1991 Pontiac Sunbird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird: 2 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #91V165000 · 1991 · 41,718 vehicles
What's wrong: Front door interlock striker May fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for the shoulder belt anchorage.
Why it matters: The door frame would collapse. Vehicle does not complywith fmvss 210.
The fix: Replace the passive restraint interlock striker studs on front doors.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #92V003000 · 1992 · 347,866 vehicles
What's wrong: The front door shoulder belt guide loops May be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208.
Why it matters: The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident.
The fix: Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Speed control / throttle (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Pontiac Sunbird has 27 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 Sunbird model years for complaints (1.8× the average Sunbird year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 81,914 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (11 complaints, 0 recalls), 1992 (30 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Pontiac Sunbird problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (6), speed control / throttle (5), seat belts (4).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.