Recall 02V-070: 1996–1997 Buick Skylark, 1995–1997 Chevrolet Cavalier and 3 more

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall for electrical system, reported to NHTSA on Mar 6, 2002, covering about 1,589,948 vehicles.

NHTSA number
02V-070
Report date
Mar 6, 2002
Vehicles affected
1,589,948
Owners notified
Mar 27, 2002

The problem

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.

The risk

If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.

The fix

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.

Notes

Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS CORP.
ComponentElectrical System › Ignition › Switch
Recall started byNHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation)
NHTSA campaign number02V070000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Buick Skylark1996, 1997All years
Chevrolet Cavalier1995, 1996, 1997All years
Oldsmobile Achieva1996, 1997All years
Pontiac Grand AM1996, 1997All years
Pontiac Sunfire1995, 1996, 1997All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 02V-070?

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.

How is recall 02V-070 fixed?

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.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.