, none of the gauges work, fuses and relays are all good.
While on active duty in the army, I purchased a used 2000 Pontiac Sunfire in georgia. The car began giving me problems only 6 months after the purchase. Luckily, I forced the dealership to pay for a warranty because I had to have 3 major repairs within a 11/2 after that. Unfortunately, shortly after the warranty was up, I discover numerous other problems with the automobile, including the recall. This car is truly a lemon! I do not believe I should have to suffer with this defective car. I owe over 3 times the value of the car. Even though I have all the documentation to support my good care and maintenance, no one will touch this car because it has so many other defects besides the recall (front end suspension issues, fuel tank). I am a disabled veteran now with only a small pension to support myself and two children. …
My daughters car was having starting problems (not enough gas getting to the engine to start, had to pump the gas). I took it for a test drive in a empty parking lot once it started. I was going approx 10mph the first time I pushed the gas pedal to the floor. When I released the pedal it stayed in place at full throttle. I pushed the breaks to stop the car and had to throw it into neutral before the throttle released. Scared the hell out of me!! Thank god my teenage daughter never pushed the throttle all the way down!! I tried it several more times with the same results. Somehow the throttle sticking is tied to the transmission because, everytime, the throttle would released as soon as I put it in neutral. I donot have the VIN because we took it to a shop tonight. Just thought I should warn anyone else with this vehicle. …
We have a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire with 32445 miles on it. The transmission, 3rd & 4th gears, have gone bad. I would expect to recieve more mileage than this out of a properly serviced transmission. This occurred within 220 miles of having the fluid replaced in hte transmission.
Vehicle jumped from park to reverse while engine was idling. Vehicle was parked on level ground. Damage was estimated at three thousand dollars, driver sustained injuries to arm and shoulder. Please provide further details.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
The instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel can sag and cover the light emitting diode portion (lighted pointed above panel) of the transaxle shift indicator display. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination."
Remedy: Dealers are to install a new instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel assembly which is not subject to this condition.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Sunfire years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (20), 2000 (10), 1995 (9), 1999 (8) and 1998 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Sunfire transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-003 (gear position indication (prndl), Jan 2, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Sunfire transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (30 mentions), followed by the axle assembly (6).
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.