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)

- Omaha, NE, USA

The contact owns a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. The vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition. The dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder, which has been replaced three times within three years. The current mileage is 180,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

- Redding, PA, USA

Ignition switch wore out at only 148,000 miles. Car can not be started.

- Columbus, OH, USA

NHTSA 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. 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.

- Nashua, NH, USA

Periodically the key gets stuck in the "on" position. This has caused damage to the sending unit to the crankcase.

- Newport, NC, USA

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.

- Huntington, WV, USA

Key will not come out of ignition after putting into park. Sticks at various times and for various lengths of time. The lights stay on which has drained the battery twice. Have had three different local dealers check. They did things like grease it, make new keys and scratch their head. None of these have solved my problem. I purchased the car as a "program car" with 14967 miles on it. The problem started shortly after purchase in 1996. After 5 years of thinking I was alone with this annoying problem, I recently found six local owners with the same problem and now I see about ten other complaints on this web site. I did have the most recent recall done but the dealer said it did not have anything to do with this problem but didn't have any answers on how to fix it. I have sent E-mails to Pontiac with no reply. I realize this may not fall into safety issues but it is a wide problem that needs looked into. With the ignition left in the on position, it may be a fire hazzard, not to mention hard on batteries. I am tot he point of seeking legal assistance to get this problem solved. This is the largest, most annoying problem I have had, other than this, I have liked the car. Please, please help me fix this!

- Morrisdale, PA, USA

NHTSA recall 02V070000, ignition switch. The vehicle ran hot and shut down in the middle of the road. The owner did receive notification of the recall. Pontiac customer relations declined any service to assist the consumer, including towing and recall part expenses. The key had became stuck in the ignition prior to receiving the recall notice.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Consumer had ignition switch replaced prior to recall 02V07 and is requesting reimbursement for repairs.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

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.

- Hollyhill, FL, USA

Interior lights come on intermittently while driving, there are recalls 88V927000 and 96V257000; but this vehicle is not affected due to VIN. The invoice states that they checked the recall/campaign-they had to install engine wiring harness, replace the ignition switch and the steering column tilt lever.

- Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Consumer has been repairing the ignition system for over two (2) years. A recall notice was sent to consumer recently. Consumer is seeking reimbursement.

- Willimantic , CT, USA

After recall 02V070000 repairs were done, problem reoccurred. Dealer wanted to charge consumer to replace recall again.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

NHTSA recall 02 V 070 000/manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition switch: After recall repairs were done, the vehicle stalled on three separate occasions and would not restart. The engine check light, oil light, battery light and ABS light would come on intermittently while driving. Dealer notified. Consumer states that before the recall kit was installed the car hasn't been running properly. One incident the consumer was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled and a semi-truck was following. The consumer was told that it was a bad sensor which still didn't solve the problem. Then on another occasion was told that it wasn't the sensor but a bad fuel pump. The lights are still on 75 percent of the time.

- Beloit, OH, USA

Consumer took vehicle into dealer to get recall 02V070000 repairs done on ignition switch. After work was done, consumer was still having problems with ignition switch.*akjg

- Chicago, IL, USA

Key gets stuck in switch and can't turn vehicle off nor take key out of ignition. Took vehicle to dealer and had repairs, but problem still exists.

- Gary, IN, USA

Consumer received recall letter 02V070000 concerning ignition switch which has not been hornored by dealer. Consumer is very dissatisfied with service and treatment.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Ignition switch will not turn on at all when applying inside of ignition switch. Consumer has had to replace battery. Dealership is aware of problem. Dealer performed recall 02V07000 relating to the ignition switch. Consumer is satisfied with repairs.

- Broadhead, KY, USA

Consumer states vehicle ignition switch will not allow consumer to take key out of ignition. Took to dealer and they are not going to replace the ignition swithch.

- Otis Orchard, WA, USA

NHTSA recall 02-V-070-000/ manufacturer's recall 02008 dealership: Art gamblin 1047 hwy 410, enumclaw, wa. Phone number 360-825-2567 where the vehicle was taken to was not serviced for the recall due to parts not available until July of 2002. Consumer stated that ignition switch made the clicking noise mentioned in the recall letter.

- Bonney Lake, WA, USA