NHTSA complaint: 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
I PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP COMP G FROM RYDELL AUTOMOTIVE (VAN NUYS, CA) ON OCTOBER 24, 2004. IN MAY 2004 THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FLUID LEAK. AUGUST 23, 2004 I HAD THE 30,000 MILE SERVICE PERFORMED (I HAVE A LONG COMMUTE), AND THAT INCLUDED A SERVICE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. AUGUST 31, 2004 WHILE MAKING A THREE POINT TURN IN A PARKING LOT, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FILLED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (THE A/C WAS ON). I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE THE ENGINE ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY SEVERAL LARGE BOTTLES OF WATER AND THE ASSISTANCE OF A PASSERBY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE RYDELL DEALER IN SAN FERNANDO WHERE IT REMAINS UN-REPAIRED. THE GM FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SAID I SHOULD SUBMIT A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE, EVEN THOUGH I AM CLEARLY WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THE DEALERSHIP DIRECTLY AND I AM REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE SINCE I FEEL THE PROBLEM COULD RECUR. *AK
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation