NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
136 reportsClear category filter162,000 miles · May 5, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000, STATING THAT TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE COULD IGNITE INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 162,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267806
163,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO AN ENGINE FIRE THAT OCCURRED IN A DRIVEWAY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V6 ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HER VEHICLE ON MAY 4, 2009. THERE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO AN ENGINE FIRE THAT OCCURRED IN A DRIVEWAY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V6 ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HER VEHICLE ON MAY 4, 2009. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR PRIOR FAILURES WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE DEALER EXCEPT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 163,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267698
130,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000, EXCEPT HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGEED V-6 ENGINE. THEREFORE, THE REMEDY DOES NOT COVER HIS VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000, EXCEPT HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGEED V-6 ENGINE. THEREFORE, THE REMEDY DOES NOT COVER HIS VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2008. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE COMES TO A HARD STOP. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND WHAT THE CONTACT DESCRIBED BECAUSE NO OIL WAS LEAKING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267690
127,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS MORNING FROM GM ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ABOUT AN UNDERHOOD FIRE AND THAT I NEED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A PONTIAC DEALER. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE WE HAVE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE NEAREST DEALER IS 35-40 MILES FROM US AND GM REFUSES TO PAY TH…
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I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS MORNING FROM GM ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ABOUT AN UNDERHOOD FIRE AND THAT I NEED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A PONTIAC DEALER. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE WE HAVE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE NEAREST DEALER IS 35-40 MILES FROM US AND GM REFUSES TO PAY THE TOWING CHARGES AND I REFUSE TO PAY THEM OR DRIVE THIS CAR 35-40 MILES. IS GM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TOWING CHARGES? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267669
170,000 miles · May 1, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
1997 GRAND PRIX FIRE IN ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267440
162,000 miles · Apr 28, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN PROCEEDING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD COME …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN PROCEEDING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD COME OUT AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A SETTLEMENT OF $11,080. HE WAS NOT INFORMED OF WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE AND REJECTED THE OFFER BECAUSE THE SETTLEMENT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. HE THEN FILED A CLAIM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267052
151,000 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX RECALL ID NHTSA: 08V118000. I HAD THIS REPAIR DONE AS REQUESTED. BUT MY COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER WAS THAT IF THE FRONT ONE IS FAILING, PUTTING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD TO CAUSE A FIRE. THEN WHY ARE THEY NOT REPLACING THE BACK ONE? MY GTP IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE BACK GASKET, DRIPPING ON THE PLUGS, WIRES AS W…
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1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX RECALL ID NHTSA: 08V118000. I HAD THIS REPAIR DONE AS REQUESTED. BUT MY COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER WAS THAT IF THE FRONT ONE IS FAILING, PUTTING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD TO CAUSE A FIRE. THEN WHY ARE THEY NOT REPLACING THE BACK ONE? MY GTP IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE BACK GASKET, DRIPPING ON THE PLUGS, WIRES AS WELL AND IS DRIPPING ON THE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST PIPE. IT ALSO IS SMOKING AND HAS A BURNING OIL SMELL. WHY WERE THEY BOTH NOT REPLACED? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266478
129,000 miles · Apr 16, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 1997 GRAND PRIX GT N/A 3800 ENGINE WITH ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT ROCKER PANEL GASKET HOWEVER THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE S/C'D VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS ENGINE OIL SITTING ON THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, ALSO THERE IS OIL BUILT UP ALL THE WAY DOWN THE ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM THIS LOCATION I AM CONCERN…
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I HAVE A 1997 GRAND PRIX GT N/A 3800 ENGINE WITH ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT ROCKER PANEL GASKET HOWEVER THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE S/C'D VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS ENGINE OIL SITTING ON THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, ALSO THERE IS OIL BUILT UP ALL THE WAY DOWN THE ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM THIS LOCATION I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE WILL BE AN ENGINE FIRE WITH THIS LEAKING OIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265667
150,000 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I HAD PARKED MY CAR OUTSIDE MY PARENTS' HOME AND I WAS INSIDE WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. SOMEONE CAME AND TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. MY 1997 GRAND PRIX WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT, I HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY. IT JUST CAUGHT FIRE SPONTAN…
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I HAD PARKED MY CAR OUTSIDE MY PARENTS' HOME AND I WAS INSIDE WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. SOMEONE CAME AND TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. MY 1997 GRAND PRIX WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT, I HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY. IT JUST CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO YOU AND I HAVE JUST READ ON MSNBC THAT GM IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265376
211,100 miles · Jan 25, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK AND PARKED IT IN A PRIVATE LOT. I WENT INTO WORK AND ATTENDED TO MY JOB FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. AFTER 30 MINUTES, A FRIEND INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE FOR MYSELF, AND I FOUND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY ARRIVED AND WERE EXTINGUISHING THE FI…
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I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK AND PARKED IT IN A PRIVATE LOT. I WENT INTO WORK AND ATTENDED TO MY JOB FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. AFTER 30 MINUTES, A FRIEND INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE FOR MYSELF, AND I FOUND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY ARRIVED AND WERE EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR SIGNS OF A FIRE BEFORE I LEFT MY CAR TO GO INTO WORK, AND I STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW IT STARTED. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THIS ENGINE FIRE, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT IT TOTALLY DESTROYED THE ENGINE ITSELF. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CLAIM IS STILL BEING PROCESSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256281
Official recalls
5Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Mar 12, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG WITH THE 1-3-5 SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. , FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. UNTIL THE REMEDY IS COMPLETED, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS (1) THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CAR PORT, 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; (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Nov 4, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 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 JANUARY 24, 2003. 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, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Dec 16, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PLASTIC WATER DEFLECTOR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM AND INSTALL A WATER DEFLECTOR. ON VEHICLES RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT CRANK ARM AND NEW WATER DEFLECTOR, DEALERS WILL ALSO APPLY ADDITIONAL SEALING MATERIAL TO IMPROVE WATER DEFLECTION AWAY FROM THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY AND WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WIPER PARK MECHANISM.
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
7EA02030 · 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.
EA02003 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Dec 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
PE01038 · Steering Rack And Pinion
Opened Nov 14, 2001 · Closed Apr 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN.ALL CRASHES WERE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES.GM STATES THAT ONE POSSIBLE FAILURE MODE IS FAILURE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE R&P.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE IF A SAFETY DEFECT TREND EXISTS.
EA99024 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Aug 20, 1999 · Closed Jan 13, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997.GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY DURING HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, DUE TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND THE CRESCENT IN THE WIPER CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1997,GM CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM IN PRODUCTION BY MODIFYING THE DRIVE PIN AND STRENGTHENING THE CRESCENT.THESE SAME IMPROVED PARTS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED.THE SCOPE OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO THE MAY 1, 1997 CORRECTION (THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIQUE PRODUCTION DID NOT START UNTIL AFTER MAY 1, 1997, AND IS THEREFORE NOT INCLUDED).VEHICLES WITH THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND PRODUCED AFTER MAY 1, 1997, CONTAIN THE MORE ROBUST CRESCENT AND IMPROVED PIN DESIGN AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINT REPORTS ON THE VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER MAY 1, 1997 AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.BASED ON GM'S RECALL ACTION (ODI 99V-348) THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE99028 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Apr 16, 1999 · Closed Aug 20, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
RQ98013 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments
Opened Aug 26, 1998 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
ON JUNE 26, 1998, GENERAL MOTORS BEGAIN A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-146, TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) IN THE 1996 AND SOME 1997 J BODY CARS, CAVALIER AND SUNFIRE.DUE TO CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG SDM, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.THE RECALL POPULATION CONSISTS OF 675,302 VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 1995 THROUGH MAY 1997.ODI HAS RECEIVED 8 OWNER REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT A CRASH.THE PURPOSER OF THE RQ IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER GM SHOULD EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.CLOSING RESUME NOTE:AS OF AUGUST 5, 1999, ODI RECEIVED ONE ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT REGARDING THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THE INCIDENT RATES FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ABOUT ONE-THRID OF THE RATES OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES (WHEN THE RECALL WAS INITIATED).BASED ON THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOSE NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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