Model year guide

2002 Pontiac Sunfire

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Pontiac Sunfire at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints91
Combined21–25 mpg
Typical price$1,265

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

2002 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 2

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.

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.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 91 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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire MPG & running costs

Combined21–25 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,867
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,333 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Low
$850
Typical price
$1,265
High
$2,500

From 10 comparable 2002 Pontiac Sunfire listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,335
Depreciation (5 yrs)$600
Total$14,935
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,265) with the same model 3 model-years older ($911), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
181.5–185.0 in
Width
68.1–68.5 in
Height
53.1–54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,606–2,771 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 432

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 432.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

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 bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 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

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

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.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire trims & engines on record

Trims
SE
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl · 2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp · 2.4L 4-cyl

2002 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles on record

2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124827263484 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124227396919 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124427260680 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB524X27199102 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB524327276831 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124527473136 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124727385544 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB12F427299934 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB52T527186524 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124527201380 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124927335602 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB12F127246530 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124027160978 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124427103344 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB124X27104868 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE1G2JB52T527172123 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2002 Pontiac Sunfire1G2JB524127456938

Other Pontiac Sunfire model years

2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

2002 Pontiac Sunfire — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?

Across all 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

How much is a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Comparable 2002 Pontiac Sunfire listings run roughly $850–$2,500, typically around $1,265 (from 10 vehicles).

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