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2002 Pontiac Bonneville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 35 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.

  • Steering. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

89 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2004
Structure

MANY WATER LEAKS STARTING AT WINDSHIELD THEN TO TRUNK THEN TO WATER IN FLOORBOARDS. S OF TODAY MY CAR HAS BE IN SERVICE DEPT WITH 24 ISSUES IN 1 YEARS TIME. ALSO OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT HAS BEEN IN SHOP THE WHO EVER WORKS ON THE CAR BREAKS OR DAMAGES OTHER PARTS ON MY CAR. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 WE…

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MANY WATER LEAKS STARTING AT WINDSHIELD THEN TO TRUNK THEN TO WATER IN FLOORBOARDS. S OF TODAY MY CAR HAS BE IN SERVICE DEPT WITH 24 ISSUES IN 1 YEARS TIME. ALSO OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT HAS BEEN IN SHOP THE WHO EVER WORKS ON THE CAR BREAKS OR DAMAGES OTHER PARTS ON MY CAR. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS TWICE NOW OT COUNTING ALL THE OTHER TIMES ITS BEEN THERE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10091276

43,500 miles · Aug 25, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineCrash

WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SAFETY SHUT OFF IN MY WIFE'S BONNEVILLE DIDN'T WORK. SHE WAS STRUCK JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR AND THEN PUSHED INTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT HARD ENOUGH TO SET OFF THE AIR BAGS. AFTER BOTH IMPACTS THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND HAD TO BE SHUT OFF BY THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY THERE W…

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WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SAFETY SHUT OFF IN MY WIFE'S BONNEVILLE DIDN'T WORK. SHE WAS STRUCK JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR AND THEN PUSHED INTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT HARD ENOUGH TO SET OFF THE AIR BAGS. AFTER BOTH IMPACTS THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND HAD TO BE SHUT OFF BY THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO FUEL LEAK. NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088521

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2004
Visibility

1. THIS IS A FAILURE THAT HAS TAKE PLACE OVER A SPAN OF SIX MONTHS. AFTER ONLY USING THE WINDOWS A COUPLE OF TIMES THE MOTOR OR REGULATOR FAILS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS IN MARCH OF 2004, THE SECOND IN APRIL OF 2004 AND THE MOST RECENT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2004. 2. THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE IN THE MOTOR OR WINDOW REGULATOR IN ALL F…

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1. THIS IS A FAILURE THAT HAS TAKE PLACE OVER A SPAN OF SIX MONTHS. AFTER ONLY USING THE WINDOWS A COUPLE OF TIMES THE MOTOR OR REGULATOR FAILS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS IN MARCH OF 2004, THE SECOND IN APRIL OF 2004 AND THE MOST RECENT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2004. 2. THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE IN THE MOTOR OR WINDOW REGULATOR IN ALL FOUR OF OUR WINDOWS. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE IS THE INABILITY TO ROLL-UP THE WINDOWS. IN ADDITION, WE ARE UNABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE WHICH IS A PROBLEM WHEN IT IS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS A CAR SEAT. WE ALSO FEEL IT IS UNFARE FOR THE CONSUMER TO HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR SOMETHING PONTIAC SHOULD TAKE CARE OF. 3. OUR VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL DECEMBER; THEREFORE, THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PARTS THAT FAILED. WE ALSO CONTACTED PONTIAC'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WINDOW SASH AND THAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE IN THE MOTORS AND REGULATORS. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT PLANNING ON A RECALL UNTIL THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE WHEN OUR WARRANTY IS UP IN DECEMBER AND WE HAVE TO KEEP PAYING TO HAVE SOMETHING FIXED THAT IS CLEARLY A DESING FAILURE. WE FELL THAT NHTSA NEEDS TO EXAMINE THIS PROBLEM AND PRESSURE PONTIAC TO RECALL THE WINDOW SASHES ON THEIR VEHICLES. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY WILL NOT TAKE ACTION UNTIL THEY ARE NOTIFIED BY YOU.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088241

21,205 miles · Aug 11, 2004
Steering

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10087694

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2004
Visibility

I'VE HAD THREE WINDOWS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 01/04. THE RIGHT BACK WINDOW CAME DOWN ALL ON ITS OWN THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. I'VE MANAGED TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. THE BUTTON DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD DEFECTIVE WINDOWS? THIS IS THE 5TH BONNEVILLE I'VE OWNED SINCE 1992. THE 2002 HAS HAD MORE…

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I'VE HAD THREE WINDOWS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 01/04. THE RIGHT BACK WINDOW CAME DOWN ALL ON ITS OWN THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. I'VE MANAGED TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. THE BUTTON DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD DEFECTIVE WINDOWS? THIS IS THE 5TH BONNEVILLE I'VE OWNED SINCE 1992. THE 2002 HAS HAD MORE THINGS WRONG WITH IT THAN ALL THE OTHER BONNEVILLES I'VE OWNED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082782

49,352 miles · Jul 14, 2004
Power Train

FOR A SHORT 2-3 WK PERIOD I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION NOT PERFORMING NORMALLY. I OBSERVED 4-5 OCCURENCES OF SLOW GEAR SHIFTING IN THIS 3 WK PERIOD AND PROMPTLY SCHEDULED A TEST OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE COMPUTER TEST IDENTIFIED AN ERROR THAT WAS EXPLAINED AS "INACCURATE GEAR RATIO", WHICH MEANS THE COMPUTER TOLD THE TRANSMISSION …

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FOR A SHORT 2-3 WK PERIOD I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION NOT PERFORMING NORMALLY. I OBSERVED 4-5 OCCURENCES OF SLOW GEAR SHIFTING IN THIS 3 WK PERIOD AND PROMPTLY SCHEDULED A TEST OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE COMPUTER TEST IDENTIFIED AN ERROR THAT WAS EXPLAINED AS "INACCURATE GEAR RATIO", WHICH MEANS THE COMPUTER TOLD THE TRANSMISSION THAT CAR WAS TRAVELING AT INACCURATE SPEEDS. THEREFORE CAUSING THE GEARS TO SHIFT INACCURATELY. I SCHEDULED A FOLLOW-UP FOR THE NEXT WEEK TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THE REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER, MORE COMPREHENSIVE TESTING. OVER THAT WEEKEND, THE CAR FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AT A MAJOR/BUSY HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. I DID NOT HAVE ANY GEARS AND HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR IN THE INTERSECTION, CROSS TRAFFIC, AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10081046

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2004
Electrical System

VEHICLE WILL NOT START, BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION, LIGHTS COME ON. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. VEHICLE STILL CONTINUES DO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10081007

20,000 miles · Jul 10, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE,NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. GMC DEALER SAYS DUE TO BREAK FLUID CONTAMINATION WITH PETROLEUM AND WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS UNCLEAR TO US AS TO HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED. IN THE EVENT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WE ARE REPORTING IT HERE…

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COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE,NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. GMC DEALER SAYS DUE TO BREAK FLUID CONTAMINATION WITH PETROLEUM AND WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS UNCLEAR TO US AS TO HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED. IN THE EVENT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WE ARE REPORTING IT HERE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10080765

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2004
Unknown Or Other

THE PANEL IN THE BACK OF THE REAR SEAT THAT SEPARATES THE REAR SEAT FROM THE TRUNK KEPT COMING DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THAT THEY ARE REPLACING THE PANEL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PANEL WHICH HAS A MAGNET. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10074349

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2004
Tires

MY FIRESTONE SPARE TIRE (T125-70R16 96M TUBELESS RADIAL) EXPLODED WHILE STILL IN ITS TRUNK COMPARTMENT. MY VEHICLE (2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE) WAS PARKED AT THE TIME. THE TIRE BLEW OUTWARD WITH SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO BREAK THE COVER OF THE SPARE TIRE WELL, SCAR THE WELL ITSELF, AND TO SHRED AND TEAR THE CARPET AND PADDING COVERI…

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MY FIRESTONE SPARE TIRE (T125-70R16 96M TUBELESS RADIAL) EXPLODED WHILE STILL IN ITS TRUNK COMPARTMENT. MY VEHICLE (2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE) WAS PARKED AT THE TIME. THE TIRE BLEW OUTWARD WITH SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO BREAK THE COVER OF THE SPARE TIRE WELL, SCAR THE WELL ITSELF, AND TO SHRED AND TEAR THE CARPET AND PADDING COVERING IT IN THE TRUNK. THE EXPLOSION ALSO KNOCKED A FEW ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FROM THEIR NORMAL POSITIONS, BUT HAS APPEARED NOT TO HAVE PERMANENTLY DAMAGED THEM. THE TIRE HAD BEEN INFLATED TO APPROXIMATELY 50-55 PSI FIVE DAYS EARLIER. IT IS RATED AT 60PSI. THE TIRE HAD NEVER BEEN USED. *MR

NHTSA ODI #10073255

Official recalls

2

03V238000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jul 1, 2003

ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

2

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.