1994 Pontiac Sunbird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird: 1 recall, 42 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #94V115000 · 1994 · 65 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with overtorqued drive axle spindle nuts. This condition can cause excessive loads on the spindle nut and drive axle resulting in failure of the drive axle or the spindle nut. Failure of either of these components can result in separation of the steering knuckle tire-wheel assembly from the drive axle.
Why it matters: This can result in loss of vehicle control and a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts, and washers on all involved vehicles. Corrective action: dealers will replace left-hand and right-hand drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts, and washers on all involved vehicles.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Seats (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 Pontiac Sunbird has 42 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 Sunbird model years for complaints (2.8× the average Sunbird year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 109,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (37 complaints, 2 recalls), 1995 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Pontiac Sunbird problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (13), seats (5), transmission & drivetrain (4).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Pontiac Sunbird repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.