NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
443 reportsMileage unknown · Apr 1, 2002
Steering
I AM STATIONED OVERSEAS IN THE MILITARY. WHILE DRIVING ON BASE, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED VIOLENTLY OUT OF MY HANDS AND I STARTED INTO THE DITCH, LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING A POLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE GARAGE ON BASE, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE STEERING …
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I AM STATIONED OVERSEAS IN THE MILITARY. WHILE DRIVING ON BASE, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED VIOLENTLY OUT OF MY HANDS AND I STARTED INTO THE DITCH, LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING A POLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE GARAGE ON BASE, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE STEERING GEAR AND PINION HAD FAILED AND THAT IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH GENERAL MOTORS FOR OVER 2 MONTHS NOW TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT 2 SEPERATE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD THEM, THAT THE STEERING GEAR IS BAD AND THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURED. THEY BOTH SAID THAT HAD THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED, THE CRASH WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AT THE EXPENSE OF ME AND MY WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN. GM OVERSEAS KEEPS TRYING TO SAY THAT THE MILEAGE IS TOO HIGH AND THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I GUESS TO THEM IT IS NORMAL TO CRASH YOUR CAR. THEIR TECHNICAL DEPT ALSO SAYS THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED A GRADUAL LOOSEING OF THE STEERING. I DID NOT, IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND AS THE MECHANICS TOLD GM, THIS IS NO FAULT OF THE CUSTOMER! I CANNOT GET GM TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM, WHICH I GUESS IS WHY IT IS STILL SITTING AT THE GM DEALERSHIP(SCHWARZKOPF) IN AMBERG GERMANY. IT HAS BEEN SITTING THERE FOR OVER A MONTH AND BEFORE THAT A MONTH AT THE GARAGE ON BASE, 2 MONTHS WITHOUT MY CAR. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL DO ANY GOOD TO WRITE THIS, BUT I GUESS THAT WHAT IT WILL TAKE IS FOR SOMEONE TO CRASH THEIR CAR BEFORE CHEVROLET ACKNOWLEDGES A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING GEAR. THIS CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW, SO MAINTENANCE IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE. I HOPE THAT SOMEONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. I HAVE PROVIDED AN ADDRESS AND PHONE # IN THE U.S. FROM MY IN-LAWS, AND HERE IS MY ADDRESS AND PHONE # OVERSEAS: CMR 414 BOX 1228, APO AE 09173. PH #011-49-9493-902717. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE REGARDING THIS MATTER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #760080
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I FINANCED IT. I UNDERSTAND BUYING A USED CAR IS RISKY BUT NOT LIKE THIS. I HAVE HAD MY COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED AND STILL HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE VECHICLE FROM FOLSOM LAKE USED CAR OUTLET AND ALL THEY CAN DO IS POINT THE BLAME TOWARDS ME. THEY TELL ME IT IS …
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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I FINANCED IT. I UNDERSTAND BUYING A USED CAR IS RISKY BUT NOT LIKE THIS. I HAVE HAD MY COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED AND STILL HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE VECHICLE FROM FOLSOM LAKE USED CAR OUTLET AND ALL THEY CAN DO IS POINT THE BLAME TOWARDS ME. THEY TELL ME IT IS THE WAY THAT I DRIVE, I RIDE THE BRAKES, I DRIVE WITH TWO FEET. EXCUSES MAINLY. INSTEAD OF SAYING WE DON'T HONESTLY KNOW WHAT IS WRONG FINGERS ARE BEING POINTED. I HAVE GONE THROUGH 6 SETS OF PADS, 4 SETS OF ROTORS DUE TO HOT SPOTS, A SET OF CALIPERS, AND NOW EVERYTHING NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR 1 YEAR YET. PRETTY MUCH MY BRAKES FAIL EVERY MONTH TO MONTH & 1/2. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP FIRST PUT MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP IT WENT TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER 2 WEEKS AFTER HAVING IT, FOR BLOWN HEADGASKETS & COOLIANT PROBLEMS. THE BRAKE PROBLEM WAS THERE BUT WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM WANTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES. I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD SON, AND I LOOK AT IT AS WHAT IF THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAIL. I GUESS IT IS NO ONES PROBLEM UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT AND A MAJOR LAW SUIT IS BRUNG AGAINST THE DEALER. THAT MAKES PEOPLE THEN OPEN THEIR EYES AND THINK HOW THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. I DO NOT BRING ALL THE BLAME AGAINST CHEVY BECAUSE WHEN A DEALERSHIP SELLS A VEHICLE NEW OR USED SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. AND I DON'T HAVE THAT SAFETY IN MY VEHICLE. PLEASE SOMEONE CAN YOU HELP ME IN MY SITUATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #759650
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BAD SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR STABILIZER INSULATOR BUSHINGS.*JB
NHTSA ODI #564702
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2002
Steering
AT 65 MPH IDLER PULLY FAILED LOST BELT THAT DRIVES WATER PUMP ,GEN ,P/S. *AK
NHTSA ODI #758973
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I BOUGHT THIS 1997 MALIBU WITH 20,000 MILES ON ODOMETER IN 1998. IN ONE MONTH I NOTICED COOLANT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. I ADDED ANTI FREEZE AND WATER TO SYSTEM. THIS WOULD LAST ABOUT A MONTH AND I WOULD HAVE TO ADD MORE COOLANT. ON 2/ 26/2002 THE LIGHT CAME ON AND I ADDED MORE COOLANT. I DROVE ABOUT 4 MILES AND COOL…
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I BOUGHT THIS 1997 MALIBU WITH 20,000 MILES ON ODOMETER IN 1998. IN ONE MONTH I NOTICED COOLANT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. I ADDED ANTI FREEZE AND WATER TO SYSTEM. THIS WOULD LAST ABOUT A MONTH AND I WOULD HAVE TO ADD MORE COOLANT. ON 2/ 26/2002 THE LIGHT CAME ON AND I ADDED MORE COOLANT. I DROVE ABOUT 4 MILES AND COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I CHECKED OIL DIP STICK AND IT REGISTERED ABOUT TWO INCHES ABOVE FULL. I KNEW THEN THAT WATER WAS IN MY OIL. THE COOLANT HAD NEVER LEAKED OUT WHERE I COULD SEE IT ON THE GROUND. I HAD TO PAY $430.00 TO HAVE GASKETS REPLACED FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD . MY OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE FRONT DISK BRAKES ARE WEARING OUT MUCH FASTER THAN ANY CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. I HAVE REPLACED TWO SET OF FRONT DISC PADS AND HAVE HAD ROTORS TURNED AND REPLACED. I AM VERY LIGHT ON BRAKES AND HAVE HAD EXTREMELY GOOD WARE ON OTHER AUTOS. AFTER 2000 MILES THEY ARE MAKING A NOISE AGAIN. THE PADS ARE GUARANTIED FOR LIFE BY THE MANUFACTURER .*AK
NHTSA ODI #758781
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2002
Suspension
TWO FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE GONE OUT/BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8004588
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2002
Seat BeltsStructureSuspension
SEAT BELT NOT WORKING, ALL FOUR TIRES ARE CRACKING ALL AROUND THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL. LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACED AND HOOD CABLE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI #9005502
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA ODI #755915
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
MOTOR MOUNTS ARE DEFECTIVE. IF CONSUMER WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THEN MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION COULD FALL OUT OF VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #899718
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2001
Electrical System
CAR WOULD NOT START. ANTI-THEFT LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. 1ST OCCURRENCE HAPPENDED ON 10/20/00 AND THEN AGAIN ON 11/11/01. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE HOUSING AND TUMBLER AND REPLACED BOTH AT THE COST OF $396.39 EACH TIME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #754456
Official recalls
4Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Dec 11, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Mar 8, 2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. 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 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Jun 28, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FASTENERS THAT SECURE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TIE BAR WERE OMITTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS, THE MODULE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STRIKING AND INJURING AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE FASTENERS AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL ANY FASTENERS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7RQ04006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened Jul 7, 2004 · Closed Jan 13, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
RQ03001 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Jan 2, 2003 · Closed Sep 15, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
Steering:rack And Pinion
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
EA02003 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Dec 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
PE01038 · Steering Rack And Pinion
Opened Nov 14, 2001 · Closed Apr 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN.ALL CRASHES WERE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES.GM STATES THAT ONE POSSIBLE FAILURE MODE IS FAILURE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE R&P.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE IF A SAFETY DEFECT TREND EXISTS.
EA00019 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Jul 12, 2000 · Closed Mar 6, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ON FEBRUARY 22, 2000, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) INITIATED PE00-009 BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 & 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU & OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO EA00-019 ON JULY 12, 2000.DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF FRACTURE OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING (SUBJECT COMPONENT).SUCH A FRACTURE LED TO AN IMMEDIATE AND IRRECOVERABLE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION.GMREPORTED THAT THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION (50% GLASS-REINFORCED ACETAL) OF THE SUBJECT COMPONENT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO WITHSTAND STRESSES IMPOSED BY CERTAIN FROZEN PRECIPITIATION ACCUMULATIONS.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT MATERIAL WAS CHANGED TO THE STRONGER 50% GLASS-REINFORCEDNYLON-6, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 98.OBSOLETE SERVICE PART WERE DISCARDED.GM WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS IN 129,427 SUBJECT VEHICLES FOUND IN 28 STATES (AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY), THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND ALL CANADIAN PROVINCES.THESE STATES ACCOUNTED FOR 91% OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.ODI WILL MONITOR THIS COMPAIGN FOR ADEQUATE EFFCTIVENESS AND, IF NECESSARY, TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE.FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS MATTER IS UNJUSTIFIED AT THIS TIME.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.
EA00010 · Stop Lamp Assembly Overheat
Opened Mar 27, 2000 · Closed Aug 9, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE00009 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Feb 22, 2000 · Closed Jul 12, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
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Illustration