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1988 Pontiac Sunbird Wagon SE 4dr

The 1988 Pontiac Sunbird Wagon SE 4dr is a 2.0-liter inline-4 wagon with an automatic 3-speed and front-wheel drive. It starts at $9,799 MSRP and is rated at 25 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (25 mpg combined).

The Sunbird Wagon measures 175.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,445 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$9,799 ($26,920 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0L I4
Displacement2 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic 3-speed
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined25 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13-in. steel
Wheels Rear13-in. steel
Dimensions & Weight
Length175 in
Width66 in
Height54 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,445 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38 in
Headroom Rear38 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear33 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear53 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

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1988 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

Jul 25, 1988 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.

Consequence: WINDSHIELD COULD SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIERTEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212. SUCH SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT INAN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND INJURIED.

Remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.

NHTSA campaign 88V121000

Jun 14, 1988 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.

Consequence: LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.

NHTSA campaign 88V095000

4 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Pontiac SUNBIRD

Owner Complaints

4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Pontiac SUNBIRD. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Steering1
Tires1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 17, 2000 · Tires
“THE TIRE WAS PUT ON AT FIRESTONE IN MAY OF THE SAME YEAR (NEW), AND IT BLEW OUT MY FRONT FENDER AND CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I PAYED FOR A NEW TIRE BECAUSE FIRESTONE WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF…”
May 14, 1997 · Electrical System
“CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE FUEL TANK SHORTED OUT, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SPARK. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT NO WARNING. DEALER REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK”
Jun 30, 1995 · Steering
“POWER STEERING FAILS OCCASIONALLY. *DH”
Jun 28, 1995 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET, CAUSING SMOKE TO ENTE RINTO VEHICLE. *AK”

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 1988 PONTIAC SUNBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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