NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA00007

STEERING COLUMN FIRES: Electrical System

RECALL »

Recall #00V287000

1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- 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 attempting 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. Investigation was initiated on March 03 2000. Closed on February 07 2001. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA00007 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE99063

STEERING COLUMN FIRE: Steering

CLOSED

no recall issued

1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- ODI has received 9 complaints from owners of 1994-1995 Pontiac Grand Am vehicles alleging steering column-related fires.in 7 of the 9 cases, the fire is alleged to have occurred after the operator experienced a malfunction of the starter circuit.in 3 cases, the complainants allege that the starter engage after the key was removed from the lock cylinder.the alleged fires are reported to be severe to the extent that 6 are alleged to have resulted in a total loss of the vehicle.in one case, it is alleged that the vehicle was parked in an indoor garage and the resulting are completely consumer the home and an adjacent vehicle.a preliminary evaluation is necessary to ascertain the scope of the alleged problem. Investigation was initiated on October 07 1999. Closed on March 03 2000. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE99063 »