Model year guide

2004 Pontiac Sunfire

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 15 on record.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Pontiac Sunfire at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints32
Combined25–27 mpg
Typical price$1,241

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

2004 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.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #04V300000 · manufacturer #04056 · 23/06/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.' THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SAFETY BELT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND INSTALL A NEW NUT AND BOLT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 32 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.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2004 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 2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire MPG & running costs

Combined25–27 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,600
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$1,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,241
High
$1,800

From 11 comparable 2004 Pontiac Sunfire listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$350
Total$13,350
Per mile$0.18

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 ($1,241) with the same model 5 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
183.1–185.0 in
Width
68.1–68.5 in
Height
53.1–54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,646–2,771 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 461

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 461.

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

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 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

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · 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

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies, and CMVSS 210 - Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages. On some of these vehicles, the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt that may not withstand the loads required by the two standards. In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate…

Transport Canada #2004211 · Jul 2004

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.

2004 Pontiac Sunfire trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp

2004 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Sunfire model years

2004 Pontiac Sunfire — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2004 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 2004 Pontiac Sunfire?

Across all 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, structure.

What is the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 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 2004 Pontiac Sunfire get?

The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire has U.S. EPA estimates of 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire worth?

Comparable 2004 Pontiac Sunfire listings run roughly $700–$1,800, typically around $1,241 (from 11 vehicles).

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