GM Recall-Rant

[kaykay]

Long story short...last August my 2000 Grand Prix SE randomly started on fire and burnt up. I had just gotten out of the car and it started on fire approximately 2 minutes later.

Pics:

I only had liability and I'm STILL paying the car payments now. (It's finally getting close.) Anyways, GM announced this 2 days ago: http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/04/nhtsa-5068.html
They are recalling my car along with several others because the manifold gets to hot, oil runs...fire starts, yup. This is what happened to my car--I have a report from the fire department that states they think that's close to what caused it... my dad had my car crushed a week ago.

I'm going to call GM/Pontiac to see if anything can be done but I highly doubt it. It's non-existent now...this is soooo my luck!:banghead:

Please get your cars checked, etc. It seriously does happen!

 

[Nancy]

If you have a report for the fire department about it as well as your pictures, GM should come good for it. I'd sure put up a good fight with them over it.

 

[kaykay]

If you have a report for the fire department about it as well as your pictures, GM should come good for it. I'd sure put up a good fight with them over it.

That's definitely what I'm hoping Nancy...I have a fire department report and SEVERAL pictures. And I'm making phone calls as we speak...I didn't think anything could come of it. But we'll see!

 

[mishellyshel]

wow.........thank god you were not in the vehicle! i think with pix & reports you might have a good chance!

 

[FiaSpice]

I'm sure you can do something with the report and pictures. But thank got you didn't get hurt or anyone.

 

[Rickman]

In my experience, skip calling Pontiac, and go right to the NTSB - they'll be able to go right to the person that will make the final decision, avoiding probably 5 people that will try to say "no"! With them behind you, right will be on your side, or at least a lot closer! Hope it works out!
BTW - your car, at an insurance auction, would still pull about $1000, as there's a lot of resellable body parts!

 

[Tiatrack]

(Washington, D.C.) AP — General Motors Corp. is recalling 1.5 million vehicles because of potential engine fires. GM says there have been no reports of any fires or injuries.

I think you would beg to differ about the fire! How scary, but good to hear that you were out of the car before it started on fire.

 

[kaykay]

(Washington, D.C.) AP — General Motors Corp. is recalling 1.5 million vehicles because of potential engine fires. GM says there have been no reports of any fires or injuries.

I think you would beg to differ about the fire! How scary, but good to hear that you were out of the car before it started on fire.

Wow, I can't believe they are saying that. My b/f found a couple of forums where case after case (with pictures) has been reported of fires. And if there weren't any fires, why would they do the recall, how did they find out about it?

Some people are telling me to hire a lawyer...I don't know. I'll see what comes of it talking directly to GM, I really doubt anything will, but we'll see.

 

[threewingedfury]

This may be irrevalent, but how were you financing a car without full coverage?

I know every car that I've ever purchased and had to pay payments on had to have collision. In fact, I even tried to take collision off of one of my cars once and got a letter from my finance company telling me that I was required to have it while under a loan.

 

[FiaSpice]

This may be irrevalent, but how were you financing a car without full coverage?

I know every car that I've ever purchased and had to pay payments on had to have collision. In fact, I even tried to take collision off of one of my cars once and got a letter from my finance company telling me that I was required to have it while under a loan.

It's true, mee too. I'm required to insure it "on both side" like we say here.

 

[kaykay]

This may be irrevalent, but how were you financing a car without full coverage?

I know every car that I've ever purchased and had to pay payments on had to have collision. In fact, I even tried to take collision off of one of my cars once and got a letter from my finance company telling me that I was required to have it while under a loan.

That's a little personal, don't ya think? There are a lot of banks actually that when a loan is under a certain amount, you're allowed to have liability. So yes, it's irrelevant. Especially now that nothing can be done. Do I wish I had full coverage at the time? Of course. Is there anything I can do about it now? Uh...no. Being in college...you do what you gotta do.

The point of this thread was to let people know about the recall...and hopefully save someone else what happened to me.

 

[tskoffina]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but you're right, don't want it to happen to anyone else, and since I don't know, maybe someone does. Are any Chevy's included, or have their own? Aren't a lot of their models and parts interchangable? Hopefully a car person out there knows. Glad you weren't hurt, and sorry about your car, and the timing.

 

[kaykay]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but you're right, don't want it to happen to anyone else, and since I don't know, maybe someone does. Are any Chevy's included, or have their own? Aren't a lot of their models and parts interchangable? Hopefully a car person out there knows. Glad you weren't hurt, and sorry about your car, and the timing.

These are the cars that are included in the recall--guess I should've posted that. Anyhow, it's because the manifold gets too hot and oil runs and then it sparks.
BUICK / REGAL 1997-2003
CHEVROLET / IMPALA 2000-2003
CHEVROLET / LUMINA 1998-1999
CHEVROLET / MONTE CARLO 1998-2003
OLDSMOBILE / INTRIGUE 1998-1999
PONTIAC / GRAND PRIX 1997-2003

 

[alpayton]

That's a little personal, don't ya think? There are a lot of banks actually that when a loan is under a certain amount, you're allowed to have liability. So yes, it's irrelevant. Especially now that nothing can be done. Do I wish I had full coverage at the time? Of course. Is there anything I can do about it now? Uh...no. Being in college...you do what you gotta do.

The point of this thread was to let people know about the recall...and hopefully save someone else what happened to me.

I don't think it was too personal. I am financing my car and I wondered the same thing myself, as I know that I am required by law to have full coverage insurance until the car is paid off in full. That is, unless you (general term) have some sort of collateral that you have put up for the loan that the finance company can/will repossess and sell in the case the loan didn't get paid. Somehow I don't think my finance company would take it very well if I suddenly dropped full coverage insurance on the $25,000 balance due car that I'm driving without some sort of collateral to cover it in the case of theft or loss.

 

[Chinniechantel]

I would hire a lawyer if they don't pay you. With what could have happened to you, I think this would be a great case to bring to a jury! How scary, the car you drive in everyday just lights on fire. Talk about a nightmare. I am so glad you did not get hurt, and seriously do fight- you deserve a new car!

 

[Jeanette]

When all is said and done, just remember these two things...

1) You escaped with your life.
2) Not everyone is so lucky.

 

[kaykay]

When all is said and done, just remember these two things...

1) You escaped with your life.
2) Not everyone is so lucky.

Definitely agree. I am thankful that I wasn't hurt and MORE thankful that no one ELSE was hurt...that would've been awful.

Wow...didn't know everyone was so interested in my personal finances-- Every bank is different, every finance company is different and every LOAN is different...in every state. I PERSONALLY am not REQUIRED to have full coverage on my auto loan for MY car---because of various factors. Again, this thread really wasn't to discuss my personal automobile loans. Maybe a new thread can be started for that if people want to discuss their auto loans and car insurance?

Anyways, we'll see what happens, thanks to those that feel I should be compensated or are hoping for the best. It REALLY makes no difference to me, I'm just seeing what will come of it as of right now.

 

[kaykay]

Just wanted to clear up as well, these posts are in no way me trying to offend anyone or accuse anyone of anything. I just have a car loan and previously wasn't required to have full coverage because of factors of my car loan and the bank it's through... I definitely WISH I would've had full coverage of course! Would've saved me a few headaches...but you live and you learn!

 

[addictedtochins]

I PERSONALLY am not REQUIRED to have full coverage on my auto loan for MY car---because of various factors.

I agree with you, it's your business. It could be a 401K loan, personal loan, and so on. We (me and mom) had a car fire a long time ago, it's really scary. We had it towed home and it looked terrible, all melted etc, like yours. Funny thing is my mom called a friend, he said he'd buy it. Well he tinkered with it for a couple of hours and about $40 in parts and had that thing going for another 60K miles. Maybe you could look around for someone handy like that.

 

[Rickman]

It's crushed, already!
I'd still be contacting the NTSB, especially since GM is trying to sell "no fires or injury!"
You've proof, and should be awarded bluebook value, or a LKQ replacement vehicle!
[LKQ means like kind and quality, more an insurance term on a used part, or vehicle.]
You've got a very good case there, that you should be able to get results!
Is there a local T.V. station that could help you? Negative T.V. is something GM doesn't need at this time, and would probably settle with you, to avoid!
Maybe contact the AP and see if they'd like to do a story!