2002 Pontiac Sunfire: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire: 0 recalls, 82 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Steering Equipment recall #08E063000 · 2008 · 3,855 vehicles
What's wrong: 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of September 2007. These replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. The weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube May be defective.
Why it matters: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), stalls / loses power (5), door / lock issues (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Engine & cooling (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (3), electrical failure (2).
- Steering (11): the most common themes are steering problems (8), noise or vibration (3).
The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has 82 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 13 Sunfire model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 2003 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 35,690 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (66 complaints, 1 recalls), 2003 (72 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.
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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Sunfire problems?
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (24), brakes (hydraulic) (15), engine & cooling (11).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 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.