1997 Pontiac Sunfire

Introduction The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is a compact coupe that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.2-liter inline-four that produced 115 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.4-liter inline-four was optional, producing 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People who like the Sunfire praise its sporty handling, responsive steering, and affordable price. However, some owners have reported experiencing various issues with the vehicle, which are detailed below.

Engine

• 2.2L Inline-Four
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, engine stalling
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.4L Inline-Four
  • No Major Issues Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Shifter Linkage Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
    • Solution: Repair or replace the shifter linkage
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, no reverse gear
    • Solution: Replace the transmission solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: 97V136000

Suspension

• Front Struts
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shocks
  • No Major Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, electrical components malfunctioning
    • Solution: Check for parasitic draw, replace the battery as needed
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Overcharging
    • Description/Symptoms: Electrical components fail prematurely, battery won’t hold a charge
    • Solution: Replace the alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handles
  • Door Handle Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Door handles snap off, making it difficult to open the doors
    • Solution: Replace the door handles
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Trunk Lid
  • Trunk Lid Alignment Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Trunk lid doesn’t close properly, allowing water to leak in
    • Solution: Adjust the trunk lid alignment
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracks, especially around the vents and windshield
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Seats
  • Seat Fabric Tearing
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat fabric tears easily
    • Solution: Repair or replace the seat fabric
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has some known issues. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, shifter linkage problems, and dashboard cracking. The severity of these issues varies, but some can be costly to repair. Overall, the Sunfire is a good value for the money, but it’s important to be aware of potential problems before buying one.