2002 Pontiac Sunfire

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire was a compact car known for its affordability and sporty styling. Engine options included a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and a 2.4L LD9 inline-4 producing 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally liked the Sunfire’s fuel economy and value, but common complaints included reliability issues and interior quality.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket. Low coolant levels and overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, or failure to start. Check engine light illuminates with codes related to the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L LD9 Inline-4

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and rear main seal. Visible oil puddles under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket and rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover - $80 - $150, Rear Main Seal - $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, especially on startup. Check engine light illuminates with codes related to timing.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, shifts roughly, or fails to shift at all.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Fluid flush may help in some cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush - $100 - $200, Rebuild - $1500 - $3000+, Replacement - $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling when coming to a stop, shuddering at low speeds, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning noises from the front suspension, especially when turning the steering wheel. Poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunction or stop working. The instrument cluster may flicker or go completely dark.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the rocker panels, quarter panels, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per area
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior door handles break easily, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire can have a range of issues, from moderate engine and transmission problems to electrical and suspension concerns. The severity and cost of repairs can vary, with some issues like coolant leaks and door handle breakage being relatively inexpensive to fix, while others like transmission rebuilds and rust repair can be significantly more costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a purchase.