1997 Pontiac Sunfire steering problems
42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl * the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
filed Jul 1, 2014
“Heard and felt a loud thud sound from steering area driving home. Power steering feels like it is gone when turning left, but turns easier when turning right at low speeds. Steering wheel becomes off centered at times. Almost feels as if I might loose control of front tires during turns or at…”
filed Feb 25, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND…Campaign 02V286000 · Nov 4, 2002
Steering problems in other Sunfire years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Sunfire | 4 | 6% |
| 2004 Sunfire | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 Sunfire | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 Sunfire | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 Sunfire | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 Sunfire | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 Sunfire | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 Sunfire | 14 | 12% |
| 1996 Sunfire | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 Sunfire | 3 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.