Model year guide

2000 Pontiac Sunfire

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2000 Pontiac Sunfire at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints118
Combined22–24 mpg
Typical price$1,690

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

2000 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 3

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.

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…

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.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2000 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 2000 Pontiac Sunfire 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire MPG & running costs

Combined22–24 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,890
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,450 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 2000 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,690
High
$4,500

From 5 comparable 2000 Pontiac Sunfire listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,450
Fuel only$14,450
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
181.9–183.1 in
Width
68.1–68.5 in
Height
53.1–54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,630–2,998 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE Closed

ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD. A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS. DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION…

NHTSA #EA02028 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · opened Sep 2002 · closed Dec 2003

ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION Closed

ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION. THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ¿SOCK¿ STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET. THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTING IN A REDUCED FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY MODIFIED THE STRAINERS TO REDUCE THIS RESTRICTION. ANA…

NHTSA #PE02066 · Fuel System, Other, Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Sep 2002 · closed Nov 2003

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE Closed

NHTSA #SQ01002 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jan 2001 · closed Sep 2002

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 375

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 375.

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 PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

Bulletin 22-NA-074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2024

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

Bulletin PI1394B · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · Jan 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effe…

Bulletin PIP5601B · Equipment · Jan 2024

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

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2000 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

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101- Location and Identification of Controls and Displays. Vehicles exhibit a condition in which the "Generator Low Voltage" indicator light will not illuminate under low voltage conditions. Correction: Dealers will reflash the vehicle PCM with new calibration software.

Transport Canada #2001096 · Apr 2001

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 - Control Location and Identification. The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays. Correction: Dealers will test the body control module (BCM) for the con…

Transport Canada #1999155 · Aug 1999

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.

2000 Pontiac Sunfire trims & engines on record

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

2000 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Sunfire model years

2000 Pontiac Sunfire — frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2000 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 2000 Pontiac Sunfire?

Across all 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2000 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 2000 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The 2000 Pontiac Sunfire has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

How much is a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Comparable 2000 Pontiac Sunfire listings run roughly $600–$4,500, typically around $1,690 (from 5 vehicles).

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