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1986 Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo 2dr Convertible

The 1986 Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo 2dr Convertible is a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 convertible with an automatic 3-speed and front-wheel drive. It starts at $14,769 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The Sunbird measures 181.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,690 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$14,769 ($43,795 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L I4 turbocharged
Displacement1.8 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic 3-speed
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14-in. aluminum alloy
Wheels Rear14-in. aluminum alloy
Dimensions & Weight
Length181 in
Width66 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,690 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39 in
Headroom Rear37 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear37 in
Hip Room Front48 in
Hip Room Rear48 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Pontiac SUNBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

NHTSA campaign 06E043000

Apr 28, 1986 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.

Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

NHTSA campaign 86V056000

6 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Pontiac SUNBIRD

Owner Complaints

6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Pontiac SUNBIRD. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Steering2
Hydraulic1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Service Brakes1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 3, 2004 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“COMPLAINT ABOUT MANFACTURES NEED TO INSTALL BRAKE LINES ON ALL VEHICLES. *BF THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES. *TC”
May 19, 1998 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOBES ON THE CAMSHAFT WERE WORN OUT, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS…”
Feb 4, 1996 · Latches/Locks/Linkages
“REAR DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK, WOULD OPEN WITH A PUSH. *DSH”
Jan 7, 1996 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“HEAD GASKET CONTINUALLY FAILS. *DSH”
Jul 20, 1995 · Steering
“THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER, EXCESSIVE EFFORT IS NEEDED TO OPERATE STEERING. TT”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 PONTIAC SUNBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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