Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
00V287000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 05/01/1993 to 06/30/1995V (Vehicle)69961712/19/2000ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.10/02/200010/19/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles. if the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Consequence SummaryA fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps). this campaign does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.
NotesOwner notification began december 19, 2000. 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 buick at 1-800-521-7300; oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
77640302/01/199751301Engine miss (replace spark plug wire and ignition coil). *tw06/27/1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
0007901/08/2001618103Information regarding ignition switch high electrical current. *jb04/04/2001
0015312/22/2000617765Campaign parts bulletin regarding ignition switch high electrical current. *tt03/26/2001
0007912/22/2000617747Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current. *tt03/26/2001
0007912/15/2000617751Subject regarding product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 1. *tt03/26/2001
0007912/15/2000617752Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 2. *tt03/26/2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
63831401/01/199751244Condensation collects on instrument panel cluster hood during high humidity (install new instrument panel cluster hood). *tw06/27/1997
53830405/01/199543031Unknown11/01/1995

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EA00007GENERAL MOTORS CORP.03/03/200002/07/2001STEERING COLUMN FIRES00V287000
 Odi has expanded the scope of its investigation of steering column fires to include all models built on the n-platform.gm hs indicated in its response that the subject vehicle are equipped with a rotary ignition switch that has been in use in a number of vehicle models since 1991 on both the n and j-platforms.however, the 1994-1995 platform is over represented accounting of r 83 (81%) of the combined total of 102 reports despite being only 4.2% of the combined population.of the 10 new reports received since opening pe99-063, 7 include allegations of a no start condition when attemption to engage the starter.a fire is claimed to have ensured in the steering column immediatedly thereafter.gm issued a technical service bulletin (no. 433203) july 1994 which addressed owner complaints that the ignition switch may not return to the run position after the vehicle has started.the tsb advises that the ignition switch mounting screws may be excessively torqued resulting in distortion of the switch housing.an engineering analysis is warranted to determine the root cause(s) and to determine if a safety defect exists.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
01/01/19011
 1994 pontiac grand am had a problem with the door locks but it turned out to be the fuse. *nj the consumer believed the fuse that he replaced was a harbor freight 15 amp. recently a penny fell into the cigarette lighter and created a short and the fuse did not blow. this resulted in melting the wire harness. *jb
11/01/2007118000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1994 pontiac grand am. the contact's daughter attempted to drive the vehicle, but it failed to start. she exited the vehicle and noticed smoke inside the passenger compartment under the steering column approximately 10 minutes later. the smoke turned into flames, which were extinguished by the fire department. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v287000 (electrical system:starter assembly). the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 118,000.
03/20/2006208000101/18/2004
 My car, which is a 94 grand am, is a good running car but i been working on it hard time for 5 weeks trying to get it to run. it has some problem where the fuel pump fuse keeps on blowing on it. i replace spark plug coil, fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, under the hood wiring harness, control module, ignition switch, vacuum lines, and the little box that sounds off your alarm when you leave the lights on and/or keys in the ignition when you open your door. i don't know what else to do i am tired of busting my butt on it. it takes a lot for me to say that. *nm
06/28/20041
 While driving 50-55 mph consumer noticed smoke coming out the driver's air bag. consumer immediately pulled over, turned the engine off, and got out. within two minutes vehicle was on fire. *ak
1
 Consumer experiencing various different electrical problems with low beams not working. also, hazard lights stay on, and high beams work intermittently. consumer noted problem may be linked to pontiac's most recent recall. *ak
09/21/1999
 The vehicle caught fire causing damage to the steering wheel / the dashboard & the sunroof. *yc
05/05/1998
 Consumer been having problem with vehicle turning off for no known reason. vehicle has been in/out of dealer shop sent january 1998.prolem still exists and still keeps turning. dealer notified. *ak
08/19/19969
 Electrical short, causing a short in the head lights/ brake lights, when driving the headlights go out; also, master cylinder replaced 3 times. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
12/10/1999810/01/1999
 A part of abs system is shorting out and causing the alternater to short out.*ak
01/01/1994
 I had the ignition switch replaced (due to recall) and am told the car is fine. the third time i tried to start the car, it doesn't start. towing it back to dealer, i'm told the battery and alternator need to be replaced. i believe this problem is due to the ignition switch recall, but am told that it's just a coincedence and i will have to pay for the additional repairs. either the dealership isn't aware of how to fix the problem, or the recall is masking a larger electrical problem.
01/02/2001305/01/1994
 I started my car and it didn't start. it then smelled like it was on fire. it then started after that, but ever since it did not work well. a few days later i received the recall notice about fires in the steering column. about 3 weeks after the fire, my car would start then die a few minutes later. i had to keep jumping it to get it to the dealer to be fixed. they replaced the alternator and serpentine belt. i had the alternator replaced just a year ago because of a similar problem but was unaware of the recall then. i called gm and they told me tough luck it was my responsibility to pay. i don't think it is a coincidence that after the fire everything went wrong. i don't think i should be responsible to pay, and i feel gm should reimburse me. also, since we can't get this recall fixed until march, i am worried this may happen again. someone told me that the fire could have affected these other areas, and since it is a manufacturer's defect, i don't think i or other people should be responsible to pay.
01/01/2001
 Electrical system seemd to have shorted out. door locks and headlights malfunctioned. one door will be locked while the rest was locked. some of wires were burnt out under steering. a relay switch needed to be put on . starter & alternator have been affected. dealer was trying to remedy problem.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
01/06/2004112/20/2003
 I bought this car used at a dealership, i.e., bill kelley chevrolet, and was not given information about the recalls . the car has not been able to work properly and the dealer who sold us the car refuses to give us any help. my son paid an additional 300 to get the car in working order and 3 days later it is still not working. i believe they should have informed us of the recall notices to repair said car.*ak
01/01/1994
 I had the ignition switch replaced (due to recall) and am told the car is fine. the third time i tried to start the car, it doesn't start. towing it back to dealer, i'm told the battery and alternator need to be replaced. i believe this problem is due to the ignition switch recall, but am told that it's just a coincedence and i will have to pay for the additional repairs. either the dealership isn't aware of how to fix the problem, or the recall is masking a larger electrical problem.
08/01/2000
 Vehicle would not start, hooked up charger to battery, surge went through and melted charger. since then battery light goes on and off. *ak
12/26/20000
 While driving with lights on dashboard, headlights would constantly go out, and at this time, were not working. also, tail lights worked erratically. consumer was unable to drive without lights. in addition, starter and battery had to be replaced. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
01/01/19011
 1994 pontiac grand am had a problem with the door locks but it turned out to be the fuse. *nj the consumer believed the fuse that he replaced was a harbor freight 15 amp. recently a penny fell into the cigarette lighter and created a short and the fuse did not blow. this resulted in melting the wire harness. *jb
09/01/2000305/01/1999
 When trying start vehicle ignition switch sticks, and keeps trying to turn over. ak consumer states ever since wiring harness was installed it blows out fuses and there is a burnt smell of the wiring, consumer states she did not have this problem until wiring harness was installed.*jb
01/01/2001
 Electrical system seemd to have shorted out. door locks and headlights malfunctioned. one door will be locked while the rest was locked. some of wires were burnt out under steering. a relay switch needed to be put on . starter & alternator have been affected. dealer was trying to remedy problem.*ak
1
 Consumer experiencing various different electrical problems with low beams not working. also, hazard lights stay on, and high beams work intermittently. consumer noted problem may be linked to pontiac's most recent recall. *ak
10/05/1998
 While driving at 50 mph, noticed vehicle started to lose power. also, the automatic locks will lock only with vehicle is put into motion; and when trying to use the switch on the door, it doesn't work. when putting on high high beams they will work, but when cutting the high beam off, the regular lights won't work. it takes along time for the consumer to get the lights to work. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
05/06/2001108/01/1994
 Gmc is doing nothing to help us through this! . no safety defect listed. *ak
03/01/2001
 Consumer received recall 00v287000/ manufacturer's recall00079for engine starter. dealer did not know when parts will be available. consumer will have to call back in two weeks to see if parts were available.*ak
01/18/2001
 While traveling 35-40 mph vehicle shuts down and stopped without warning. *ak
07/20/1998
 While attempting to start engine, smoke came from the ignition switch. a small fire occured under the center park plug wire.
04/27/1998107/01/1996
 Ignition system shorted out/smoked.
05/12/19983
 Ignition coil was replaced at 44,000 miles and again at 62,000 miles. consumer stopped at a drive through and the vehicle cut off. when starting it up, it backfired, and started shaking real bad and cut off again. the car started running, and cut off again and wouldn't start at all. vehicle was repaired at owner's expense. *ak
03/01/1996
 Vehicle stalls after making right turns only. please give more details. *ak
08/06/19956
 Vehicle stalled when exposed to heavy rains. *tw
08/04/1995
 When driving the vehicle dies when it has been hot. please describe. tt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
12/01/2000111/01/2000
 Car had tough time to accelerate, after three visits to repair shop, problem was diagnosed as the terminals from the main computer to the 02 sensor were bad. had to replace computer and sensor. head gasket was leaking, taken in to be repaired and found out that the engine head itself was crack where #2 cylinder is located. repair shop stated is a common problem with quad four grand ams. had to pay approx. $2,500 in repairs
10/01/19941210/01/1994
 Intermittently while driving vehicle will stall unexpectedly which may cause a crash. occupant has to place vehicle in neutral position in order to restart vehicle. there is a tsb to reprogram the computer. vehicle's computer have been reprogrammed 12 times. problem still occurring. *ak *ml
02/18/1997708/17/1995
 Replaced electronic control module harness. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
07/30/20052256201003/18/1995
 There was a recall on the electrical system on my 94 grandam took it to stuart pontaic in enid,ok to have the recall fixed they put a relay on the car but didn't change the ignition switch on the car causing the care to loose power when the car was driven in the heat of the day causing the car to loose power and die when going over 40 mph,contacted pontaic and they made the dealership replace the ignition switch but would not replace the wiring going to the ignition switch, which if not replaced would of caused the car to catch on fire , on my way home from work on 7/30 while going 70 mph the car died 9 times,. i put the car in neutral to start it , and finally got the car home. *nm
08/01/2002
 One day consumer unsuccessfully attempted to start vehicle. removed key and vehicle caught on fire. vehicle checked by dealer, who advised consumer that too high voltage was used with ignition switch. consumer advised confirmation of open recall 00v287000 on vehicle, but manufacturer has been unresponsive.*ak
01/04/20012
 Since vehicle was repaired under recall 00v287000 for ignition switch failure, intermittently vehicle will not start up until it is put into neutral. dealer, johnson auto place, brighton, co 303-654-1940, wants to charge consumer to inspect vehicle.*ak dealer stated there is nothing else they can do without charging him. *jb
01/01/1994
 I had the ignition switch replaced (due to recall) and am told the car is fine. the third time i tried to start the car, it doesn't start. towing it back to dealer, i'm told the battery and alternator need to be replaced. i believe this problem is due to the ignition switch recall, but am told that it's just a coincedence and i will have to pay for the additional repairs. either the dealership isn't aware of how to fix the problem, or the recall is masking a larger electrical problem.
02/27/20011
 Prior to recall notification(00v287000) consumer had repairs done because air condition ceased and it was discovered at that point that ignition switch needed to be replaced,failure of the recall component caused the air conditioner to fail, consumer is seeking reimbursement for ignition switch. *jb
05/20/2001
 Consumer received recall 00v287000 notice for ignition switch that could possibly cause a fire in vehicle. manufacturer has had since december to get parts, but still did not have the parts available to repair defect. on may 20th, 2001, consumer's vehicle experienced a steering column fire which could be related to recall. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
06/01/1996409/01/1996
 Put key in ignition and it would not turn, in 1998, consumer had to get another ignition switch, consumer states a 3rd time car cut off by itself. then, consumer could not turn switch. *ak
01/17/20011
 Dealership is continually telling consumer they do not have parts available to fix recall 00v287000/ ignition switch failure. *ak *slc
09/01/2000305/01/1999
 When trying start vehicle ignition switch sticks, and keeps trying to turn over. ak consumer states ever since wiring harness was installed it blows out fuses and there is a burnt smell of the wiring, consumer states she did not have this problem until wiring harness was installed.*jb
05/01/2000204/13/1997
 Abs brake light and the engine warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction in system, cause unknown. *ak prior to abs light and engine light problem, the ignition switch was replaced. *yh
 Recall number 00v287000. consumer received recall information concerning engine starter. contacted dealer, no parts were available to remedy problem. please give any further details. *ak
02/10/20010
 Sometimes when turning key on vehicle will not start, consumer was concerned that this problem could be related to a letter that was received from dealer, stating a fire could start when this condition was present.*ak
01/08/2001
 00 v 287 000/engine starter: vehicle experienced a fire before receiving recall notice. been waiting on james wood auto motors, in denton, tx; phone# 540/591-9663 for a repair date. can nhtsa help in this matter. *ak
01/13/200105/01/1995
 Went to turn the car on and it didn't start, sat for 20 minutes giggled the ignition switch to get it to start, nothing happened, kept trying for 20 minutes then it just started.*ak
08/01/1994
 My key can be removed from ignition while the car is running and being driven. i can continue driving. this first occurred when i hit my key by accident while on the freeway and it went flying onto the passenger side floor. i was shocked to find i still had the ability to drive. the key is not worn. it happens with a new key also. the issue is in direct violation of fmvss 114, which states: each vehicle shall have a key-locking system which, whenever the key is removed, prevents: (a) the normal activation of the vehicle's engine or motor; and (b) either steering or forward self-mobility of the vehicle or both. my vehicle is an automatic transmission. dealer wants me to pay for repair, saying it is a durability issue. i say according to fmvss 114, this is not considered a worn item and it is not a durability issue, but rather a direct violation and the proper items should be replaced promptly, free of charge.
07/24/2000101/01/1995
 Vehicle wouldn't start. 30-45 minutes later, thick black smoke followed by flames burst from steering column. fire destroyed dasboard, windshield and ceiling before being extingushed. *yh
08/14/199903/01/1994
 Ignition switch failed causing the consumer to smell a burning odor and soon after white smoke began to billowing out of the steering column. vehicle was totalled. nlm
10/21/199905/01/1994
 Consumer experienced a no start condition. noticed smoke coming from steering column,and within minutes, vehicle was engulfed with flames from steering column to the rear of vehicle, causing total loss of vehicle. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
01/06/2004112/20/2003
 I bought this car used at a dealership, i.e., bill kelley chevrolet, and was not given information about the recalls . the car has not been able to work properly and the dealer who sold us the car refuses to give us any help. my son paid an additional 300 to get the car in working order and 3 days later it is still not working. i believe they should have informed us of the recall notices to repair said car.*ak
09/30/20021
 I owned a 1994 pontiac grand am that caught fire approximately 9/30/02 and i recently learned that there was a recall on the ignition switch on certain models because of fire that could occur. i want to know what i need to do to file a claim since i lost my vehicle due to the extensive damage caused by the fire that occured. the vehicle was under my prior name of zobeida diaz. that was the name on the title. title is held by first fidelity bank of oklahoma city since i still owe on the loan for this vehicle.*ak
09/01/20001
 Prior to recall the steering column of the vehicle caught fire while the consumer was starting it, the consumer had the starter, key switch, turn signal and relay kit replaced. *yh (recall # 00v287)
2
 Prior to recall notice the consumer had been having difficulty starting the vehicle, these symptoms were similar to the ones outlined in the recall 00v-287, while attempting to find the problem the dealer replaced the battery, alternator and the vehicle had a few tune-ups. nlm
07/17/19983
 Prior to recall notification (00v287000) consumer has experienced electrical failure and is now requesting reimbursement. *jb
1
 After receiving recall notice 00v-287 related to high current flow through the ignition, consumer contacted the dealer about a problem the vehicle was having with overheating wires which makes the steering column too warm to touch, the consumer believes this problem is related to the recall but the dealer is unsure. nlm
1
 Brake failed. nlm. consumer states prior to recall, a new starter was needed as well as a new engine and also a new lighting switch, consumer has also had to get new tires. *jb
03/21/20001
 The starter failed prior to recall notice resulting in electrical shortage, in an attempt to fix this problem the ignition switch and battery were also replaced, consumer request reimbursement. nlm
07/07/20001
 On different occasions vehicle would not start, sometimes it would act strange, while driving the vehicle caught on fire near the firewall and burned, the vehicle was totalled, fire may have been related to recall (00v-287). cj
11/01/20001
 Starter failed and was replaced prior to recall 00v287, consumer is requesting reimbursement. *slc
1
 Consumer is having problems starting the vehicle, there is a recall regarding the starter (00v287). *slc
12/26/20000
 While driving with lights on dashboard, headlights would constantly go out, and at this time, were not working. also, tail lights worked erratically. consumer was unable to drive without lights. in addition, starter and battery had to be replaced. *ak
 Consumer is upset because manufacturer will not have parts available until march, and dealer will not be able to perform nhtsa recall 00v287000/manufacturer's recall p00079s repairs concerning engine starter. consumer feels recall is not done in timely manner. ak
07/15/1999108/01/1997
 The starter in my car apparently shorted out, resulting in a fire and a complete and total loss of my vehicle and all its contents. my insurance company is not helping so i am doing all i can to find some assistance. have there been recalls for this problem? is there anything else i can do? *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - RELAY
01/01/2001
 Electrical system seemd to have shorted out. door locks and headlights malfunctioned. one door will be locked while the rest was locked. some of wires were burnt out under steering. a relay switch needed to be put on . starter & alternator have been affected. dealer was trying to remedy problem.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
09/01/2000305/01/1999
 When trying start vehicle ignition switch sticks, and keeps trying to turn over. ak consumer states ever since wiring harness was installed it blows out fuses and there is a burnt smell of the wiring, consumer states she did not have this problem until wiring harness was installed.*jb
01/01/20001
 Consumer received recall notice 00v287000/ engine starter. also, experienced problems with switch that controlled exterior lights of vehicle malfunctioning. exterior lights would stop operating when switching between dim and bright. at times, there was smell of burning wires. *ak ping of tilt on steering column backed out twice. the replacement new switch failed. the dash lights were out. the window brackets were weak. the front disc brake pads failed frequently. *yh
01/01/2001
 Electrical system seemd to have shorted out. door locks and headlights malfunctioned. one door will be locked while the rest was locked. some of wires were burnt out under steering. a relay switch needed to be put on . starter & alternator have been affected. dealer was trying to remedy problem.*ak
06/01/19981
 Intermittently while driving the vehicle stalls without prior warning which almost caused an accident. the defective engine wires were too short, causing the vehicle to stall. *ak dealer stated that the wires in the wiring harness near the transmission were stretched tightly and had chafed and worn off the insulation, causing a short which in turn would cause the vehicle to stall. *slc
 While parked owner noticed electrical odor. five minutes later vehicle caught fire. please describe details. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
08/03/2001106/01/2000
 Vehicle would not start after several attempts, shortly thereafter a alrge ampount of black smoke apeared from th edrivers side followed by flames which engulfed the whole dash area.*ak
07/16/2001107/01/1994
 My car was under manufacturer's recall 00079. recall was if the ignition key turned for long can cause fire, and work was done by the pontiac dealer in clinton twp., michigan. jim causley 38111 gratiot avenue,clinton twp. mi 48036-3592. dealer added one module by middle top section of the radiator, and wiring was grounded next to it. rest of the wires were connected to the main harness by the starter area. pictures are available upon request.i went to pickup pizza on 7/16/01 aprox. 8 p.m and car was parked in the plaza in parking lot and was not running at that time , matter of fact i had the keys with me, while my nephew was in the car, minutes later he came in and mention me about the smoke coming out of the hood and i mentioned him how this is possible car is not even running. i have the key? i went out to see the car the fire was all over. just think if car parked in my garage and it is attached garage my house will be on fire and possibly some of lifes. please investigate how many issues are like that and for the people safety who have the same recall on 94 pontiac grandam i urge you to inform them for this issue. thanks - raj vij. *ak
08/28/20001
 The transaxle wiring harness has a short making the pcm unit send the wrong message to the transmission. nlm
08/20/2000
 Pe99063, vehicle was parked in a mall area ,it had been sitting for about 45 minutes. , consumer noticed vehicle would not start, and then smelled electrical burning. consumer opened the hood, heard cracklin gnoise coming from a small box between the engine block and radiator , at the same time consumer noticed that there was smoke coming from left side of steering column ,right next to turn signals. vehicle was totaled. insurance company did inspect vehicle, and it was listed as undetermined cause. but, suggested electrical system. *ak
06/26/1999
 A short in the wiring harness caused a fire, burning the home and another vehicle. this vehicle was totaled. manufacturer has been notified. *ak
05/12/19994
 While driving at 70 mph vehicle filled up with smoke, causing consumer to pull over to the side of the road. vehicle has been in repair shop four times, and dealer has replaces the wiring harness. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
02/28/2003100000
 While the consumer merged on the highway an explosion of smoke came from under the dashboard. *nlm
05/01/2002
 Steering column has smoke coming from underneath dashboard. dealership is aware of problem. *ak
02/01/1997
 Interior & exterior lights go off upon engaging high beams. *ak
07/06/200007/01/1994
 Started car, turned off engine, restarted car, noticed smoke coming from under steering wheel. in matter of seconds full blown flames were coming from under dashboard. entire enterior of car burned. no feasible repairs possible. *ak
02/18/1997708/17/1995
 Repeated computer harness failure.