Pontiac Sunbird recalls

14 official safety recalls for the Pontiac Sunbird from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Drive axle or spindle nut may fail

    Reported June 24, 1994Model years 1994NHTSA campaign 94V11500065 vehicles affected

    Overtightened drive axle spindle nuts can overload the axle or nut, causing either to fail and the steering knuckle and wheel assembly to separate. This could cause loss of vehicle control and an accident. Dealers will replace both drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts and washers.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; INDEPENDENT FRONT SPINDLE; KNUCKLE; STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  2. Accelerator cable may bind in cold weather

    Reported November 22, 1993Model years 1992–1993NHTSA campaign 93V190000108,898 vehicles affected

    In very cold weather, water in the accelerator cable conduit can freeze and make the cable bind or take more effort to move. The throttle may not return to idle when the pedal is released, risking loss of control and a crash. Dealers will replace the accelerator control assembly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VERY COLD WEATHER, WATER THATN ENTERS THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT FREEZES AND CAUSES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITION.
    Consequence
    IF THIS OCCURS, LOSS OF NORMAL THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT, OR THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, CAUSING POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT PONTIAC SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  3. Brake hoses may reduce braking effectiveness

    Reported July 21, 1993Model years 1993NHTSA campaign 93V1210002,848 vehicles affected

    Incorrectly manufactured brake hoses may reduce braking effectiveness or cause uneven braking, potentially resulting in an accident. The specified front or rear brake hose assemblies will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Defect
    THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
    Consequence
    THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE HOSES CAN CAUSEREDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND/OR UNEVEN BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICEDATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME WITHOUT CHARGE ORTHE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE CENTER ( BUICK AT 1-800-458-8006, PONTIAC AT1-800-763-2737; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 ).ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETYHOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  4. Accelerator cable may stick or break

    Reported April 3, 1992Model years 1992NHTSA campaign 92V04800022,452 vehicles affected

    A kinked accelerator cable may require high effort, stick or break, causing loss of throttle control and potentially a crash. The accelerator control cable assembly will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE KINK IN THE CABLE CAN CAUSE EITHER A HIGH EFFORT ACCELERATOR CABLE, STICKING ACCELERATOR CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE.
    Consequence
    IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS IT CANRESULT IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL. IF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURS WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: ACCELERATOR CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CAR.

  5. Shoulder belt guides may crack

    Reported January 10, 1992Model years 1991NHTSA campaign 92V003000347,866 vehicles affected

    Front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and not comply with safety requirements, increasing the risk of injury in a sudden stop or crash. Reinforcing plates will be installed on cracked guides.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS
    Defect
    THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
    Consequence
    THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: SAFETY BELTS; FMVSS 208.DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLES: PASSENGER VEHICLES; 1991 GM "J" AND "W" MODEL CARS.

  6. Secondary hood latch may not engage

    Reported September 23, 1991Model years 1992NHTSA campaign 91V1660003,212 vehicles affected

    The secondary hood latch spring may be missing or incorrectly installed, preventing the latch from engaging. If both hood latches fail to engage, the hood could open while driving and block the driver's view. The latch will be inspected and a new spring installed if needed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
    Defect
    THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.
    Consequence
    IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, AND THEPRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IFTHIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD,REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
    Remedy
    INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: HOOD, LATCH.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  7. Front door interlock striker may fail

    Reported September 23, 1991Model years 1991NHTSA campaign 91V16500041,718 vehicles affected

    A front door interlock striker may fail, allowing the door frame to collapse and weakening the shoulder belt anchorage. The vehicle does not meet FMVSS 210. The striker studs on the front doors will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
    Defect
    FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
    Consequence
    THE DOOR FRAME WOULD COLLAPSE. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLYWITH FMVSS 210.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT INTERLOCK STRIKER STUDS ON FRONT DOORS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE; FMVSS 210.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.

  8. Fuel tank may crack and leak

    Reported December 6, 1988Model years 1989NHTSA campaign 88V18900013,095 vehicles affected

    Small creases on the underside of the fuel tank may crack during normal pressure cycling, causing a fuel leak. If fuel meets an ignition source, a fire could result. The remedy is to replace the fuel tank.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
    Consequence
    IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy
    REPLACE FUEL TANK.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL TANK.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH 2.0L OR 2.8L ENGINES.

  9. Windshield may separate

    Reported July 25, 1988Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 88V12100033 vehicles affected

    Poor adhesion between the windshield and its mount could allow the windshield to separate in a crash, potentially ejecting an unbelted occupant and causing injury. The windshield will be reinstalled with proper adhesion.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
    Defect
    THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.
    Consequence
    WINDSHIELD COULD SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIERTEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212. SUCH SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT INAN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND INJURIED.
    Remedy
    REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: WINDSHIELD/FMVSS 212.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  10. Rear lamp wiring may fail intermittently

    Reported June 14, 1988Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 88V09500014,840 vehicles affected

    Open or intermittent circuits in the rear lamp wiring may cause the backup or licence plate lamps to flash or stop working. A new wiring harness will be installed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
    Defect
    REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.
    Consequence
    LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
    Remedy
    INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS/FMVSS 108.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER CARS.

  11. Fuel hoses or pipes may crack and leak

    Reported December 1, 1987Model years 1987NHTSA campaign 87V184000131,476 vehicles affected

    Fuel feed or return hoses or pipes may crack or separate, leaking fuel into the area under the bonnet and creating a fire risk that could injure occupants. Both fuel feed and return hose or pipe assemblies will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
    Defect
    THE FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE, WITHOUT PRIORWARNING, AND CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
    Remedy
    REPLACE BOTH FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUELVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES BUILT WITH 2.0L ENGINES.

  12. Driver's seat anchor bar may break

    Reported May 7, 1987Model years 1983–1984NHTSA campaign 87V0790001,136,407 vehicles affected

    The floor pan anchor bar at the driver's seat may fatigue and break, allowing a seat adjuster stud to separate. The seat could tip rearward unexpectedly, potentially causing loss of control and a crash. A reinforcement bracket will be installed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS
    Defect
    THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
    Consequence
    DRIVERS SEAT COULD TIP REARWARD UNEXPECTEDLY; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR AT THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: DRIVERS SEAT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE DRIVERSSEAT.

  13. Headlight switch may cause lights to flicker or go out

    Reported April 28, 1986Model years 1986NHTSA campaign 86V05600093,317 vehicles affected

    Electrical contacts in the headlight switch may cause the headlights to flicker or suddenly go out, reducing visibility. The switch will be replaced as necessary.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
    Defect
    THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
    Remedy
    REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: HEADLIGHT SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS.

  14. Seat back lock may fail in a crash

    Reported February 6, 1984Model years 1984NHTSA campaign 84V01100076,586 vehicles affected

    Some seat back locks may not meet the stated safety standard and may fail to function in a crash. Locks with bent, broken, or missing hooks will be replaced after inspection.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
    Defect
    SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.
    Remedy
    INSPECTION OF SEAT BACK LOCKS WILL BE PERFORMED. LOCKS THAT HAVE BENT, BROKEN OR MISSING HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED.
    Notes
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TWO DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITHAR9 OR AV5 BUCKET SEATS.SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS, SEAT BACK LOCKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE SEAT MAY FOLD FORWARD IN A CRASH, AND WOULDINCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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