Recall 04V036000: 1998–2001 Pontiac Sunfire and 4 other models

Report received

Jan 27, 2004

Manufacturer

General motors corp.

Potentially affected

1,415,231vehicles

Model years

1998–2001

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

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.

Possible consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 1998 Buick Skylark24 complaints
• 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier345 complaints
• 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier240 complaints
• 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier315 complaints
• 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier243 complaints
• 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva40 complaints
• 1998 Pontiac Grand AM172 complaints
• 1998 Pontiac Sunfire120 complaints
• 1999 Pontiac Sunfire93 complaints
• 2000 Pontiac Sunfire96 complaints
• 2001 Pontiac Sunfire66 complaints