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2000 Pontiac Bonneville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

116 reports with mileage · 98 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports21 fire reports3 injury reports

Steering complaints

47 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES FOR EXCESSIVE WARPING WHICH CAUSED VIBRATIONS AND A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. EACH TIME THE PADS WERE REPLACED THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE BELT CRACKED ONCE AND WAS GLAZED ONCE, BOTH FAILURES CAUSED NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE WHEN TURNING, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ST…

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THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES FOR EXCESSIVE WARPING WHICH CAUSED VIBRATIONS AND A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. EACH TIME THE PADS WERE REPLACED THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE BELT CRACKED ONCE AND WAS GLAZED ONCE, BOTH FAILURES CAUSED NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE WHEN TURNING, THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB WAS BLOWN. *MR *NLM

NHTSA ODI #8020617

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2002
Power TrainSteering

STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE WITH POSSIBLE CAUSE OF A BROKEN TIE ROD. THE DEALERSHIP DID REPLACE SOME HOSES AND ALSO STATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. MR

NHTSA ODI #8020614

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2002
Steering

THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. PROBLEM NOTICED LONG AGO, BUT NOT IDENTIFIED. I BELIEVE IT TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THANKFULLY, IT HASN'T FAILED COMPLETELY YET. NLM

NHTSA ODI #767657

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2002
EquipmentFuel System, GasolineSteering

FUEL DOOR ACTUATOR DOES NOT LATCH, LATCH WAS REPAIRED BUT PUT IN BACKWARDS. AGAIN, DEALER REPLACED ACTUATOR. CONSUMER WISHES FOR REIMBURSEMENT OR REPLACEMENT. *SCC

NHTSA ODI #567498

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2002
Fuel System, GasolineSteeringStructure

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED THREE TIMES DUE TO A KLUNKING SOUND, WITH CAUSE UNKNOWN, EXCEPT LOW PRESSURE IN SYSTEM. RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING RADIUS WAS ERRATIC, WHEN VEERING TO THE RIGHT AT MINOR CURVES, THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER. THE AIR DEFLECTOR FOR THE SUNROOF …

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RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED THREE TIMES DUE TO A KLUNKING SOUND, WITH CAUSE UNKNOWN, EXCEPT LOW PRESSURE IN SYSTEM. RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING RADIUS WAS ERRATIC, WHEN VEERING TO THE RIGHT AT MINOR CURVES, THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER. THE AIR DEFLECTOR FOR THE SUNROOF CRACKED AND WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER STATES THAT WATER LEAKS IN THE TRUNK MOUNTED LENS WHEN THE TRUNK IS OPENED. THE FUEL FILLER DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS BINDING, CAUSING A CLUNKING NOISE. 2 PLASTIC NUT COVERS WERE MISSING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #8012663

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2002
Electronic Stability ControlService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

THE SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON CONTINUOSLY, THE BRAKES AND STEERING HAVE LOCKED UP WHILE I AM DRIVING ON TWO OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THE STABILITY SYSTEM, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND THE BRAKES REPLACED TWICE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO BASSETT PONTIAC IN MUNCIE, IN. AND IN NEW CASTLE IN.. THEY TELL M…

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THE SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON CONTINUOSLY, THE BRAKES AND STEERING HAVE LOCKED UP WHILE I AM DRIVING ON TWO OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THE STABILITY SYSTEM, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND THE BRAKES REPLACED TWICE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO BASSETT PONTIAC IN MUNCIE, IN. AND IN NEW CASTLE IN.. THEY TELL ME THE PROBLEM IS FIXED AND TWO TO THREE WEEKS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING.

NHTSA ODI #763413

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2002
Electrical SystemEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, INCLUDING RADIO, FOGLAMPS, PASSENGER WINDOW, REAR SEAT BELT LATCHES,DOOR RATTLES,STITCHING IN LEATHER SEATS COMING APART,AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL,ALIGNMENT,TIRES THAT CANNOT BE BALANCED,STEERING SECTOR BEARING, TIE ROD END DEFECTIVE & ROUGH BRAKING. DEALER HAS FIXED ALL PR…

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WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, INCLUDING RADIO, FOGLAMPS, PASSENGER WINDOW, REAR SEAT BELT LATCHES,DOOR RATTLES,STITCHING IN LEATHER SEATS COMING APART,AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL,ALIGNMENT,TIRES THAT CANNOT BE BALANCED,STEERING SECTOR BEARING, TIE ROD END DEFECTIVE & ROUGH BRAKING. DEALER HAS FIXED ALL PROBLEMS, BUT THE WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE AND NOW A REAR SEAT BELT LATCH HAS QUIT WORKING. I HAVE A NATIONAL GM CLAIM NO. WHICH WAS OBTAINED BACK IN JANUARY 2002, C06145322. I HAVE ASKED FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY DUE TO ALL THE PROBLEMS ENCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE, BUT THAT HAS BEEN DENIED. I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR OVER $2,000. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. PLEASE RESPOND EITHER BY EMAIL OR LETTER. LARRY NEUBAUER

NHTSA ODI #763327

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

UPON PURCHASING VEHICLE IN THE YEAR OF 2000 RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. COOLANT LEAKS, ALSO STARTER AND FUEL PUMP HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A NOISE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN ON TURNS. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT CO…

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UPON PURCHASING VEHICLE IN THE YEAR OF 2000 RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. COOLANT LEAKS, ALSO STARTER AND FUEL PUMP HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A NOISE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN ON TURNS. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY DUE TO SHIFT SOLENOID FAILURE. VEHICLE MAKES A POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT END DUE TO STEERING GEAR FAILURE. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8008377

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2002
Steering

WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO TAKE A WIDER TURN THAN NORMAL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID AFTER STARTING THE CAR TO SEE IF THERE …

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WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO TAKE A WIDER TURN THAN NORMAL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID AFTER STARTING THE CAR TO SEE IF THERE WAS A LEAK, THE FLUID STREAMED OUT AND WAS THROWN AROUND THE POWER STEERING PUMP, EMPTYING ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. *AK *JG

NHTSA ODI #8003821

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2002
Steering

THE STEERING MECHANISM STARTED TO MAKE A VERY LOUD POPPING AND GROWLING NOISE WHILE TURNING LEFT APPROXIMATELY 4 DAYS AGO. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD ORDER A KIT CONSISTING OF A PLUG AND A TUBE OF SPECIAL GREASE TO REPAIR IT. THIS CAUSED ME GREAT CONCERN BECAU…

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THE STEERING MECHANISM STARTED TO MAKE A VERY LOUD POPPING AND GROWLING NOISE WHILE TURNING LEFT APPROXIMATELY 4 DAYS AGO. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD ORDER A KIT CONSISTING OF A PLUG AND A TUBE OF SPECIAL GREASE TO REPAIR IT. THIS CAUSED ME GREAT CONCERN BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE THIS IS A SAFE REPAIR AND COULD JUST PROLONG THE LIFE OF A COMPONENT BEFORE IT FAILS. I VIEWED THIS AS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED PONTIAC VIA E-MAIL AND PHONE WITH OUT A REPLY FROM E-MAIL AND A REPLY VIA PHONE THAT WAS UNSATISFACTORY. I REVIEWED THE CUATOMER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEB SITE AND FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED FAILURES OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. MY QUESTION IS WHY HAVE THEY NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM AND HOW CAN ADDITIONAL GREASE SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS IN THE RACK AND PINION OR STEERING ASSEMBLY. I DO NOT WANT TO SOUND SARCASTIC, BUT I HOPE THEY ARE NOT WAITING FOR INJURIES AND FATALITIES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I WANT TO BE SURE THEY KNOW WHAT IS WRONG AND THAT A TUBE OF GREASE IS THE PROPER FIX. I ALSO DO NOT WANT A FAILURE OF THE STEERING MECHANICISM WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEED. WHAT SHOULD I DO.*AK

NHTSA ODI #757197

Official recalls

2

04V090000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Feb 24, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

00V114000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

Apr 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKS IN THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PROPORTIONING, ANTILOCK BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, OR STABILITY CONTROL FEATURE IS ACTIVATED IN SOME DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE FEATURE MAY NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS HYDRAULIC MODULATOR UNIT AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC MODULATOR.

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

3

EA07008 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Jun 12, 2007 · Closed May 1, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

No summary supplied.