NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
976 reports55,300 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
207,000 miles · Jan 9, 2007
Child SeatSeat Belts
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS AN EVENFLO DISCOVERY CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CONTACT SAW A REPORT ON CBS TODAY RE: SAFETY RECALL ON THE EVENFLO DISCOVERY. ALSO, THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER DATE FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT WASJULY 8…
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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS AN EVENFLO DISCOVERY CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CONTACT SAW A REPORT ON CBS TODAY RE: SAFETY RECALL ON THE EVENFLO DISCOVERY. ALSO, THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER DATE FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT WASJULY 8, 2003. THE CONTACT STATED THE THAT RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED SINCE THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT LOOSENED AND DIDN'T SECURE THE CHILD IN THE SAFETY SEAT. THIS INCIDENT OCCURREDS IN BOTH OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 EXTENDED CAB, AND A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10178221
11,900 miles · Dec 5, 2006
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT CRASH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, AND THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FRACTURED UPON INITIAL IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT CRASH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, AND THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FRACTURED UPON INITIAL IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA ODI #10175219
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2006
Air Bags
I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON STATE RD. 1 AFTER WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 P.M. I CROSSED RAILROAD TRACKS AT ABOUT 32 MPH AND BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS INADVERTENTLY DISCHARGED. THIS FORCED MY REAR VIEW MIRROR INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE NOW ACTING ERRATICALLY AND FUNCTIONS FAIL TO WOR…
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I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON STATE RD. 1 AFTER WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 P.M. I CROSSED RAILROAD TRACKS AT ABOUT 32 MPH AND BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS INADVERTENTLY DISCHARGED. THIS FORCED MY REAR VIEW MIRROR INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE NOW ACTING ERRATICALLY AND FUNCTIONS FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY. THE SHOCK OF THE RAILROAD TRACKS IS MUCH LESS THAN THAT OF A SPEED BUMP AT 3 MPH. G.M. HAS FAILED TO SEND ANYONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE EVEN AFTER LETTING IT SIT AT A DEALERSHIP FOR 7 DAYS BECAUSE THEY ORIGINALLY STATED THEY WOULD. G.M. TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE EXTENSIVELY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND BOTH WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED G.M. SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY ARE BRUSHING THIS OFF LIKE IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10175102
46,000 miles · Oct 12, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ADD COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED COOLANT TO THE RESEVOIR. A WEEK LATER MORE COOLANT WAS ADDED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING. REPAIRS WERE DECLINED AND THE LEAKIN…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ADD COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED COOLANT TO THE RESEVOIR. A WEEK LATER MORE COOLANT WAS ADDED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING. REPAIRS WERE DECLINED AND THE LEAKING BECAME WORSE AS ANOTHER LEAK WAS NOTICED FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI #10170618
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I PURCHASED MY MALIBU IN 2000 AS A USED VEHICLE. IT HAD 24,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURN AND REPLACED THE ROTORS ABOUT 5 TIMES. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT I HAVE REPLACED …
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I PURCHASED MY MALIBU IN 2000 AS A USED VEHICLE. IT HAD 24,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURN AND REPLACED THE ROTORS ABOUT 5 TIMES. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT I HAVE REPLACED MINE ABOUT 32 TIMES IN 6 YEARS. I DRIVE A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES AND THEREFORE DO NOT USE MY BRAKES AS OFTEN AS AN IN TOWN DRIVER. THE BRAKES START TO CHATTER WHEN APPLIED AND WHEN I GO DOWN THE ROAD AT CERTAIN SPEEDS THEY ALSO DO IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CHEVROLET VEHICLE USE BRAKES LIKE THIS ONE. I HAVE A 1995 CHEVY CORSICA WITH 230,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES ON IT ABOUT 10 TIMES. I ALSO HAD A CHEVY CAVALIER AND ALSO DROVE IT ABOUT 250,000 MILES AND DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES ON IT THAT MANY TIMES EITHER. I HAVE 230,000 MILES ON MY MALIBU. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF MALIBU'S AND ALL OF THEM SAID THAT THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED TO OFTEN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10168797
84,800 miles · Aug 25, 2006
Suspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, THERE WAS A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. A PRIVATE MECHANIC REMOVED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, AND NOTED THAT THE SPRING FROM THE MACPHERSON STRUT HAD DETACHED AND DUG A GROOVE INTO THE SIDEWALL. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STRUT.
NHTSA ODI #10166561
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
103,000 miles · Jul 3, 2006
Steering
HAVING TROUBLE WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY WHEN TURNING LEFT FOLLOWED BY A JERK TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS TO HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT THEN EXTREMELY EASY TO TURN TO RIGHT AS THOUGH UNASSISTED. I HAVE A RECALL FOR 98 MALIBU BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE . I FI…
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HAVING TROUBLE WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY WHEN TURNING LEFT FOLLOWED BY A JERK TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS TO HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT THEN EXTREMELY EASY TO TURN TO RIGHT AS THOUGH UNASSISTED. I HAVE A RECALL FOR 98 MALIBU BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE . I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE CONSIDERING THE TROUBLE I AM HAVING WHICH IS JUST LIKE OTHER 98 MALIBUS THE CAMPAIGN # IS 03V527000 EFF. 12/11/03 GM RECALL# 03062. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10161289
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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