Model year
2003 Pontiac Sunfire
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 72 complaints for the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8), EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL (7). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 25 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 96 complaints
- 2001 66 complaints
- 2002 82 complaints
- 2003 72 complaints
- 2004 32 complaints
- 2005 68 complaints
Recalls
04V524000 · Nov 1, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BULBS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING IN CRUISE…
Complaints
72 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 4, fire flag on 1, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04043 | TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | May 14, 2004 | Sep 14, 2004 |
| EA04028 | TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | Sep 14, 2004 | Nov 22, 2004 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunfire · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Sunfire · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Pontiac Sunfire at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.