While on the street vehicle was in park and the key was taken out of the ignition switch. Then, vehicle caught on fire behind the steering wheel. Black smoke. And large flames appeared. Fire department show up to extinguish the fire. Dealer notified.
1996 Pontiac Sunfire: fire, smoke or burning smell
8 of the 201 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
While driving 25 MPH the vehicle caught fire under the glove compartment. Due to the interior damage the vehicle was totaled. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No injuries reported. Please provide additional information.
Head gasket on my 96 pontiac sunfire blew and caused my car to stall in traffic and almost caused an accident with my family aboard. My car went from 195 operating temp to 260 with in 1 minute. The car could have caught fire and caused tremendous injuries.
While putting the key inside the ignition vehicle would not start. Driver took key out of the ignition and steering column started smoking. Vehicle caught on fire. Consumer contacted dealer.
Smoke started coming from underneath the vehicle into the vents. Vehicle caught on fire please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem. Ph
While waiting for recall 02v070000 parts, ignition switch caused vehicle to catch on fire.*ak.
Consumer tried to start vehicle,but it would not start. Consumer tried again, and noticed smoke coming from ignition area, engine was shut off. 10-15 minutes later, vehicle started on its own without key in ignition, consumer shut off engine again. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time, recall letter was received after this incident.
During operation smoke was noticed coming from underneath the dash board. Resulting in flames under the steering column, and the vehicle burning down.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- 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.
Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
8 of 201 owner complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (4%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
Headlights 14ABS 11Won't start 10Wipers 8Brake failure 7No deployment 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Stalling 6Check engine light 5
VIN decoder
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