Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
New York safety inspections
Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 0 |
| 1999 | 3 | 0 |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 | 4 | 0 |
| 1996 | 4 | 0 |
| 1995 | 1 | 0 |
| 1994 Sunbird | 42 | 1 |
| 1993 Sunbird | 37 | 2 |
| 1992 Sunbird | 30 | 3 |
| 1991 Sunbird | 27 | 2 |
| 1990 Sunbird | 11 | 0 |
| 1989 Sunbird | 7 | 1 |
| 1988 | 4 | 2 |
| 1987 Sunbird | 6 | 1 |
| 1986 | 6 | 1 |
| 1985 | 4 | 0 |
| 1984 Sunbird | 5 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Service brakes, hydraulic38
- Engine and engine cooling38
- Electrical system24
- Seat belts19
- Vehicle speed control16
- Steering15
- Power train13
- Seats11
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Recalls
14 campaigns cover the Sunbird; the latest 12 are below.
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OVERTORQUED DRIVE AXLE SPINDLE NUTS. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE SPINDLE NUT AND DRIVE AXLE RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE DRIVE AXLE OR THE SPINDLE NUT. FAILURE OF EITHER OF THESE COMPONENTS CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE TIRE-WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE DRIVE AXLE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VERY COLD WEATHER, WATER THATN ENTERS THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT FREEZES AND CAUSES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITION.
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE KINK IN THE CABLE CAN CAUSE EITHER A HIGH EFFORT ACCELERATOR CABLE, STICKING ACCELERATOR CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE.
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.
FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.
REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.
THE FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
NHTSA recalls