10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

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problem #6

Dec 192002

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
In fulfillment of recall 02008-S, a GM dealership claims that replacement of the starter wiring harness will destroy the terminal on the solenoid, resulting in the required replacement of both the solenoid and starter motor. Both parts are in good working order but GM will not cover the cost of this damage, approx $260. In short, a rusty terminal will probably break when removed. For this, GM wants to sell a new starter with solenoid at full price. I have confirmed the likelihood of the damage with an independent mechanic. GM refused me directly upon appeal. This is a very important recall, though relatively simple to implement. The car is only 7 years old. GM should be required to cover the full cost of implementation, without profiting on an otherwise unnecessary replacement of expensive components. GM could replace just the solenoid or perhaps even just the terminal. The wire lead could be properly spliced without terminal removal. This possibility (or perhaps probability) was not mentioned in the recall notice or in converations with the dealer prior to the recall work. I am arranging to have the solenoid alone replaced for approx. $140. I suggest that GM be ordered to reimburse customers for this and other costs required to implement the recall fully and to cover them directly from this point forward. I would not be surprised to learn that GM has already installed a significant number of new starters at owners' expense.

- Montgomery, MA, USA

problem #5

Jul 232001

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
This was not a crash. The vehicle was sitting in the driveway turned off. It would not start in the morning and about two hours later the ignition wiring caught on fire. The steering column and dash board were melted. The front seat caught on fire. The front windshield cracked in a large circle the size of a basketball. There was smoke damage inside the vehicle and to the items in the trunk. The fire dept said that if the windshield would have broken all the way through that the vehicle would have exploded. As it was, the lack of oxygen put out the fire.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

problem #4

Feb 102001

Sunfire

  • miles
For more than a year my car has completely shut down. Fuses blow. I've had head gasket replaced, 2 clutches installed, and a new ignition module. Various other small problems. Mechanic does not know what to repair next. The most recent shut down occured on highway during rush hour traffic. Was towed home. Now sitting in driveway.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #3

Mar 011998

Sunfire

  • miles
Strange noise came from ignition when vehicle was cranked. Engine continued to run after ignition was switched off. After several attempts to switch off, the engine shut down and smoke came from the ignition area. Smoking stopped, but later vehicle was found with the interior engulfed inflames.

- Bayamon, PR, USA

problem #2

Aug 171996

Sunfire

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving the car stopped accelerating.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #1

Feb 091996

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • miles
When apply the brake car shut off.

- Winston Sale, NC, USA