Model year guide

1999 Pontiac Sunfire

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Pontiac Sunfire at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints105
Combined22–25 mpg
Typical price$911

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 5

Steering NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

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.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V036000 · manufacturer #04002 · 27/01/2004

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, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THE…

Interior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #99V218000 · manufacturer #99047 · 11/08/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION." THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BACKLIGHTING MAY NOT FUNCTION AFTER ADJUSTING THE INTERIOR LIGHT INTENSITY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

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.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire MPG & running costs

Combined22–25 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,870
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,350 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$911
High
$2,300

From 7 comparable 1999 Pontiac Sunfire listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,350
Fuel only$14,350
Per mile$0.19

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

Length
181.5–181.9 in
Width
68.1–68.5 in
Height
53.1–54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,637–2,870 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 114

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 114.

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023

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 2022

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 PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019

This 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 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This 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 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This 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 2018

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 Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SUNFIRE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may 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: Dealer will install a…

Transport Canada #2004033 · Jan 2004

Engine

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 2000

Source: 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.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · GT
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl

1999 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles on record

1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124XX7513525 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire GT4G2JB32TXXB202790 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire GT4G2JB32T0XB203849 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB1240X7504378 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB5248X7557613 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB5249X7504905 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire GT4G2JB32T7XB200639 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB5245X7583229 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB524XX7583128

Other Pontiac Sunfire model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998 1997 1996 1995

1999 Pontiac Sunfire — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?

Across all 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, service brakes.

What is the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 1★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The 1999 Pontiac Sunfire has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

How much is a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Comparable 1999 Pontiac Sunfire listings run roughly $500–$2,300, typically around $911 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.