Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driver's side window began losing ability to lift/lower after being lowered one day while window had moisture on it. Took it to GM dealer after window became totally stuck down and was told it was motor. A month later it happened again. Was told it was regulator. Three months later happened again, only this time to passenger side window. Have yet to take it in again because car is no longer under warranty. It is my understanding that window motor regulator should last around 5 years. It also makes me wonder why this only happened after the windows were opened/shut with moisture on them (dew from am. This does pose a safety hazard in my opinion as we have trouble makers in the neighborhood who delight in shooting paint balls at cars at night, and I don't like having an open window in which it can go flying through and hit me in the eye/head), as well as a general inconvenience. …
I purchased the car in October 2003 and the car was great. In March 2006 I started having problems where the car when attempted to start would take a few seconds extra and then start, then 6 months later I was driving down the street and the car just cut off in the middle of an intersection. The car restarted about 10 minutes later. Then in November this started happening more an more frequently. One night in December the car cut off and would not restart at all. I was able to pull of the road. I waited an hour and still the car would not start. I came back the next day and the car would not start. I got the car towed to a mechanic who said that he thought it was the fuel pump so I replaced that and the car worked for 2 days and then the same problem again. He then tested the car and saw there was no power going to the fuel pump. …
When brake pedal was depressed brakes made a loud noise, and excessive force had to be applied to stop vehicle. This was caused by the rotors continuously cracking. Dealership resurfaced and replaced the rotors. Also when slowing down or at a complete stop, vehicle would stall without warning. Dealership reprogrammed the computer chip. In addition, power windows malfunctioned. They would engage by themselves and slide up/down, and stick in either position. Dealership replaced the motor, but the problem still exists.
Passenger side window motor stopped working. Driver side window motor working slowly. Upon replacing the bad motor I noticed there was no assist spring on the window lifting assembly on either door. Although there is a spot for one on both assemblies. Assemblies that I had worked on in the past included these springs. I had thought that the assist springs were there to help the motor in lifting the window. Especially in a two door with larger windows.
When set on intermittent or mist, the windshield wipers seem to be turning off and on during the wipe cycle, making them jump a couple of times while wiping. Concerned that they May stop working altogether while driving in bad weather conditions.
Driver side power window became stuck and wouldn't roll down. Taken to the dealership, they fixed it but it continues to roll down slow when pressing all four window buttons at once. When pressing only this button and none other the window rolls down at a medium pace.
Exhaust system was replaced due to it getting hot melting the carpet and paint inside trunk, fumes filled interior of vehicle at this time exhaust system is running just as hot again, dealer stated factory representative instructed him not to do anything about the exhaust system, there was nothing that could be done. Consumer states the vehicle has bad gas mileage, starter motor seized and failed, power steering fluid was leaking, coolant was leaking from left front and back of the vehicle, replaced radiator, heater blows cold air at idle, trunk leaks, head lamp is out of adjustment, glove box will not close, muffler fell off, key comes out of ignition with vehicle running, transmission has no reverse, there was brake pulsation at high speed or when stopping, brake pedal goes to floor, speakers inoperative, seat spring failed, suspected motor oil smell and replaced thermostat, horn was …
For my car being a 2000, I have had more than enough problems with this car. For starters, I had a defect in the side window on the drivers back side, I had the line the antifreeze runs through replaced due to a hole being burnt through if from the battery, I had the molding in my passengers side door fixed twice, then I had a problem with my lights inside and outside not coming on, so the switch was replaced, and that wasnt the problem so then it was back a second time, and the computer was replaced, then they had to order me a new cd player because there is a problem with that as well. Then there was shaking in the car as I drove it, they tested it and said there was not a problem, a week later it was back and had coil wires and other things replaced due to the shaking, then the glass in my drivers side mirror needs replaced because now that isnt working. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Sunfire years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (12), 1996 (11), 2002 (8), 1995 (5) and 1999 (5) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Sunfire window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Pontiac Sunfire model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Sunfire window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (21 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (16).
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.