Vehicle recall 02V070000 · March 6, 2002
Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire and 3 more models
On certain passenger vehicles.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- Remedy
- 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
- NHTSA campaign
- 02V070000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 6, 2002
- Filed by
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Manufacturer campaign
- 02008
- Owner notification
- March 27, 2002
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 1,589,948
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Buick Skylark (1996-1997): 1997, 1996
- Chevrolet Cavalier (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
- Oldsmobile Achieva (1996-1997): 1997, 1996
- Pontiac Grand AM (1996-1997): 1997, 1996
- Pontiac Sunfire (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
Has your Buick been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buick dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.