NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
130 reportsClear category filter55,300 miles · Jan 23, 2007
Electrical System
THE ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM DISABLED THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. WITH THE MOTOR DEAD, NEITHER THE BRAKES NOR STEERING WERE POWERED. COASTED TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE OUT OF TRAFFIC FLOW, TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. CALLED A TOW TRUCK BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, THE ENGINE STA…
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THE ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM DISABLED THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. WITH THE MOTOR DEAD, NEITHER THE BRAKES NOR STEERING WERE POWERED. COASTED TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE OUT OF TRAFFIC FLOW, TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. CALLED A TOW TRUCK BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, THE ENGINE STARTED AND RAN. THIS ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM HAS PROHIBITED THE CAR FROM STARTING FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY CANNOT FIX THIS. THEY SUGGESTED I USE A BACKUP KEY, BUT I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL KEYS INSERTED BOTH WAYS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS STRANDED THE DRIVER TWICE AT WORK AND ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN MALL PARKING LOTS, ONCE LATE AT NIGHT. THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM, AND THEY CANNOT DISABLE THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AS A WORK-AROUND. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR THAT ONLY THE MANUFACTURER CAN SOLVE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10179523
35,000 miles · Jul 22, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE HAD MY LOCK CORE IN MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU LS REPLACED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES SINCE MY CAR WAS AROUND 30,000 TO 35,000 MILES. IT STARTED WHEN THE PASSIVE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED IN MY CAR. I WOULD BE DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD COME ON. I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY CO…
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I HAVE HAD MY LOCK CORE IN MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU LS REPLACED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES SINCE MY CAR WAS AROUND 30,000 TO 35,000 MILES. IT STARTED WHEN THE PASSIVE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED IN MY CAR. I WOULD BE DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD COME ON. I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD ONLY FOLLOW THE PLANS ON HOW TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT IT MORE THAN LIKELY WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE CAR. IT HAPPENS EVERY SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS WHERE IT WON'T START AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTS FLASHING AT ME. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO SIT IN THE CAR WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR UP TO 20 MINUTES. I LIVE THE UPPER MIDWEST AND IF IT WAS ON A REALLY COLD OR HOT AND HUMID DAY, THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF YOU STAY WITH YOUR CAR. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET IT FIXED AND FIXED RIGHT? OR HAVE GM STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT? *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163170
85,000 miles · Jul 12, 2006
Electrical System
ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGES FOR NO REASON. AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR, WE TRY TO START IT; IT TURNS OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL KEYS INSERTED BOTH WAYS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT WORK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES AWAY FROM HOME BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE MISSED WORK BE…
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ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGES FOR NO REASON. AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR, WE TRY TO START IT; IT TURNS OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL KEYS INSERTED BOTH WAYS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT WORK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES AWAY FROM HOME BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE MISSED WORK BECAUSE OF THIS. IT COST $ 180 EVERY TIME TO HAVE IT RESET BY THE DEALER. A NEW SYSTEM IS $450, BUT NO GUARANTEES IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. FROM READING WEB SITES, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162212
66,000 miles · Jun 5, 2006
Electrical System
ON COUNTLESS OCCASIONS MY 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE DEFECTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS STARTING. I FEAR FOR THE TIME WHEN THIS SYSTEM CAUSES THE ENGINE TO CEASE WHEN I AM DRIVING AND IN DANGER OF LOOSING CONTROL. I KNOW THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM--HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED ONLINE…
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ON COUNTLESS OCCASIONS MY 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE DEFECTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS STARTING. I FEAR FOR THE TIME WHEN THIS SYSTEM CAUSES THE ENGINE TO CEASE WHEN I AM DRIVING AND IN DANGER OF LOOSING CONTROL. I KNOW THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM--HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED ONLINE ALONE. CAN'T YOU PERSUADE GM TO CORRECT AND ADRESS THIS PROBLEM BEFORE INJURIES AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE OCCUR--TO SAY NOTHING OF THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS ARE CHARGING AFFECTED DRIVERS TO ATTEMPT SOLVING THIS PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10159038
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2006
Electrical System
THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS SEEMS TO BE AN ANTI-OWNER SYSTEM ALSO. SINCE 1998 WHEN THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW, THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR THE IGNITION SWITCH HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES. THIS HAS BEEN BECAUSE OF ONE OF TWO REASONS. EITHER THE KEY WON'T TURN OR THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T LET ME START THE CAR. I DRIVE OVER 50 …
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THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS SEEMS TO BE AN ANTI-OWNER SYSTEM ALSO. SINCE 1998 WHEN THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW, THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR THE IGNITION SWITCH HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES. THIS HAS BEEN BECAUSE OF ONE OF TWO REASONS. EITHER THE KEY WON'T TURN OR THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T LET ME START THE CAR. I DRIVE OVER 50 MILES EACH WAY TO AND FROM WORK AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET STRANDED FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME SHOULD I HAVE TO STOP SOMEWHERE DURING MY TRAVELS. IT'S ONLY BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE IT WAS REPLACED AND AGAIN THE LIGHT IS COMING ON.... AT $300+ FOR EACH REPAIR SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, IT'S GETTING A LITTLE EXPENSIVE. IF THE ONLY THING THAT CAN BE DONE IS TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE PART WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART AND THAT'S NOT REASON ENOUGH TO INVESTIGATE THIS AND FIND A SOLUTION THEN WHAT IS? I REALLY LIKE THE CAR BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10158045
119,000 miles · Sep 30, 2005
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire
ON AUG. 10,2005 MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU, WHILE PARKED WITH IGNITION OFF CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE EXITING CAR BEFORE THE FIRE, I SMELLED NO SMOKE OR "HOT" SMELLS, I STOOD THERE APPROX. 3 MIN. WHILE TALKING TO MY DAUGHTER. 10 MIN. LATER THE LEBANON, TENNESSEE FIRE DEPT. WAS THERE EXTINGUISHING A FIRE THAT WAS MOSTLY CONTAINED TO THE DRIVE…
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ON AUG. 10,2005 MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU, WHILE PARKED WITH IGNITION OFF CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE EXITING CAR BEFORE THE FIRE, I SMELLED NO SMOKE OR "HOT" SMELLS, I STOOD THERE APPROX. 3 MIN. WHILE TALKING TO MY DAUGHTER. 10 MIN. LATER THE LEBANON, TENNESSEE FIRE DEPT. WAS THERE EXTINGUISHING A FIRE THAT WAS MOSTLY CONTAINED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT HEADLIGHT AREA, THEY DEEMED THE CAR "TOTALED" . I CONTACTED GM THE SAME DAY, AND AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CONVERSATIONS , ON SEPT.13, 2005, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MR. MIKE DEMARE, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, THAT "GENERAL MOTORS IS UNABLE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGES AND WE SUGGEST THAT YOU RESOLVE THIS MATTER THROUGH YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER." SO I AM STILL WITHOUT A CAR, AND I AM DISABLED, WITH A MINOR CHILD LIVING WITH ME. I CAN NOT AFFORD FULL COVERAGE , AND ONLY HAD LIABILITY ON THE VEHICLE. *NM SEPT.
NHTSA ODI #10138279
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2005
Electrical System
LATELY THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ONLY SEEMS TO BE WORKING TO KEEP ME FROM DRIVING. I HAVE ASKED EVERYBODY WHAT I CAN DO TO STOP THIS STUPID THING AND I COME UP WITH THE SAME ANSWERS. WE CAN CHANGE THE KEYS, PUT IN A NEW IGNITION, A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. ALL WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I DON'T SEE WHY CHEVROLE…
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LATELY THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ONLY SEEMS TO BE WORKING TO KEEP ME FROM DRIVING. I HAVE ASKED EVERYBODY WHAT I CAN DO TO STOP THIS STUPID THING AND I COME UP WITH THE SAME ANSWERS. WE CAN CHANGE THE KEYS, PUT IN A NEW IGNITION, A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. ALL WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I DON'T SEE WHY CHEVROLET WILL NOT RECALL THE SYSTEM AND DISABLE IT SOME HOW. IT USED TO HAPPEN JUST ONCE IN AWHILE NOW IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ABOUT 2-3 TIMES PER MONTH. EACH TIME I AM STRANDED FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BECAUSE THAT IS HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR THE THEFT SYSTEM TO CYCLE THROUGH. I CAN REMEMBER AT LEAST 3 TIMES THAT I HAVE BEEN STRANDED FOR OVER AN HOUR BECAUSE WHEN THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF I WOULD TRY TO START IT AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD START BLINKING AGAIN. VERY FRUSTRATING. OTHER THAN THE STUPID THEFT SYSTEM THE CAR HAS BEEN GREAT.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10133270
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
I PURCHASED MY 1998 MALIBU, IT'S HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WITH IN LESS THAN A WEEK OF PURCHASING I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND HAVE THEM FIX A PROBLEM BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT I DO KNOW THE CAR DID NOT PASS EMISSIONS AND IF I H…
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I PURCHASED MY 1998 MALIBU, IT'S HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WITH IN LESS THAN A WEEK OF PURCHASING I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND HAVE THEM FIX A PROBLEM BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT I DO KNOW THE CAR DID NOT PASS EMISSIONS AND IF I HAD TO PAY FOR IT, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME OVER 500 DOLLARS, I HAVE REPLACED MY FRONT BRAKES ON 3 OCCASIONS, I HAVE FIXED THE LEAKING TRANSMISSION 2X, I HAVE REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS ABOUT 4X, I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND THE LINING IS COMING OFF THE TRUNK. THESE ARE ALL PROBLEMS I HAD IN LESS THEN 2 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. SINCE MARCH 2004 I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WATER PUMP, 2 OF THE INJECTORS AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SMALL REPAIRS HERE AND THERE. EVERY TIME I FIX SOMETHING WITHIN LESS THEN A WEEK OF DRIVING IT THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG I AM UNABLE TO REPAIR IT UNTIL I CAN SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PUT MORE INTO IT. I AM CURRENTLY REPLACING THE INJECTORS WHICH I HAVE ALREADY PAID 600 DOLLARS AND HAVE 4 MORE TO GO. I AM WORRIED THAT AFTER I PUT THIS MONEY INTO IT I WILL STILL HAVE MORE PROBLEMS, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE DASH BUT THEY ARE UNSURE EXACTLY WHAT IT IS BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT RUN LONG ENOUGH TO FIGURE OUT. NOBODY CAN TELL ME EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH BECAUSE I NEED TO FIX ONE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY CAN BE SURE OF THE NEXT. THIS CAR WAS THE WORST PURCHASE I HAVE MADE. I WAS UNABLE TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE LAST YEAR DUE TO ALL THE PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL WEB SITES AND ABOUT THIS CAR AND EVERYONE IS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND PUTTING OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10132979
32,000 miles · Jun 2, 2005
Electrical System
MY THEFT LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. I BROUGHT IT INTO VILLAGE CHEVROLET AND THEY SWITCHED OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH. (THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 12 TO 15 TIMES). THEY HAVE REPLACED THE IGINITION SWITCH AT LEAST 4 TIMES, THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ONCE. AT LEAST FIVE OF THOSE 12 TO 15 TIMES, I WASN'T DRIVING ANYWHERE …
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MY THEFT LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. I BROUGHT IT INTO VILLAGE CHEVROLET AND THEY SWITCHED OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH. (THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 12 TO 15 TIMES). THEY HAVE REPLACED THE IGINITION SWITCH AT LEAST 4 TIMES, THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ONCE. AT LEAST FIVE OF THOSE 12 TO 15 TIMES, I WASN'T DRIVING ANYWHERE AND I WAS USING THE ORIGINAL KEY THAT I GOT WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW, I WAS ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR AND THE THEFT LIGHT CAME ON SOLID. I CALLED GM, AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 15 TO 20 MINUTES TO RESET ITSELF. I LIVE IN MN, AND THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE SINCE WE HAVE WEATHER EXTREMES AND I AM A SINGLE WOMAN, AND THIS IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. THE LAST TIME THAT I BROUGHT IT IN FOR THIS, THEY CUT A NEW KEY FROM MY VIN TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 2 MORE TIMES SINCE THAT. I HAVE CALLED GM REPEATEDLY, AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. I AM PRETTY SURE THAT THERE IS A SHORT BETWEEN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE STARTER. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE???
NHTSA ODI #10123999
67,100 miles · Apr 13, 2005
Air BagsElectrical System
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A HORN PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND NEITHER WAS WILLING TO ASSIST. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE HORN WAS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS BEING PRESSED AGAINST THE WIRING OF THE HORN. VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10117829
Official recalls
3Jul 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.
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
6RQ04006 · 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.
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
There is no summary currently available
PE99071 · Stop Lamp
Opened Nov 17, 1999 · Closed Mar 27, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
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