Tl* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the vents and a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact and the front passenger were able to safely exit the vehicle without any injuries. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire: fire, smoke or burning smell
6 of the 189 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
1997 pontiac sunfire failed to start. Turned ignition off removed key, car steering column burst into flames within a few minutes.
When the vehicle was started it suddenly caught on fire under the dash. The consumer was able to put the fire out. The dealer was notified. Please provide any additional information.
Consumer states when started the car smoke start coming from the steering column, states that the relay kit caught fire. Nlm
The consumer was traveling about 55mph on the highway and heard a rumbling noise. When she applied the gas pedal there was a loud rambling noise. She looked in her rearview mirrior and saw white smoke though the window. Consumer got out of car and didn't see anything. She got into the vehicle and started it, and white smoke came from the hood. Car was turn off. She got out of vehicle, and lifted the hood, and noticed a big giant whole coming from the engine. A pipe was busted, and oil was leak out from the engine.
While driving consumer observed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, shortly after fire started in the trunk area, cause unknown. Fire department stated that fire started due to a electrical shortage. *ak
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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
6 of 189 owner complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (3%) 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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
Headlights 10Stalling 10Wipers 10No deployment 5Power steering loss 5
VIN decoder
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