The 1992 Pontiac Sunbird has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the accelerator cable on four-cylinder models, where freezing or a physical kink can cause the throttle to stick open or lose control entirely while driving.
Both accelerator issues affect four-cylinder engines. In cold weather, water can freeze inside the accelerator cable conduit, making the pedal stiff or causing the cable to bind so the throttle does not return to idle when you lift your foot. Separately, the cable may have been kinked during assembly, which can produce the same heavy-pedal feel, or cause the cable to snap, leaving the driver with no throttle response at all. Either condition raises the risk of a crash. On the structural side, the secondary hood latch spring may be missing or installed incorrectly, meaning the backup latch does not catch the striker. If the primary latch also fails to engage, the hood can fly up at speed and block the driver's view. The remaining recall is a compliance issue: a hose in the crankcase ventilation system can fail prematurely, causing the engine to vent gases it should not and putting the vehicle out of conformance with Canadian emissions regulations.
At a glance
What can fail
A hose in the crankcase ventilation system may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to not meet emissions standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV hose with a revised part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
On 4-cylinder engines, water can freeze in the accelerator cable conduit during cold weather, causing high pedal effort or cable binding. This may prevent the throttle from returning to idle when you release the pedal.
What the fix does
The accelerator control cable assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On four-cylinder engine vehicles, the accelerator cable may be kinked during assembly, causing high pedal effort, cable sticking, or breakage. A stuck or broken cable could result in loss of throttle control.
What the fix does
The accelerator cable assembly will be inspected and replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch spring may be missing or installed incorrectly, preventing the secondary latch from engaging the striker. If the primary latch also fails, the hood could open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the secondary hood latch spring and install a new one if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
