1996 Pontiac Grand Am: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 3, 2011 · Airbags · CT · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the front driver side air bag deployed inadvertently while the contact was seated in the front driver side seat. The air bag was on fire and ignited the jacket that the contact was wearing. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and shut the vehicle off. The fire department reported to the scene and a fire report was filed. The fire department taped the air bag into the dashboard in order for the contact to be able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 25, 2007 · Electrical · 107,350 miles · NE · fire

Ignition would not turn over so driver popped hood and removed the keys, driver was walking to the front of the car with keys in hand and car started by itself. Driver jumped back in and turned key forward and back to get car to shut off and noticed smoke coming from the steering column. Within minutes, the steering column was flaming. Extensive damage. Melted steering wheel, steering column, front of driver's seat, headliner, dash, control panel and visors. All done!!! Checked recalls: ignition switch (recall # 02v070000)

Filed Dec 14, 2005 · Electrical · 177,000 miles · MS · fire

Dt:the contact stated when placing the key in the ignition smoke poured from the steering column. The smoke quickly erupted into flames. Both the fire and the police departments responded to the scene. The fire was extinguished. There was extensive damage to the dashboard panel area and steering column. The fire department suggested this may have been an electrical system wiring fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, but no repairs have been made.

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Electrical · 89,310 miles · NH

The federal safety agency recall 02-v-070-000: on certain passenger vehicles. If the engine failed to start and the driver held the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flew through the ignition switch, and sometimes produced enough heat to melt internal switch parts. This recall failed and the vehicle caught on fire.*ak consumer had backed up approx. Five feet in an parking lot when the engine died and smoke emitted from the steering column. At first the consumer couldn't get the keys out and the vehicle was in "park". After while the consumer was able to remove the keys the smoke stopped. When the tow truck driver arrived, he couldn't get the vehicle out of the "park" position. The tow truck driver had to disconnect the linkages. *ph

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Electrical · WV · fire

Consumer states vehicle caught on fire seconds after being parked. Vehicle was to be towed, however, dealership refused to accept the vehicle. Consumer received recall notification relating to ignition switch 02v07 to correct potental fire. As a result, consumer has filed complaint with attorney generals office.

Filed Jul 17, 2002 · Electrical · OK

While attempting to start vehicle noticed some smoke coming from steering column. Ignition locked up. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · OH · fire

The federal safety agency# 02 v 07 000/ignition : while vehicle was parked, horn started going off, and then noticed vehicle on fire under the hood. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. *ak an investigator determined the cause of fire was arson.

Filed Apr 11, 2001 · Airbags · VT

While driving 45 MPH on flat road passenger's airbag deployed. Consumer pulled over and noticed smoke coming from under hood. Raised hood, and saw smoke from driver's side. At that moment, driver's airbag deployed. Engine was shut off. Pontiac took no responsibility for this.

Filed May 22, 2000 · Electrical · KY · fire

Consumer was inside of vehicle . Started vehicle up, and noticed smoke coming underneath the dashboard. Fire department was called.

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Electrical, Suspension · PA · fire

The steering wheel column made grinding noises when my 1996 grand am se was driven. The noises even persisted after the grand am was returned to the original dealership in washington, d.c. Where the car was purchased from for service/repair in december 1999. The service manager informed me the noises from the steering wheel column could not be fixed and since the car was "older"- only 3 years old, any noises in the steering wheel column should be expected and are normal for a 3 year old car. The service manager told me he would look at the steering wheel column as well as the electrical componenets under the dashboard to investigate the problem. The service manager informed me that he did the best he could do to find and repair the noises in the steering wheel column. Approximately three months later, and continued to hear grinding noises from the steering wheel column, on march 31, 2000, after dropping my infant to the daycare center, I attempted to start the car and it would not start. The steering wheel column in addition to the turn signal chamber on the steering wheel column began to smoke. Flames began to appear from the steering wheel column and a steady flow of smoke. The electrical fire increased in size and was finally brought under control by two fire engine companies. My 1996 pontiac grand am was towed, assessed for damages and finally deemed unsalvageable- a total loss. My 1996 pontiac grand am se was only three years old. This incident should not have occurred.*ak( dot number: )

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Engine, Suspension · TX · fire

While driving uphill car made a loud noise and the front end was shifting to the right. Also, engine had exploded and vehicle was on fire. Vehicle was totaled.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Electrical · AR · fire

While driving vehicle in reverse smoke started coming out through dashboard, where according to consumer ,they found three wires that were rubbing together. Wires are currently kept apart, and consumer could start vehicle without smoke coming from dashboard.