1995 Pontiac Sunfire
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 7
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 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 …
Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
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.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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.
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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE …
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."
Fix: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.
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."
Fix: DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL A NEW INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TRIM PLATE/BEZEL ASSEMBLY WHICH IS NOT SUBJECT TO THIS CONDITION.
SOME WELDS WERE OMITTED FROM THE BODY LOCK PILLAR, OR "B" PILLAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Fix: ALL VEHICLES IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED AND REPLACED WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE.
THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS MISSING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES CAUSING EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE EXISTING WELDS.
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1995 Pontiac Sunfire costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA Closed
NHTSA #PE02001 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2002 · closed Mar 2002An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 97
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 97.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Mar 2017Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SUNFIRE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
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. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dea…
Transport Canada #2002041 · Mar 2002Engine
Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "Check Engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms…
Transport Canada #2000109 · Apr 2000Engine
On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Moisture entering the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion can cause illumination of the "Check Engine" light or cause the engine to run rough. If these symptoms are ignored, the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction:…
Transport Canada #1999016 · Feb 1999Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING EQUIPMENT. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND HAZARD LAMP SWITCH REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Transport Canada #1996208 · Dec 1996Lights And Instruments
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM PLATE MAY SAG AND COVER THE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE OF THE SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAY. IF THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSAXLE GEAR SELECTOR AND COULD INADVERTENTLY LEAVE AN…
Transport Canada #1996005 · Jan 1996Suspension
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS OMITTED FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOADS ON EXISTING CONTROL ARM WELDS, AND COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONT BUSHING-SLEEVE SUBASSEMBLY FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: SUSPENSION…
Transport Canada #1995023 · Feb 1995Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Pontiac Sunfire
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier. The J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards for the 1996 model year.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.