1996 Pontiac Sunrunner

Introduction

The 1996 Pontiac Sunrunner is a compact SUV that was offered with two engine options and two transmission options. The base engine was a 2.2L inline-4, while the optional engine was a 3.4L V6. Both engines were paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, while the V6 could also be paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Sunrunner was available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Sunrunner was praised for its comfortable interior, spacious cargo area, and good fuel economy. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, especially with the base engine.

Engine

2.2L Inline-4

• Weak head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, rough idle, engine misfire
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.4L V6

• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket, burning oil smell
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power steering pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the power steering pump, difficulty steering
  • Solution: Replace the power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic (only available with V6 engine)

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, hesitation when shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, clunking noise when driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace the front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per leaf spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery won’t hold a charge, car won’t start
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat fabric tearing
  • Description/Symptoms: Tearing in the seat fabric
  • Solution: Repair or replace the seat fabric
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1996 Pontiac Sunrunner is a reliable vehicle, but it does have some common issues. The most serious issues are the transmission slipping and the valve cover gasket leak. The other issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix.