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 fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
The fix
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on March 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-036 (04V036000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04002 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Switch |
| Report date | January 27, 2004 |
| Owners notified | March 1, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,415,231 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 1998 Buick Skylark electrical problems 5
- 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems 66
- 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems 47
- 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems 69
- 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems 56
- 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva electrical problems 12
- 1998 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems 33
- 1998 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems 21
- 1999 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems 21
- 2000 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems 23
- 2001 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems 21
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-036 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,415,231 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.