In Aug. 2004 my 1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE caught fire in the steering column and fried everything in the column, alternator, and battery.the local Pontiac dealer refused to work on the car so I took it to a local garage.they fixed what they could clearly see was damaged and sent me on my way. Since then I have had to have the alternator rebuilt four times and battery replaced three times.the car has to be jumped several times a week. The alternator kicks in at 800 RPM. And the car idles at 500 RPM.( computer controlled) meaning that the battery is constantly discharging below 35 mph, or with the air and everything on.when it goes above 800rpm the alternator kicks in and boils the battery trying to play catch up. I received a recall notice May 2005 (#04002) and took the car to the GM dealer in batesville, ar.I told them about the fire and damage.they changed the relay and wire under the recall and advised that they could not fix the damage done by the fire, or even check and diagnois the damage still existing, without approval from G.M.. icontacted G.M. (mike demeyer) and was iinformed that they would pay for the damage that was fixed by the local garage, but would not pay to finish fixing the rest of the damage that was not fixed.

- Pleasant Plains, AR, USA

When turning the ignition vehicle would not start right away. Dealer had been contacted. After repair on ignition, recall from manufacturer was released. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for the repair.

- Hayden, ID, USA

I own a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, and there has been a recall on this vehicle. I want to take it in to get fixed -but Pontiac/gmac will not provide a loaner car for me to use while they fix my car-they said it would take 5-6 hours to fix-their letter to me said it would only take an hour to an hour and a half. I cannot be without a vehicle for over 6 hours! I need to get to work!! I am stuck without any options, other than having to inconvenience myself and have to pay for a rental car. This is their mistake not mine and now I have to pay?!!! this is not good customer service, gmac should provide a loaner for these types of instances.

- Louisville, CO, USA

Seems a few weeks after I purchased my vehicle I started noticing malfunctions wrong with my Pontiac Grand Am. I brought in my car for problems with the ignition in several times, key gets stuck in ignition and hard to release. Ignition locks and can't turn key to start engine. My car was under warranty and never was I told that there was a recall from the dealer. I was charged and the problem still exist after several services to my car. Now my car is no longer under warranty and problem still exist. I think I may have purchased a lemon.

- Houma, LA, USA

Ignition started smoking while trying to turn key in ignition.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

Problems starting up vehicle. Dealer notified.

- Sandy Hook, CT, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Fairless Hills, PA, USA

Consumer was unable to start vehicle due to frozen ignition which would not allow the key to turn, dealer replaced the ignition cylinder, consumer asked if this would be covered under warranty since vehicle was only 3 and 1/2 years old and was told it would not be.

- Canton, MI, USA

Consumer was unable to start vehicle due to frozen ignition which would not allow the key to turn, dealer replaced the ignition cylinder, consumer asked if this would be covered under warranty since vehicle was only 3 and 1/2 years old and was told it would not be.

- Canton, MI, USA

When attempting to start the vehicle, early morning start and vehicle failed to start. Consumer made a second attempt to start and vehicle caught on fire, fire started in the steering wheel column. Fire department was called, and extinguished fire before anymore damage was done to vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Phavy, TX, USA