STEERING
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
3,855 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
61,944 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Remedy: 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.
1,589,948 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.
270,014 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TRIM PLATE/BEZEL CAN SAG AND COVER THE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE PORTION (LIGHTED POINTED ABOVE PANEL) OF THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAY. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION."
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL A NEW INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TRIM PLATE/BEZEL ASSEMBLY WHICH IS NOT SUBJECT TO THIS CONDITION.
28,068 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SOME WELDS WERE OMITTED FROM THE BODY LOCK PILLAR, OR "B" PILLAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED AND REPLACED WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE.
16 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS MISSING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES CAUSING EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE EXISTING WELDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE ALL CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES FOUND WITH OMITTED WELDS.
21,340 vehicles affected
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED; WHEN SHE TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY STUCK. AFTER REPEATED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DISLODGED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING HER VEHICLE AND TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MELTED AND WAS LYING ON THE FLOORBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). PONTIAC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 157,000.
Fire
I SMELLED GAS AND LOSS OF FUEL. GAS LEAKING OUT FROM INJECTOR ONTO HOT ENGINE COULD CAUSE FIRE. HAD PART REPLACED- FUEL INJECTORS #2 AND 3. NOW ANOTHER IS LEAKING. HAVE TO TAKE IT IN, BUT MONEY IS AN OBJECT. *NM
THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *JB.
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT UNLOCKED ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS, AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE THE BEGINNING. FIRST THING WAS THE COOLING FAN. IT QUIT WORKING ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR. WE HAD THAT FIXED THEN STARTED HAVING OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD WORK HERE AND THERE, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD WORK ONE DAY AND NOT THE NEXT, NOW THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL. THE ABS LIGHT WOULD FLASH OFF AND ON AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON ALSO. WE KNOW THAT FILING THIS COMPLAINT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEMS WE ARE HAVING WITH THE CAR, WE JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT KNOWN THAT WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC DUE TO THE PROBLEMS WE ARE HAVING WITH THIS ONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *JB
1995 SUNFIRE, I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1997. THE BRAKES LOCK-UP WHEN I AM DRIVING AND I HAVE TO STOP A A CORNER OR LIGHT. THIS USUALLY ONLY HAPPENS WHEN OR AFTER IT RAINS. IT IS VERY SCARY I ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OVER THE CAR.MY HEAD GASKETS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE ENGINE GAGE RISES ALMOST TO OVER HEATING WHEN IT IS HOTOUTSIDE, AND THE AIR DOES NOT WORK I HAVE TO GET IT CHARGED EVERY YEAR. IS THIS CAR A LEMON OR WHAT?*AK
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. THE DOOR MECHANISM WAS THE PROBLEM. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN AND WITHOUT WARNING LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT SNAPPED IN TWO. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, LEFT WHEEL ALMOST CAME COMPLETELY OFF. *AK
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.
Fire
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.
Fire
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.
Fire
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.
Fire
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.
Fire
1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE REAR OF CAR SQUATS WHEN BRAKING I'VE HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED / ADJUSTED NUMEROUS TIMES NHTSA ALREADY HAS THIS LISTED AS SERVICE BULLETIN 735018 I WOULD LIKE TO ADD OUR VEHICLE TO THIS COMPLAINT. *JB
HEAD GASKET PROBLEM ON A 1995 SUNFIRE. SEEMS THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM ON THIS ENGINE. 2.2 LITER. *NLM
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON MY 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHEN I HAD IT REPAIRED AFTER NOT REALLY DRIVING IT FOR TWO YEARS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. *NLM
WHEN DRIVING AND SPEED REACHED 40 MPH THE CAR VIBRATES, WHEN SPEED REACHED 60 MPH IT VIBRATES AGAIN. WHEN DECELERATING AFTER DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE, AND SPEED REACHED 10 MPH (WHILE DECELERATING) THE CAR VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, THEN SHUTS OFF. WHEN I RESTART THE ENGINE IT RUNS NOISILY WHILE STILL IN PARK, THEN SHUTS OFF AGAIN WHEN PUT IN GEAR. I HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I START THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT RUNS, UNTIL I DECELERATE AGAIN AND THE CYCLE STARTS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPAIRED/REPLACE BY JAY PONTIAC IN COLUMBUS GEORGIA AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE HEAD GASKET LEAK SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY ALTERNATOR REPAIRED/REPLACED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ETC. THE DEALER NEVER SEES ANY PROBLEMS WHEN HE DIAGNOSES MY CAR ON HIS COMPUTER & EVERYTIME HE SUGGESTS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I GO BROKE PAYING TO GET IT FIXED, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I AM VERY FED UP WITH PONTIAC & GM & THEIR DEALERS/SERVICE PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO KNOW NOTHING OF THEIR PRODUCTS' FAILURE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH MY CAR SO I CAN GET IT FIXED. I AM ALSO SEEKING TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE AND FROM THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE I'VE BEEN HAVING WITH PONTIAC & GM I AM STAYING AWAY FROM THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADVISING EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE THE ONLY AUTOMOBILE PRODUCT I AM INTERESTED IN IS FOREIGN MADE. I UNDERSTAND YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND A PRODUCT HAVING PROBLEMS EVEN THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T FIGURE OUT. *JB
WHEN DRIVING AND SPEED REACHED 40 MPH THE CAR VIBRATES, WHEN SPEED REACHED 60 MPH IT VIBRATES AGAIN. WHEN DECELERATING AFTER DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE, AND SPEED REACHED 10 MPH (WHILE DECELERATING) THE CAR VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, THEN SHUTS OFF. WHEN I RESTART THE ENGINE IT RUNS NOISILY WHILE STILL IN PARK, THEN SHUTS OFF AGAIN WHEN PUT IN GEAR. I HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I START THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT RUNS, UNTIL I DECELERATE AGAIN AND THE CYCLE STARTS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPAIRED/REPLACE BY JAY PONTIAC IN COLUMBUS GEORGIA AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE HEAD GASKET LEAK SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY ALTERNATOR REPAIRED/REPLACED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ETC. THE DEALER NEVER SEES ANY PROBLEMS WHEN HE DIAGNOSES MY CAR ON HIS COMPUTER & EVERYTIME HE SUGGESTS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I GO BROKE PAYING TO GET IT FIXED, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I AM VERY FED UP WITH PONTIAC & GM & THEIR DEALERS/SERVICE PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO KNOW NOTHING OF THEIR PRODUCTS' FAILURE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH MY CAR SO I CAN GET IT FIXED. I AM ALSO SEEKING TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE AND FROM THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE I'VE BEEN HAVING WITH PONTIAC & GM I AM STAYING AWAY FROM THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADVISING EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE THE ONLY AUTOMOBILE PRODUCT I AM INTERESTED IN IS FOREIGN MADE. I UNDERSTAND YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND A PRODUCT HAVING PROBLEMS EVEN THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T FIGURE OUT. *JB
WHEN DRIVING AND SPEED REACHED 40 MPH THE CAR VIBRATES, WHEN SPEED REACHED 60 MPH IT VIBRATES AGAIN. WHEN DECELERATING AFTER DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE, AND SPEED REACHED 10 MPH (WHILE DECELERATING) THE CAR VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, THEN SHUTS OFF. WHEN I RESTART THE ENGINE IT RUNS NOISILY WHILE STILL IN PARK, THEN SHUTS OFF AGAIN WHEN PUT IN GEAR. I HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I START THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT RUNS, UNTIL I DECELERATE AGAIN AND THE CYCLE STARTS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPAIRED/REPLACE BY JAY PONTIAC IN COLUMBUS GEORGIA AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE HEAD GASKET LEAK SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY ALTERNATOR REPAIRED/REPLACED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ETC. THE DEALER NEVER SEES ANY PROBLEMS WHEN HE DIAGNOSES MY CAR ON HIS COMPUTER & EVERYTIME HE SUGGESTS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I GO BROKE PAYING TO GET IT FIXED, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I AM VERY FED UP WITH PONTIAC & GM & THEIR DEALERS/SERVICE PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO KNOW NOTHING OF THEIR PRODUCTS' FAILURE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH MY CAR SO I CAN GET IT FIXED. I AM ALSO SEEKING TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE AND FROM THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE I'VE BEEN HAVING WITH PONTIAC & GM I AM STAYING AWAY FROM THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADVISING EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE THE ONLY AUTOMOBILE PRODUCT I AM INTERESTED IN IS FOREIGN MADE. I UNDERSTAND YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND A PRODUCT HAVING PROBLEMS EVEN THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T FIGURE OUT. *JB
WHEN DRIVING AND SPEED REACHED 40 MPH THE CAR VIBRATES, WHEN SPEED REACHED 60 MPH IT VIBRATES AGAIN. WHEN DECELERATING AFTER DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE, AND SPEED REACHED 10 MPH (WHILE DECELERATING) THE CAR VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, THEN SHUTS OFF. WHEN I RESTART THE ENGINE IT RUNS NOISILY WHILE STILL IN PARK, THEN SHUTS OFF AGAIN WHEN PUT IN GEAR. I HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I START THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT RUNS, UNTIL I DECELERATE AGAIN AND THE CYCLE STARTS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPAIRED/REPLACE BY JAY PONTIAC IN COLUMBUS GEORGIA AT MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE HEAD GASKET LEAK SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I HAVE HAD MY ALTERNATOR REPAIRED/REPLACED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ETC. THE DEALER NEVER SEES ANY PROBLEMS WHEN HE DIAGNOSES MY CAR ON HIS COMPUTER & EVERYTIME HE SUGGESTS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I GO BROKE PAYING TO GET IT FIXED, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I AM VERY FED UP WITH PONTIAC & GM & THEIR DEALERS/SERVICE PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO KNOW NOTHING OF THEIR PRODUCTS' FAILURE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH MY CAR SO I CAN GET IT FIXED. I AM ALSO SEEKING TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE AND FROM THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE I'VE BEEN HAVING WITH PONTIAC & GM I AM STAYING AWAY FROM THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADVISING EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE THE ONLY AUTOMOBILE PRODUCT I AM INTERESTED IN IS FOREIGN MADE. I UNDERSTAND YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND A PRODUCT HAVING PROBLEMS EVEN THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T FIGURE OUT. *JB
THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND ANTIFREEZE LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. *AK *JB
HEAD GASKET LEAKED COOLANT AND WAS REPLACED AT 44,941 MILES. IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN AT 54,313 AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PONTIAC WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS MORE THAN 7 YEARS OLD AND DEALER WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT WAS MORE THAN ONE YEAR WHEN IT HAD TO BE REPLACED THE SECOND TIME. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THIS HEAD GASKET ANYWAY??
IN FULFILLMENT OF RECALL 02008-S, A GM DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS WILL DESTROY THE TERMINAL ON THE SOLENOID, RESULTING IN THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH THE SOLENOID AND STARTER MOTOR. BOTH PARTS ARE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER BUT GM WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THIS DAMAGE, APPROX $260. IN SHORT, A RUSTY TERMINAL WILL PROBABLY BREAK WHEN REMOVED. FOR THIS, GM WANTS TO SELL A NEW STARTER WITH SOLENOID AT FULL PRICE. I HAVE CONFIRMED THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE DAMAGE WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. GM REFUSED ME DIRECTLY UPON APPEAL. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT RECALL, THOUGH RELATIVELY SIMPLE TO IMPLEMENT. THE CAR IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO COVER THE FULL COST OF IMPLEMENTATION, WITHOUT PROFITING ON AN OTHERWISE UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF EXPENSIVE COMPONENTS. GM COULD REPLACE JUST THE SOLENOID OR PERHAPS EVEN JUST THE TERMINAL. THE WIRE LEAD COULD BE PROPERLY SPLICED WITHOUT TERMINAL REMOVAL. THIS POSSIBILITY (OR PERHAPS PROBABILITY) WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE OR IN CONVERATIONS WITH THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE RECALL WORK. I AM ARRANGING TO HAVE THE SOLENOID ALONE REPLACED FOR APPROX. $140. I SUGGEST THAT GM BE ORDERED TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS AND OTHER COSTS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE RECALL FULLY AND TO COVER THEM DIRECTLY FROM THIS POINT FORWARD. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT GM HAS ALREADY INSTALLED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NEW STARTERS AT OWNERS' EXPENSE.
IN FULFILLMENT OF RECALL 02008-S, A GM DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS WILL DESTROY THE TERMINAL ON THE SOLENOID, RESULTING IN THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH THE SOLENOID AND STARTER MOTOR. BOTH PARTS ARE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER BUT GM WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THIS DAMAGE, APPROX $260. IN SHORT, A RUSTY TERMINAL WILL PROBABLY BREAK WHEN REMOVED. FOR THIS, GM WANTS TO SELL A NEW STARTER WITH SOLENOID AT FULL PRICE. I HAVE CONFIRMED THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE DAMAGE WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. GM REFUSED ME DIRECTLY UPON APPEAL. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT RECALL, THOUGH RELATIVELY SIMPLE TO IMPLEMENT. THE CAR IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO COVER THE FULL COST OF IMPLEMENTATION, WITHOUT PROFITING ON AN OTHERWISE UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF EXPENSIVE COMPONENTS. GM COULD REPLACE JUST THE SOLENOID OR PERHAPS EVEN JUST THE TERMINAL. THE WIRE LEAD COULD BE PROPERLY SPLICED WITHOUT TERMINAL REMOVAL. THIS POSSIBILITY (OR PERHAPS PROBABILITY) WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE OR IN CONVERATIONS WITH THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE RECALL WORK. I AM ARRANGING TO HAVE THE SOLENOID ALONE REPLACED FOR APPROX. $140. I SUGGEST THAT GM BE ORDERED TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS AND OTHER COSTS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE RECALL FULLY AND TO COVER THEM DIRECTLY FROM THIS POINT FORWARD. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT GM HAS ALREADY INSTALLED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NEW STARTERS AT OWNERS' EXPENSE.
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HEAD GASKETPROBLEMS. HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT A RECALL SO THERE FOR THEY WON'T COVER IT . *TS *TT *NLM.*AK
THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STARTER, DEALER REPLACED STARTER AND UPON LEAVING STATION THE CONSUMER TRIED TO TURN ON HEAT, HEATER FAN STOPPED BLOWING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR THE HEATER FAN STOPPED WORKING DUE TO A GROUND WIRE THAT WAS NOT REPLACED ONCE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. *JG
THE ANTIFREEZE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HEAD GASKET. TS *JB
DEALER TAKING TO LONG TO PERFORM RECALL. RECALL#02V070000 IGNTION SWITCH BUICK 2500 EAST HARDING SHERIDAN, AR 72150 870-534-3020 TS
THEE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A RECALL REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STEERING COLUMN NUMBER 02V070. CONSUMER NEVER RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEEMED TOTALED. *JG
Fire
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION (02V070000) HOWEVER IT TOOK 2 DAYS TO GET THE PART INSTALLED BECAUSE THE FIRST DAY CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PARTS, EVEN THOUGH CONSUMER CALLED IN ADVANCE AND CONFIRMED IF THERE WERE PARTS, THE SAME DAY THE RELAY WAS INSTALLED CONSUMER HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE STARTER WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB
VEHICLE BROKE DOWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN. OWNER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, AND HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED. RECALL 02V070000 REPAIRS FAILED BECAUSE PART WAS PLACED TOO CLOSE TO FAN WHICH CUT THE WIRES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
WHEN TURNING IGNITION SWITCH SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM BEHIND STEERING COMPONENT, AND SECONDS LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Fire
RECALL 02V070000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. DEALERSHIP HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE. BALCOMI PONTAC BICK GMC INK 84 AVON ROAD GENESEO NEW YORK 14452 585 243 2170. *AK
THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND MANUFACTURER WOULD HAVE FIXED IT FREE OF CHARGE, HOWEVER CONSUMER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT.*JB
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
THERE'S A HESITATION WHEN BRAKING, ALSO, THERE'S HEAVY WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST. TOOK TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED AN OIL LEAK WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER FROM HEAD GASKET. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000. *AK DEALER FOUND SMALL HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. ENGINE WILL NOT START AND IS OVERHEATING. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT STOP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR, IGNITION SWITCH, HEAD GASKET, COOLANT, FAN BELT, PLUGS AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. FOUND FRONT HUB BEARING MAKING ROARING NOISE. A/C STOP WORKING. DEALER FOUND COMPRESSOR FAILED. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHEN CRANKING VEHICLE. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. *TT
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH, UPON IMPACT NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED BACK INJURIES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK *YH
Crash
1 injured
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL, AND WAS TOLD THAT PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 2002. WHAT GOOD WAS THE RECALL IF PROBLEM COULD NOT BE CORRECTED.*AK *YH
HEAD GASKET HAS FAILED TWICE. THE SECOND FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES. NLM
THE FIRST FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET WAS ON AUG 12, 1996 WITH 12,453 MILES. PONTIAC WILL NOT RECALL THE 2.2 LITER (IRON) DUKE) ENGINE, NOR ARE THEY WILLING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE WARRANTY STATES IT WILL BE COVERED FOR 7YEARS/100,000 MILES, BUT WHAT HAPPEN AFTER THAT??? THE HEAD GASKETS ONLY LAST ON THE AVERAGE FOR 15 MONTHS. *AK
THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND MANUFACTURER WOULD HAVE FIXED IT FREE OF CHARGE, HOWEVER CONSUMER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT.*JB
ANY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED, EITHER COLD OR WARM START, THE MOTOR HAS A VERY IRRATIC IDLE, COMES CLOSE TO STALLING, AND GIVES OFF VERY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES. THE PROBLEM LASTS FOR 1-3 MINUTES, DURING WHICH THE CAR IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. UNTIL THIS TIME HAS ELAPSED, THE MOTOR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY THROTTLE INPUT. IF I ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE PROBLEM WORSENS, AND EVENTUALLY STALLS. AFTER NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES HAVE BEEN REACHED, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO DISAPPEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS NOW, AND CAN NOT SEEM TO GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM GM, OR ANY OF THE LOCAL DEALERS AS TO THE CAUSE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL SUNFIRE, AND 95% OF THEM HAVE HAD OR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD BY LOCAL DEALERS THAT THE PROBLEM DOES NOT SHOW UP ON ANY OF THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND ONLY ONE TSB ISSUED, WHICH I HAVE BEEN TOLD, DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
THIS WAS NOT A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF. IT WOULD NOT START IN THE MORNING AND ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER THE IGNITION WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE STEERING COLUMN AND DASH BOARD WERE MELTED. THE FRONT SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN A LARGE CIRCLE THE SIZE OF A BASKETBALL. THERE WAS SMOKE DAMAGE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND TO THE ITEMS IN THE TRUNK. THE FIRE DEPT SAID THAT IF THE WINDSHIELD WOULD HAVE BROKEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE EXPLODED. AS IT WAS, THE LACK OF OXYGEN PUT OUT THE FIRE.
Fire
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON, DEALER WILL REPLACE AIRBAG SENSOR. SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BEFORE.*AK