1995 Pontiac Sunfire: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire: 5 recalls, 119 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #95V025000 · 1995 · 21,340 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.
Why it matters: This condition can result in separation of the frontbushing sleeve subassembly from the control arm increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #95V141000 · 1995 · 16 vehicles
What's wrong: Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
The fix: All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #96V003000 · 1996 · 28,068 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the driver of the vehicle would not be able to see the actual position of the transaxle gear selector resulting in a driver either inadvertently leaving a parked or idling vehicle in drive, reverse, or neutral rather than park, or selecting an incorrect transaxle…
The fix: Dealers are to install a new instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel assembly which is not subject to this condition.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #96V250000 · 1996 · 270,014 vehicles
What's wrong: The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
The fix: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V070000 · 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
The fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Steering Equipment recall #08E063000 · 2008 · 3,855 vehicles
What's wrong: 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of September 2007. These replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. The weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube May be defective.
Why it matters: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (38): the most common themes are leaks (13), noise or vibration (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Electrical (27): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), stalls / loses power (7).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), brake failure / soft pedal (3).
- Airbags (13): the most common themes are fails to deploy (5).
The 1995 Pontiac Sunfire has 119 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 Sunfire model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 1999 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 92,022 miles. Neighboring years: 1994 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 1996 (201 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 33 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | 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 1995 Pontiac Sunfire.
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 1995 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, plus 2 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 1995 Pontiac Sunfire problems?
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (38), electrical (27), brakes (hydraulic) (14).
What gas mileage does the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 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.