Mostly Chevrolet Cavaliers and Pontiac Sunfires Affected
Just when General Motors Canada was getting ready to say goodbye to the archaic Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire models, now they're involved in one of the largest recall campaigns of the year.
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| 1.8 million Cavaliers and Sunfires built between March 1997 and April 2001 are to be recalled. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Of its 1998 through 2001 lineup, 1.8 million Cavaliers and Sunfires built between March 1997 and April 2001 are to be recalled for a faulty ignition switch that causes a higher than usual electrical current flow. The result could be a fire in the steering column. So far 80 incidents of exceptional heat build-up, melted components, smoldering parts or fires in the ignition system or steering column have been reported. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Other models included in the recall are some 1998 Buick Skylarks, Oldsmobile Achievas and Pontiac Grand Ams built between March 1997 and January 1998.
Out of the 1.8 million total cars recalled, a disproportional 337,000 units were sold in Canada, with 1.4 million in the U.S and the remaining vehicles sold outside of North America.
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| Starting in early March, General Motors Canada will notify owners of 1998 through 1999 vehicles, with instructions to contact their dealer immediately. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
What to do if you own one of the cars currently being recalled? Other than the need to contact your dealer, if your car clicks when you turn the ignition key, but the engine doesn't turn over, you should not continue attempting to turn over the engine.
GM has split up repairs into three phases due to the massive number of vehicles involved in the recall. Therefore, starting in early March, General Motors Canada will notify owners of 1998 through 1999 vehicles, with instructions to contact their dealer immediately. The same process will be repeated in May for owners of 2000 model vehicles. Owners of 2001 cars can expect a letter in June.
What's the fix? A new low current relay will be installed into the ignition circuitry, after first testing the ignition switch and replacing it if necessary. Being a recall, the repairs will not cost customers more than the inconvenience of the service trip.