1996 Pontiac Grand Am: won't start

Filed Jul 9, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 171,708 miles · WA

Car would not start. Steering locked and transmission stuck in park.key would not turn. Towed car home. Removed the ignition switch and found the ignition lock had melted. The obvious fire hazard prompted a recall search for the make and model finding an ignition recall has been issued. I contacted pontiac customer service. The representative asked me if my VIN was covered. I have confirmed the VIN is on the recall list although the rep. Failed to acknowledge this. The seriousness of the recall, potential fire hazard and validity of my complaint was ignored and [xxx] (pontiac rep.) would not assist me further. I am stuck now with trying to resolve getting my car repaired in a timely manner. Please advise. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Body, Electrical · 98,000 miles · PA · crash · 3 injuries

Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. Started approximately 1yr. Ago. Caused all lights on dash to light up, now vehicle will not start, could not afford to have pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy.

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 Sep 28, 2005 · Electrical · MI

I am currently financing a car from RPM wholesale in flint, I got this car march 29, 2005. I have had the car fixed more than 6 times. The car has not been working for 2 weeks. The car was over heating, and then it would not start up. I took it back to RPM and they said they fixed it. Again this week I took it back, and they are saying its a electrical nightmare, and make an appointment to bring it back, but I can drive it until then.

Filed Mar 31, 2003 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · MA

The ignition would not turn over, the interior and exterior lighting levels fluctuated, the dashboard light flickered on/off, and the battery died on several occasions. The consumer requested reimbursement for the parts that have been replaced for a problem that hasn't been fixed. Scc

Filed Jul 26, 2002 · Electrical · FL

Relay kit was installed under recall 02v070000 concerning ignition switch on 6-5-2002. Currently, vehicle will not start, it just clicks when consumer tries to start it.

Filed Apr 22, 2002 · Electrical · IL

Car wouldn't start, it started smoking, burned ignition switch and starter. Having same problem as recall # 02-v-070-000, but dealership said it was not the samething.

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 Sep 20, 1999 · Electrical · CA

Intermittently vehicle will not start . The dealer has replaced various parts and the problem still exists.

Filed Jul 8, 1999 · Electrical · NJ

Vehicle won't start due to igintion switch keeps locking up. Also, vehicle keeps stalling and cutting off without prior warning.