Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | ||||||||||||||||
| 04V036000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 03/01/1997 to 09/30/1998 | V (Vehicle) | 1415231 | 03/01/2004 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/27/2004 | 02/05/2004 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain passenger vehicles. if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Gm recall no. 04002.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| 98836416 | 06/01/1998 | 601912 | Conditions regarding weak or discharged battery, slow starting, gen or mil lamp on, various driveability symptoms. *yc | 08/28/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||||
| 02232004 | 02/23/2004 | 10013000 | If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. *tt | 04/05/2005 | |
| 04122004 | 04/12/2004 | 10009214 | Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002. gm voicemail express. *tt | 09/17/2004 | |
| 04002 | 05/12/2004 | 10007858 | Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events. *mj | 07/13/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 020604011 | 03/01/2002 | 634710 | Subject regarding revised diagnostic trouble code p0140. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| 010849009 | 06/01/2001 | 622716 | Subject regarding revised instrument panel cluster (ipc) replacement. nlm | 10/22/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 01/04/2010 | 123000 | 1 | |
| Ignition switch, or anti theft system, causes fuel pump to not work properly and also fuel injectors, been in garage 3 times and finally was told the problem after spending hundreds of dollars, was told gm had a recall on this part. *tr | |||
| 03/08/2008 | 160000 | 30 | |
| All i have to say about this car is it is a piece of junk. i have had mine for almost two years now and in this two years i have had to put about 7,000 dollars of work into it. as of right now my car is sitting 200 hundred miles away on the side of the highway because the wiring to my starter keeps blowing my starters up. and as far as im concerned the car can stay there. i'm not even going to bother going to get it. someone else can bar the burden that comes with that car! im done! *tr | |||
| 10/30/2004 | 32000 | 8 | 11/01/2000 |
| I have replaced the rear drivers side brake light/turn signal 6 times. i have had the circuit board replaced. the housing, the socket, and now they want to replace the connector. today my rear passenger brake light/turn signal went out and upon inspection the bulb had melted in the socket. this is posing a hazard to me. no brake lights, or turn signals in the rear. *jb | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1998 chevrolet cavalier, i had my car for 4 yrs, when i bought the car the next month the coils burn out and had to be replace. i had my car fixed 7 times for the same thing. i still have a car note and my car still isn't running, i can't trade it in because the market value is low and my negative equity is too high. i have put almost $6,000 dollars in repairs in my car and still owe $5,000.00, i don't know what to do. my credit is bad because i have been late on my car note trying to get the car fix every other month. the electrical system is real bad, the cords burn out twce, i had every cinsor in my car replace, i had two new batteries in the last year. everything under my hood is almost brand new and my car just broke down again, and i just got it out the shop 1 month ago. i need help in regards to this situation.*ak | |||
| 40178 | 1 | ||
| Attempting to start the vehicle, smoke came out the ignition and steering column. *ph the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition system. the dealer also indicated that the battery was bad and replaced it. after the repairs were made the consumer received a recall notice related to the vehicle ignition system. the consumer request reimbursement for all repairs along with reimbursement for other expenses incurred. *nm | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 71000 | 1 | 08/01/2000 |
| Consumer stated the vehicle was parked and shut off. without warning, the vehicle caught on fire from the steering column. dealer notified. *ak consumer woke to ignition running. ignition was in off position with the keys removed. she inserted the key and turned it on and off several times until the engine shut off. just then smoke was seen coming from under the steering column. fire dept. determined fire was the result of something electrical. *ph *jb | |||
| 05/21/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving in warm weather the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was allowed to sit for a few minutes before it started up again. *nlm | |||
| 08/19/1999 | 8 | 09/19/1998 | |
| The interior lights are inoperative, the headlights go off while driving at night causing loss of visibility and the radio has been replaced 3 times, the dealer replaced a shorted fuse, the multifunction control module, multifunction alarm and fuse and the drivers side door jamb switch but the problems still exist. nlm | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 10/17/1997 | |
| All lights including all electrical components failed. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 07/14/1998 | 1 | 01/01/1998 | |
| There has been one thing wrong after the other ever since i bought this car and i believe it a piece of crap but i guess that i am stuck up it since chevrolet declined my buyback request. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 2 | 09/01/2002 | |
| Dt: the consumer replaced the battery twice in two years before receiving recall o4v036000 notice concerning the ignition switch in march 2004. the owner made an appointment to have the repair work done. the dealer installed a relay kit and recharged the battery. the vehicle was taken home and worked fine for three or four weeks. the owner continued to have problems with the battery draining, and having to jump start the vehicle. the battery was replaced at least one other time in november 2004. the owner talked with the dealer but was unsuccessful in getting the vehicle repaired under recall. the dealer actually wanted to charge for checking as to why the battery was draining instead of replacing the ignition switch as stated in the recall notice. owner has talked with ronald berkan at general motors, who contacted the dealer and was told that the kit was placed in the vehicle as required by the recall. mr. berkan also stated that the ignition switch was not involved. there was nothing else that gm would do under this recall.*ak consumer is afraid that if recall work is not performed the ignition switch could cause a fire. still having problems and now has to jump start vehicle every 24 hours. *tt | |||
| 55000 | 1 | ||
| Request of restitution for repairs made to a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. *mr the consumer was not informed that a pinion bearing was also replaced because of a recall. the consumer also had problems with the rack and pinion locking up. *scc the consumer also stated the battery was replaced. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Approxiamately 2 months into owning the vehicle the problems started. first the seat belt covers snapped off, i've had to have the steering stabilizers replaced 3 times already, the air conditioner which is rarely used failed at about 55-60,000 miles, the battery busted and leaked on the entire right side under hood, the jack was warped, the gas guage reads incorrectly, the sunroof stopped working after 30000 miles, dash rattles, glove box will not stay closed, pass seat gets stuck when you move it forward, the gas pedal gets stuck and you have to apply more force than usual to get it moving, drivers door does not close all the way, more air than normal comes into vehicle, thermostat failed at 30000 miles, installed sidewinder 6500 car alarm which failed to operate after the battery busted, plus numerous other problems not mentioned here.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 04/23/2004 | 76968 | 5 | 11/13/1999 |
| I have had my 1998 chevrolet cavalier for almost 5 years now; in feb. 2003 i had to pay 321.25 to have an ignition switch replaced in my car (which was an recall issue); i asked martin burks chevrolet on forest park parkway in forest park, ga if the ignition problem was a recall issue and bob allen, the auto part service manager lied to me and stated that it was not a recall issue, so i paid $321.25 for repair service to find out a year later that the ignition system problem was a recall issue. so i want to inform you that chevrolet has auto repair service centers with workers that lies to consumers just to take their money. at this present time, my 1998 chevrolet cavalier will not start because something is blocking the fuel from reach the motor/engine (which is another recall problem) but not according to the chevrolet manufacturer; my wheels feels as if they are wobbling sometimes; and my steering column is making a squeaking sound when i turn it left or right. by putting in the vin number, i found out that there has been four recalls on this vehicle, but the manufacturer states that there has been only one recall, someone is again lying and i don't believe it is the carfax report. i feel that gm should extend the warranties on their vehicles longer than they do because their vehicles are learned to be defective before a lifetime of 5 years is up (pre years lifespan) for any vehicle and the consumer should not be made to purchase the warranties, but gmpp (general motors protection plan) should reissue an extended warranty when someone have had as many problems with their vehicles as i have within these last two years. i feel that these headaches and expenses could have been avoided if martin burks had fixed my car the first time; i also feels that martin burks chevrolet is an untrustworthy service center. i will also be contacting the better business bureau to inform them of the unsatisfied service i have had with martin burks chevrolet service center. *ak | |||
| 10/28/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that a fire started in the trunk of the vehicle. also states that the fire dept. said it started from the tail lights. ts | |||
| 06/25/1998 | |||
| Headlights fail intermittently during normal operation at any speed. dealership examined vehicle four times, and determined that wiring harness has corroded, and has to be replaced. please provide any additional information / documentation. *ak | |||
| 06/13/2000 | 5 | 07/01/1998 | |
| This paticular vehicle has been a problem since i drove it off the lot. nosafety defect mentioned in summary. *ak | |||
| 08/11/1999 | |||
| A fire started in the trunk area and spread underneath the vehicle while driving / parking the vehicle. maufacturer's engineer inspected the vehicle and determined the fire started by a faulty tail light assembly in the trunk. can nhtsa help in this matter or provide additional information. *ak | |||
| 06/02/1998 | |||
| Due to a short within a fuse, brake lights and tail lights keep going out. dealer is aware of the problem. *ak | |||
| 04/06/1999 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Potential safty defect...at 55 m/p/h my car engine cut out , fortunately i was able to coast to side of road because i was entering an exit ramp. the car was towed to the dealership i purchased it at they detected a short in the system because after 3 attempts of changing the fuel fuse , unfortunately they could not detect the reason for these fuses blowing after 3 days of keeping my car and running it. they said they removed gas tank to try to find the problem but to no avail. unfortunately i am not satisfied that this will not reoccur and am uncomfortable in driving the car because at any speed it can cut out and i loose my brakes steering and all control of the car. this has left me in a very unsure condition and i do not trust the car. the dealership said it could happen again and gave me 3 fuses to compensate me, i feel a more radical measure is warranted for the potential safty hazard of this car is a death trap! thank you gp bell | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 04/01/2008 | 12 | ||
| This car has been in the family for most of its life. when my sister bought it. she would have trouble with it starting up. she would have to try several times before it would finally start up. im not sure of the problem. i was told it could be the ignition switch. but this has been replaced twice. this gets expensive when you do this? i was wondering if there was any other complaints with this. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2004 | 80000 | 30 | 03/08/2001 |
| When the weather began to warm up last summer my car started to have problems starting. i would turn the key and my engine would turn and turn but not fire correctly. after a few tries, it would finally start up. i didn't think any thing of this problem at first, but after a while it started misfiring like this quite freqently after the weather began to get really warm and humid outside and i had previously driven my vehicle that day. i have had all the recalls fixed on my car, including the recall for the ignition switch, but this problem with starting my car still persisted. one day i went out to my car and it didn't start at all and it ended up my battery had died and i don't know if this had anything to do with the above stated problem, but i'm sure the rough starts were not good on my battery either. i finally made an appointment with the local chevrolet dealer after i had them install a new battery and they kept it for a couple days and couldn't find anything wrong with it. not suprisingly, the day after i got my car back, it started rough again. i bought one of those manuals that helps you identify and correct automobile problems yourself, so i have replaced coolant sensors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and fluids, but the problem still persisted. it is now february 2005 and the weather is cooler outside and i haven't had any problems thus far. i'm afraid when it starts to get warmer outside, though, that i'll begin to have this problem again. is there any help that i can get with this problem? are there any recalls or has anybody else had the same problem? thank you for any help. | |||
| 06/05/2004 | 5 | ||
| While turning right consumer was unable to steer. this caused the vehicle to stall. consumer restarted the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. the cause of the problem had not been determined. *ak | |||
| 09/03/2002 | 1 | 11/01/2097 | |
| On september 3, 2002, i tried starting the car in the morning around 11:15 am. the car did not start after multiple attempts. the car was left in the apartment parking lot. the car door was opened around 2:00 pm and black smoke came out all over from inside the car. there was a fire flame on the dash-board from the hole inside the steering. the car caught on fire as it received oxygen from the wind blowing. immediately 911 was called. fire department came down within 5 minutes and blew out the fire. a police complaint was filed. also we contacted general motors and they inspected the car after the fire. finally gm accepted full responsibility for the failure after 14 business days. gm reimbursed our insurance company all the expenses incurred. dt | |||
| 02/14/2002 | 07/01/2001 | ||
| My car statred to run rough about 3 months after buying it. towed it to the dealer, they replaced the ignition coil at 42,008 on oct 29 2001.on feb.14 2002 they same prblem occured at 48,000 miles.ignition coils needed to be replaced again.there has to be a prblem somewhere as i was told that you might have to replace the coil only once in a cars life and this is the second time in only 6,000 miles!could someone please look into this.*ak | |||
| When vehicle is first started it would stall out. rpms would rev up from zero, and vehicle stalled. had taken to dealer first time, and mechanic changed spark plugs. problem reoccurred twice since then, 2 months later. *ak | |||
| 04/21/2001 | 10/01/1998 | ||
| Ever since we've bought this vehicle there's been nothing but problems. while backing out of the driveway it will stall out and shut off. in feb of 2000 the spark plugs needed to be replaced. the gas gauge flucuates. it will show 1/4 tank of gas left and ten minutes later the check gas light comes on and the gauge drops. some kind of electrical wire on the front drivers side went bad. the driver's side door won't shut any more, the latch needs to be replaced. it's like every 3 ot 4 months something wither minor or significant goes wrong with it and persoanlly i am sick of it. i believe that my car is a lemon and i want to do something about it.*ak | |||
| 04/25/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Car is a complete lemon made with poor quality. it is unrealible and a constant headache. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| 11/08/1999 | 4 | 03/01/1998 | |
| My vehicle has trouble doing everything a new car should do. this vehicle has jeopordized my families safety on numerous occasions. having the horn not work when another vehicle pulls out on me is a serious matter which should be looked into. everytime the oil is changed on the car they come back and tell me the transmission is leaking again. obviously replacing the shaft seal is not fixing the problem especially when it leaks again 3000 miles in between dealership visits. having a constant gasoline and sulfer odor emitting from the vehicle worries me especially considering i have two very young children.when brought up to the dealership they will not look into the matter anymore unless a engine light is on. this vehicle will shortly run out of warranty and i believe general motors has blown off my letters, phonecalls and e-mails knowing this. thank you for your time in this matter, sincerely clifton cole. *ak | |||
| 10/18/1999 | 1 | 04/10/1998 | |
| Spark plug wires shorted. yh | |||
| 1 | 04/01/1998 | ||
| The ignition cylinder lock failed. *yc | |||
| 03/05/1998 | 1 | 12/23/1997 | |
| Both front struts started to leak and failed to function properly causing temporary loss of control on wet or rough roads. | |||
| 02/08/1998 | 1 | 12/23/1997 | |
| Check engine light came on while the vehicle was running rough. when the driver pulled off the road to check the oil, the vehicle shut off. dealer noticed that the problem was due to two bad spark plugs. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 04/28/2004 | 1 | ||
| While under slow acceleration the car feels like it is misfiring or hesitating. the car jerks repetitively. took it to the shop no codes where detected. *ak | |||
| 02/06/2004 | 56900 | 12 | 06/16/2001 |
| When key is inserted into ignition steering is locked and key will not turn. trying to turn steering wheel does not budge it. car is imobile and cannot be driven. this is an intermittent problem. no sure way to tell when it will occur.*ak | |||
| 10/09/1998 | 1 | 04/10/1998 | |
| Vehicle intermittently will turn over but not start due to pcm failure. yh | |||
| 05/13/1999 | 3 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Egr valve: replaced twice, cleaned once; gm rep. says not his problem after 24k miles; car has miss and idles rough, codes detected p0300, p0404, p1404, p0405; dlr replace pcm computer. called state a.g. | |||
| 04/03/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Computer chip need reprogramming, causing transmission problems. yh | |||
| 09/01/1998 | |||
| While driving and with the air conditioner on or the defogger on, the vehicle will stall unexpectedly which may cause an accident. been to dealer several times. dealer replaced the crank case position sensor and a computer chip, but the problem would reoccur. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 2 | 09/01/2002 | |
| Dt: the consumer replaced the battery twice in two years before receiving recall o4v036000 notice concerning the ignition switch in march 2004. the owner made an appointment to have the repair work done. the dealer installed a relay kit and recharged the battery. the vehicle was taken home and worked fine for three or four weeks. the owner continued to have problems with the battery draining, and having to jump start the vehicle. the battery was replaced at least one other time in november 2004. the owner talked with the dealer but was unsuccessful in getting the vehicle repaired under recall. the dealer actually wanted to charge for checking as to why the battery was draining instead of replacing the ignition switch as stated in the recall notice. owner has talked with ronald berkan at general motors, who contacted the dealer and was told that the kit was placed in the vehicle as required by the recall. mr. berkan also stated that the ignition switch was not involved. there was nothing else that gm would do under this recall.*ak consumer is afraid that if recall work is not performed the ignition switch could cause a fire. still having problems and now has to jump start vehicle every 24 hours. *tt | |||
| 11/08/2004 | 65683 | 1 | |
| Recall 04v036000 concerning ignition switch failure. after taking the vehicle to dealer for recall repairs the vehicle did not start. consumer had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer to do recall repairs again. *ak | |||
| 11/02/2004 | 2 | ||
| Nhtsa recall 04v036000 on the ignition switch . after having the relay kit replaced,the consumer was unable to start the vehicle. *jb the consumer had a remote starter installed and was told it was the ignition switch that was faulty. *tc | |||
| 09/09/2004 | 1 | ||
| 04 v 036 000/ignition switch: consumer has a concern that the dealer was unable to honor the recall because no parts were available. please provide any further information. *jb | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 2 | ||
| Problems with engine failure. *mr the consumer experienced starting problems described in recall# 04v036000. the consumer would place the key in the ignition, turn the key to the start position and the engine failed to start. the original switch was replaced. *sc the consumer did not believe the recall was ever performed on the vehicle, since the vehicle continued to exhibit problems. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2004 | 2 | ||
| Recall notice received regarding ignition switch failure. *mr the consumer requested reimbursement. recall# 04v036000. the consumers vehicle required a new ignition switch, starter and battery. the starter was replaced under warranty. it appeared that the electrical components had a short service span in this make/model. *sc the consumers bill totaled over seven hundred dollars, but was sent a check for 136.62 for the part which pertained to the recall. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Problems with vehicle's ignition switch. *mr recall#04v036000. the vehicle required a new ignition switch, starter and battery. the consumer requested reimbursement for the ignition switch. *sc | |||
| 04/23/2004 | 76968 | 5 | 11/13/1999 |
| I have had my 1998 chevrolet cavalier for almost 5 years now; in feb. 2003 i had to pay 321.25 to have an ignition switch replaced in my car (which was an recall issue); i asked martin burks chevrolet on forest park parkway in forest park, ga if the ignition problem was a recall issue and bob allen, the auto part service manager lied to me and stated that it was not a recall issue, so i paid $321.25 for repair service to find out a year later that the ignition system problem was a recall issue. so i want to inform you that chevrolet has auto repair service centers with workers that lies to consumers just to take their money. at this present time, my 1998 chevrolet cavalier will not start because something is blocking the fuel from reach the motor/engine (which is another recall problem) but not according to the chevrolet manufacturer; my wheels feels as if they are wobbling sometimes; and my steering column is making a squeaking sound when i turn it left or right. by putting in the vin number, i found out that there has been four recalls on this vehicle, but the manufacturer states that there has been only one recall, someone is again lying and i don't believe it is the carfax report. i feel that gm should extend the warranties on their vehicles longer than they do because their vehicles are learned to be defective before a lifetime of 5 years is up (pre years lifespan) for any vehicle and the consumer should not be made to purchase the warranties, but gmpp (general motors protection plan) should reissue an extended warranty when someone have had as many problems with their vehicles as i have within these last two years. i feel that these headaches and expenses could have been avoided if martin burks had fixed my car the first time; i also feels that martin burks chevrolet is an untrustworthy service center. i will also be contacting the better business bureau to inform them of the unsatisfied service i have had with martin burks chevrolet service center. *ak | |||
| 03/22/2004 | 130000 | 3 | |
| Consumer received recall concerning ignition switch failure. the dealer performed the recall repairs, but before the consumer could get home, the vehicle was having problems. *ak the engine light had also illuminated. *sc the consumer had problems starting the vehicle before the she received the recall. the consumer continued to have problems with the vehicle after the recall was performed, the dealer continued to tell the consumer that they did their part and anything further would cost the consumer. *jb | |||
| 2 | |||
| Nhtsa 04v036000 ignition switch. while the vehicle was parked on the driveway it caught on fire. the next door neighbor ran and remove the battery from the vehicle. the fire was coming from the driver side dashboard. the local fire department extinguished the fire. the vehicle was taken tot he dealer to get the remedy done. the problem with the ignition switch still occurs. please provide further details. | |||
| 65000 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle experienced problems with the ignition switch. the consumer was unable to turn the vehicle off. the alternator had to be disconnected. please provide further details. *jb | |||
| 10/28/2003 | 69000 | 3 | |
| I have replaced the ignition switch in my 1998 cavalier 3 times in the past three years - this is not a cheap endeavor. i know there was a recall on 1995-1997 - but what about 1998? *la | |||
| 07/16/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that steering column caught on fire when key was turned to start position. vehicle checked by dealer who advised that the internal switch had melted.*jb | |||
| 01/08/2001 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle will not crank, no power to starter. dealer replaced ignition switch. there is a recall 02v070000 regarding replacement of the ignition switch for previous models, however consumer's vehicle is not included in recall. *tt | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | 09/16/1998 | ||
| Consumer states having problems with the vehicles starter.*jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 74000 | 1 | ||
| While driving at highway speed smoke started coming from under the hood ,then the engine died. when consumer popped the hood, noticed that the engine was on fire. the fire was caused by an electrical failure, per the fire inspector.*ak | |||
| 09/18/2002 | 1 | ||
| While starting vehicle, the fuse would short out, vehicle was serviced, technician notice electrical system wiring problem. *ak *jb | |||
| 12/10/1998 | 4 | 03/24/1998 | |
| Smell of burning wires when driving. radiator hose failed prior to/after recall repairs. also, transfer case malfunctioned prior to/after recall repairs 98v013000. in addition, rear passenger's side door handle broke inside. | |||
| 12/10/1998 | 03/24/1998 | ||
| Smell of burning wires when driving. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 02/12/2004 | 102000 | 1 | |
| Intermittently while driving consumer saw blue smoke coming through the under hood. vehicle was taken to the dealer, and mechanic determined nothing was wrong with the vehicle.*ak | |||
| 06/25/1998 | |||
| Headlights fail intermittently during normal operation at any speed. dealership examined vehicle four times, and determined that wiring harness has corroded, and has to be replaced. please provide any additional information / documentation. *ak | |||
| 11/09/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| The cavalier was driven to work by my daughter on 11-09-98. she parked the car and locked it and went to work at the after school day care for the ymca. about 5 minutes later, a parent entered and asked who owned the cavalier because smoke was coming from it's engine. by the time my daughter ran outside the car had burst into flames. the school custodians tried to put the fire out with fire extinguishers but they were only successful in putting out the flames that ran from my car to 2 others. the fire department was called and they determined that the fire started in the engine due to either faulty electrical or gas lines. i have contacted gm and they have had their inspector look at the car on 11-16-98. since the inspector looked at the car, their customer service representative jenny yurenka will not return my phone calls. a receptionist informed me that it will take gm another 14 days to determine what to do with a car that bursts into flames for no apparent reasons. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 04/21/2001 | 10/01/1998 | ||
| Ever since we've bought this vehicle there's been nothing but problems. while backing out of the driveway it will stall out and shut off. in feb of 2000 the spark plugs needed to be replaced. the gas gauge flucuates. it will show 1/4 tank of gas left and ten minutes later the check gas light comes on and the gauge drops. some kind of electrical wire on the front drivers side went bad. the driver's side door won't shut any more, the latch needs to be replaced. it's like every 3 ot 4 months something wither minor or significant goes wrong with it and persoanlly i am sick of it. i believe that my car is a lemon and i want to do something about it.*ak | |||
| 07/10/2000 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| The wiring on my 1998 cavlier wore thrugh and shorted out ignition and other accessories. i paid dealer to make repairs the same problem has now happened to my daughter's 1998 cavalier at about the same mileage the dealer she is talking to says the problem was caused by the clip that retains the wiring harness and they state the defect is not covered by the extended warranty, chevrolet customer service refuses to talk because she has an extended warranty it seems to me that there is a problem with the way chevrolet supports the wiring harness under the dash if in one family the same defect develops at about the same mileage, on the make, and model of vehicle. others must be having similar problems. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK | |||
| 08/12/2006 | 82000 | 1 | 04/12/1998 |
| No warning of anything wrong, had driven less than 1 mile when trunk caught on fire due to defective wiring. *nm | |||
| 09/11/2006 | 65000 | 1 | 04/05/1998 |
| Wiring harness shorted out and started trunk fire. *nm | |||