NHTSA Complaint #10460997 — 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

AS I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE, I NOTICED THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, I FOUND THE ENGINE COVER WAS ON FIRE, THE FOAM ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE COVER WAS MELTING AND DRIPPING ONTO THE HOT ENGINE. I TOOK THE COVER OFF AND PUT THE FIRE OUT WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL OR SPARK PLUG WIRES. I DID FOLLOW THROUGH ON THE RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE OIL COULD CATCH FIRE ON THE REFLECTOR GUARD ON THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE, THAT IS GONE, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE, SLIDING INTO A HOLE AT THE REAR AND HELD IN PLACE BY THE OIL CAP. IS IT SAFE TO RUN THIS WITHOUT THE COVER? WILL THE ENGINE CATCH THE INSULATION UNDER THE HOOD ON FIRE? I HAVE OWNED THIS SINCE NEW AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF IT, STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THIS ISSUE. *JS