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 | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V070000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 07/01/1996 to 07/31/1997 | V (Vehicle) | 1589948 | 03/27/2002 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 03/06/2002 | 03/25/2002 | |||||||
| 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. 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 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | 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 - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| 010849009 | 06/01/2001 | 622716 | Subject regarding revised instrument panel cluster (ipc) replacement. nlm | 10/22/2001 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||||||
| PE02001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/03/2002 | 03/15/2002 | FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA | 02V070000 | |
| Alleged electrical fires from steering column/dashboard area | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 07/15/2012 | 86000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1999 pontiac sunfire. the contact stated while driving 65 mph she notice the vehicle was decreased the speed she was able to pull off the road and the vehicle shut down she was not able to start the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. the dealer stated they had to replace the ignition switch. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated there not hold responsible because her vehicle was not under the recall(nhtsa campaign id number: 04v036000,component: electrical system). the failure and the current mileage was 86,000.jp | |||
| 12/29/2006 | 95000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire gt. the contact stated that he has experienced loss of 2 engines due to his oil warning light has failed and doesn't warn him in enough time. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer nor has it been repaired. the failure mileage was approximatley 95,000. the vin was unavailable. tb | |||
| 01/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| 1997 pontiac sunfire failed to start. turned ignition off removed key, car steering column burst into flames within a few minutes. *jb | |||
| 01/12/2004 | 1 | ||
| When the vehicle was started it suddenly caught on fire under the dash. the consumer was able to put the fire out. the dealer was notified. please provide any additional information. *nm | |||
| 02/09/2003 | 128003 | 0 | |
| I bought my car in oct 1999 since i have had 3 recalls.none of those are the other problems i have experienced or repaired already. in 2000 i had to replace the front wheel beearing in the passenger side that was in bad condition,in 2001 i had to replace the rear strut mounts becasue the were dried and cracked, i month ago my wipers broke a pin and clip broke and they stop in the up position. now my window on my drivers side will not go up or down i have been having problems with it for about a year now. my daughter in laws rack and pinion just went out in her 96 sunfire and she didnt recieive a recall but i did. i loved this car wene i got it but i will never recomend it to anyone or purchase another one | |||
| 02/15/2002 | |||
| Consumer noticed problem with the electrical system, radio, odometer, and panel does not work properly. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. mr | |||
| 03/22/2002 | 2 | ||
| While the consumer was driving the battery light came on and stayed on twice. the dealer replaced the alternator as a possible cause, also the battery needed to be replaced. the vehicle could not be started and the dealer notified that the starter needed to be replaced. consumer received a recall notice on ignition switch. the dealer had not fixed for lack of parts. *yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| When putting key in ignition key would turn, but vehicle would not start. took vehicle to a mechanic, mechanic stated vehicle needed a starter and a battery,but problem still occurred, then, mechanic stated it was starter solenoid, replaced it, but problem still occurred. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 05/04/1998 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle damaged due to exploding battery. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 01/23/2005 | 110000 | 1 | 08/21/2002 |
| Tried to start the ignition but it would't, which was really odd considering my car hasn't given me any real trouble. i took the key out of the ignition and closed the door and it tried to start without the key. i went in the house to call a ride to work and heard the radio going. i looked out to see who it was and saw a fire going in my car. i called the fire department to put the fire out. afterwards, they said that my airbag deployed into the steering column causing the fire.*ak | |||
| Recall 02v070000/ ignition system; this recall interacted with day time running lights that would stay on and drain the battery. owner has had vehicle in several times since this modification was performed. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| When putting key in ignition key would turn, but vehicle would not start. took vehicle to a mechanic, mechanic stated vehicle needed a starter and a battery,but problem still occurred, then, mechanic stated it was starter solenoid, replaced it, but problem still occurred. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states when turning the ignition sometimes its hard and sometimes it won't start. dealer has been contacted. nlm | |||
| 1 | |||
| No description given. nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||
| 20000 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| The vehicles engine shuts off while driving. in addition, the auto theft system light would illuminate which prevented the consumer from starting the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. *nlm ph | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 09/18/2007 | 6 | 07/03/2007 | |
| In less than 1 year i have taken my car to have it repaired 6 times for what i feel is the exact same problem! my engine stalls when i am coming to a stop or after being on the interstate and it idles rough. i have had my catalytic converter replaced twice in the past year, fuel sensor replaced, spark plugs, coil, wire to the ignition module replaced. my car still runs rough and stalls while driving on interstate, when idling in traffic, and when i come to a complete stop. this needs to be investigated. i have spent over $2,000 in repairs and tow fees. this is very unsafe. *tr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 03/15/2007 | 45000 | 3 | 11/24/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. the contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing ignition failure. the vehicle has been to the dealer three times and placed on a diagnostic machine. the fuel pump and ignition switch were replaced. the vehicle is presently at the dealer. the current mileage is 46,741 and failure mileage was 45,000. | |||
| 11/30/2006 | 131746 | 2 | |
| 1997 pontiac sunfire with a safety recall problem**cc the vehicles ignition switch was recalled. the consumer has replaced the ignition switch twice prior to recall notification. the consumer never received reimbursement for either repair. *nm | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 91000 | 1 | 02/28/2001 |
| Purchased the vehicle in 2001. the '97 sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, i had got repairs occasionally for this and that. however, i never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past june the vehicle broke down. after getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. i would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect. *jb | |||
| 107000 | 1 | ||
| While driving vehicle at moderate speed vehicle accelerated on its own. ignition switch wouldn't shut off, and emergency brake was ineffective. vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser to stop. consumer called 911 for help. *ak | |||
| 06/14/2003 | 7 | 04/07/1997 | |
| The headlights on my 1997 pontiac sunfire vehicle are so dim, i cannot drive my car at night. it looks like i am driving with flashlights. i was told by a mechanic at sunland pontiac dealership, el paso, tx that there was nothing they could do. i told them the headlights have always been to dim on my vehicle. i told them i wanted new headlight assembly with brighter bulbs or higher wattage. i was told that they did not have any new head light assembly that contained brighter bulb, or higher wattage, and there was nothing else they could do. i complained every time i took my car in for maintenace. incident date is approximate date. they will have it on record. also, i am having problems with my ignition switch again. it is very hard to turn to start the car. you have to hold it in a certain position for it to start, sometimes it will star, and sometimes it won't. there was a recall on this. i have had many problems with my car, every since i purchased it brand new in 1997. i filled out a form and sent it to the dealership and gmac about all the problems i was having and they never responded to my complaints. i can e-mail you a copy of the complaint form i sent to them. the most disturbing defect about the car is that you can see the loose wiring behind the steering wheel connected to the dash. the mechanic where i purchased the car told me that all of the 1997 5 speed sunfires came like that from the manufacture. so, they put in a piece of black foam, so i would no longer see the wiring. this is a fire hazard. if i had know then, what i know now, i would have given the car back to them, and demanded my $3,000 down payment back. i would appreciate any assistance you can give me to correct the defects and problems that i am having with this car. thank you.*ak | |||
| 06/10/2002 | |||
| Contacted the dealer said the defective ignition switch caused battery cable to melt down. please provide additional information. mr | |||
| 03/22/2002 | 2 | ||
| While the consumer was driving the battery light came on and stayed on twice. the dealer replaced the alternator as a possible cause, also the battery needed to be replaced. the vehicle could not be started and the dealer notified that the starter needed to be replaced. consumer received a recall notice on ignition switch. the dealer had not fixed for lack of parts. *yh | |||
| Received recall 02v070000/ manufacturer's recall 02008, and dealer indicated can't get parts until may or june. *ak | |||
| 07/27/2001 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| While starting vehicle, steering wheel started smoking. vehicle refuses to start. *ak consumer states that the ignition began to smoke after vehicle was jump started, ignition switch burned and melted and burned out the battery, consumer has ignition switch for inspection. *jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| When putting key in ignition key would turn, but vehicle would not start. took vehicle to a mechanic, mechanic stated vehicle needed a starter and a battery,but problem still occurred, then, mechanic stated it was starter solenoid, replaced it, but problem still occurred. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - RELAY | |||
| 09/25/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that will replace relay kit free of charge, but will charge for any damages to starter in the process or making recall changes. please provide any further information. *mr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - SOLENOID | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| When putting key in ignition key would turn, but vehicle would not start. took vehicle to a mechanic, mechanic stated vehicle needed a starter and a battery,but problem still occurred, then, mechanic stated it was starter solenoid, replaced it, but problem still occurred. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 03/02/2005 | 67996 | 1 | 02/27/2004 |
| The daytime running head light were inoperative. the vehicle is at the dealer. the dealer informed the consumer that the problem was corrosion build up around the wiring harness. | |||
| 07/16/2004 | 80000 | 10 | 09/07/1997 |
| I had headlight problems and the headlights failed completely, then the horn failed and the brake lights...it cost me $1500.00 to have my wiring redone and the headlights are still dim. i also have a problem with my dashboard lights coming on for check engine, battery and airbag. i took it to 2 dealers and nothing with this problem was fixed. *ak | |||
| 11/20/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| While driving consumer observed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, shortly after fire started in the trunk area, cause unknown. fire department stated that fire started due to a electrical shortage. *ak *ml | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 02/05/2001 | 0 | ||
| While driving vehicle caught on fire without a prior warning. fire department stated that fire had started under hood. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 07/16/2004 | 80000 | 10 | 09/07/1997 |
| I had headlight problems and the headlights failed completely, then the horn failed and the brake lights...it cost me $1500.00 to have my wiring redone and the headlights are still dim. i also have a problem with my dashboard lights coming on for check engine, battery and airbag. i took it to 2 dealers and nothing with this problem was fixed. *ak | |||
| 06/14/2003 | 7 | 04/07/1997 | |
| The headlights on my 1997 pontiac sunfire vehicle are so dim, i cannot drive my car at night. it looks like i am driving with flashlights. i was told by a mechanic at sunland pontiac dealership, el paso, tx that there was nothing they could do. i told them the headlights have always been to dim on my vehicle. i told them i wanted new headlight assembly with brighter bulbs or higher wattage. i was told that they did not have any new head light assembly that contained brighter bulb, or higher wattage, and there was nothing else they could do. i complained every time i took my car in for maintenace. incident date is approximate date. they will have it on record. also, i am having problems with my ignition switch again. it is very hard to turn to start the car. you have to hold it in a certain position for it to start, sometimes it will star, and sometimes it won't. there was a recall on this. i have had many problems with my car, every since i purchased it brand new in 1997. i filled out a form and sent it to the dealership and gmac about all the problems i was having and they never responded to my complaints. i can e-mail you a copy of the complaint form i sent to them. the most disturbing defect about the car is that you can see the loose wiring behind the steering wheel connected to the dash. the mechanic where i purchased the car told me that all of the 1997 5 speed sunfires came like that from the manufacture. so, they put in a piece of black foam, so i would no longer see the wiring. this is a fire hazard. if i had know then, what i know now, i would have given the car back to them, and demanded my $3,000 down payment back. i would appreciate any assistance you can give me to correct the defects and problems that i am having with this car. thank you.*ak | |||