2005 Pontiac Sunfire Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Pontiac Sunfire has 68 NHTSA complaints, with the Electrical System accounting for 90% of them. No recalls are on file, and no verdict or complaint index is assigned since this is the only model year with data.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- —/100
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 68
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 22 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2005 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System61 (90%)
- Engine9 (13%)
- Steering4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (4%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)
- HVAC1 (1%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the speedometer dropping to zero or reading incorrectly, sometimes jumping to 110 mph and staying there.
- Ignition key removal did not always shut off the engine, leaving it running unattended.
- Rear turn signal bulbs repeatedly failed despite a dealer-applied grease fix.
- Engine stalling occurred repeatedly while driving, including near intersections, with dealers unable to identify a cause.
- A rear brake retaining spring broke while driving, dropping parts into the drum and causing overheating.
- The rear window glass reportedly shattered after the rear defroster malfunctioned.
2005 Pontiac Sunfire recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2005 Pontiac Sunfire fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Sunfire years
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Recalls | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | — | 68 | 0 | 25.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
- NHTSA lists 68 complaints for the 2005 Sunfire, with 90% concentrated in the Electrical System. There is no complaint index or verdict assigned since this is the only Sunfire model year with data available.
- Does the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
- No, NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
- What is the most common problem with the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, making up 90% of the 68 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 61,000 miles.
- What mileage do 2005 Sunfire electrical problems typically appear at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 61,000 miles for Electrical System complaints on the 2005 Sunfire.