NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
810 reports97,000 miles · May 7, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS REFERENCED. BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS REFERENCED. BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #10226906
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM A RECALL AND GM IS NOT TAKING ACTION FOR IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226525
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL INVOLVING POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRES. IT IS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP. I RECEIVED THE "CUSTOMER ADVISORY LETTER" 3-4 WEEKS AGO STATING THE CAR WOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I CALLED THE GM SUPPORT LINE AT 800-762-2737 TO FIND OUT WHEN THE ACTUAL RECALL WOULD COMM…
Read full complaint
MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL INVOLVING POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRES. IT IS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP. I RECEIVED THE "CUSTOMER ADVISORY LETTER" 3-4 WEEKS AGO STATING THE CAR WOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I CALLED THE GM SUPPORT LINE AT 800-762-2737 TO FIND OUT WHEN THE ACTUAL RECALL WOULD COMMENCE, AS I HAVE INDEED SEEN PUFFS OF OIL SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD APPEAR UNDER HEAVY BRAKING. I TOLD THIS TO THE GM REP. THE REP STATED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR OR WHEN THE ACTUAL RECALL LETTER WOULD GO OUT. SHE SUGGESTED I HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AND "PAY FOR IT YOURSELF", SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT "IF THERE IS A RECALL". I STATED REPEATEDLY WHY WOULD I PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A SAFETY RECALL. THEY THEN CALLED BACK THE NEXT DAY AND STATED I COULD BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER AND "IF IT INDEED HAD THE CONDITION, THEY WOULD FIX IT", BUT IF IT DID NOT, "YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE". I AGAIN STATED I WOULD NOT PAY ANYTHING OUT OF POCKET FOR A MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL. GM'S SUPPORT PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE A VERY UNCONCERNED, DISMISSIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD MY CONCERNS AND FOR THIS RECALL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOMEONE FROM YOUR AGENCY GET THEM MOTIVATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224783
167,523 miles · Apr 3, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
THIS ENGINE FAILURE TOOK ME BY SURPRISE. I CAN'T SAY THERE WAS A SINGLE EVENT THAT GAVE A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR ME. LUCKILY, FOR ME, THANK GOD, THAT I HAD JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AT MY JOB SITE AND GONE INTO MY WORK BUILDING;ALSO, MY CO-WORKERS THAT PARKED THEIR VEHICLES NEXT TO MINE HAD MADE IT SAFELY TO THEIR JOBS. …
Read full complaint
THIS ENGINE FAILURE TOOK ME BY SURPRISE. I CAN'T SAY THERE WAS A SINGLE EVENT THAT GAVE A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR ME. LUCKILY, FOR ME, THANK GOD, THAT I HAD JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AT MY JOB SITE AND GONE INTO MY WORK BUILDING;ALSO, MY CO-WORKERS THAT PARKED THEIR VEHICLES NEXT TO MINE HAD MADE IT SAFELY TO THEIR JOBS. WITHIN ONLY APPROXIMATELY 11 MINUTES THE "TIME BOMB" BURST INTO FLAMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10223319
95,000 miles · Mar 20, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I RECEIVED A LETTER TODAY INFORMING ME OF A GM RECALL FOR MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L V6 W/SUPERCHARGER CONCERNING ENGINE FIRES BECAUSE OF A LEAKY GASKET. I HAD A SIMILAR OIL LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED MUCH SMOKE AND SMELL. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROCKER ARM GASKETS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS T…
Read full complaint
I RECEIVED A LETTER TODAY INFORMING ME OF A GM RECALL FOR MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L V6 W/SUPERCHARGER CONCERNING ENGINE FIRES BECAUSE OF A LEAKY GASKET. I HAD A SIMILAR OIL LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED MUCH SMOKE AND SMELL. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROCKER ARM GASKETS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT GM IS RECALLING MY CAR TO FIX THE FRONT GASKET LEAK AND NOT THE REAR GASKET LEAK. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT MY REAR GASKET LEAK WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THE FRONT LEAK AND WAS DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I HAD NO IDEA THIS COULD EVER CATCH FIRE. I SAW DOCUMENTED PICTURES OF ANOTHER BURNED GRAND PRIX ON THE INTERNET TODAY AS I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE TODAY. I WAS UTTERLY SHOCKED. AND WHEN I HEARD GM IS ONLY GOING TO FIX THE FRONT GASKET, I KNEW I HAD TO OPEN UP A COMPLAINT. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN THE NEXT VICTIM OF GM'S INACTION. MY PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON 4/24/07 BUT PRIOR I DROVE THE CAR AND WOULD PUT UP WITH THIS SMELL UNTIL I SAW THE SMOKE ARISING WHILE I WAS AT A DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT. GM ALSO IMPLIES IT WAS RELATED TO HEAVY BRAKING. WELL THAT MAY BE TRUE INITIALLY, BUT ONCE IT STARTED LEAKING IT NEVER STOPPED. YOU MUST FORCE THEM TO FIX BOTH GASKETS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN A FIRE BECAUSE OF THEIR DESIGN FLAW. I PAID $44.47 FOR BOTH GASKETS AND THAT WASN'T WITH GM'S VOLUME PURCHASING DISCOUNT. SO THE DIFFERENCE IS $20 DOLLARS. I CANNOT BELIEVE GM IS ONLY FIXING HALF OF THE PROBLEM, BUT YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED AND FORCE THEM. ANY OF YOUR ENGINEERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ARGUE THIS POINT WITH THEM. IF YOU NEED ME TO GET ON A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE ENGINEERS AND PRODUCT MANAGERS, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO. THIS WAS THE URL WITH THE BURNED GRAND PRIX: HTTP://WWW.GMINSIDENEWS.COM/FORUMS/F33/UPCOMING-RECALL-07035-97-03-GP-REGAL-3800-S-C-VIN-1-A-61961/INDEX3.HTML THE FIRE WAS HORRIBLE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221916
14,200 miles · Mar 17, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I WENT TO WORK FEBRUARY 21, 2008. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THEY WAS ANNOUNCING MY LICENSE PLATE OVER THE INTERCOM. THE SECURITY OFFICE MET ME ON MY WAY DOWN AND SAID MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT THEY TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME BUT IT WAS A BAD FIRE AND IT WAS NOTHING EITHER ONE O…
Read full complaint
I WENT TO WORK FEBRUARY 21, 2008. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THEY WAS ANNOUNCING MY LICENSE PLATE OVER THE INTERCOM. THE SECURITY OFFICE MET ME ON MY WAY DOWN AND SAID MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT THEY TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME BUT IT WAS A BAD FIRE AND IT WAS NOTHING EITHER ONE OF THEM COULD DO. MY CAR HAD TO BE JUNKED. EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221408
162,000 miles · Mar 17, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ENGINE FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221404
153,000 miles · Mar 16, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP OVER HEATED LAST MONTH AND IT HAD AN ENGINE FIRE. PREVIOUSLY, THERE WERE SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN IT HAD AN ODD OILY/ELECTRICAL SMELL BUT NOTHING APPEARED TO BE WRONG. I WAS STUCK IN SOME SNOW AND WHILE I WAS GETTING IT OUT IT APPARENTLY OVERHEATED. I MADE IT OUT ON TO THE MAIN ROAD AND LESS THAN THI…
Read full complaint
MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP OVER HEATED LAST MONTH AND IT HAD AN ENGINE FIRE. PREVIOUSLY, THERE WERE SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN IT HAD AN ODD OILY/ELECTRICAL SMELL BUT NOTHING APPEARED TO BE WRONG. I WAS STUCK IN SOME SNOW AND WHILE I WAS GETTING IT OUT IT APPARENTLY OVERHEATED. I MADE IT OUT ON TO THE MAIN ROAD AND LESS THAN THIRTY YARDS LATER, IT CAUGHT FIRE. IT TOOK A WHILE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO GET THERE, AND AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT SALVAGEABLE OF MY CAR. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DEMOLISHED AND THE INTERIOR HAD STANDING WATER FROM BEING EXTINGUISHED. BASICALLY, THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AT THAT POINT, I HAD NO CAR AND THE INSURANCE DID NOT COVER WHAT HAD HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221387
140,000 miles · Mar 15, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP HAD AN ENGINE FIRE AS I WAS PULLING INTO PARKING AREA AT WORK. AS I SWIPED MY CAR, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I DID NOT PULL INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AS I USUALLY DO SO THAT I COULD CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THE BACK OF THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL WAS…
Read full complaint
MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP HAD AN ENGINE FIRE AS I WAS PULLING INTO PARKING AREA AT WORK. AS I SWIPED MY CAR, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I DID NOT PULL INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AS I USUALLY DO SO THAT I COULD CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THE BACK OF THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL WAS ON FIRE. I BACKED AWAY AND CALLED 911. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED WITHIN MINUTES, BUT BY THAT TIME, CAR FROM THE DASHBOARD FORWARD WAS ENGULFED. FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH FOAM MATERIAL AND CAR WAS TOWED. I DID NOT HAVE FIRE OR THEFT ON THE VEHICLE. I PROMPTLY CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INFORM THEM OF INCIDENT AND DROPPED THE CAR FROM THE INSURANCE. I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO MY MECHANIC. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEB OF 2,000 WITH ABOUT 30,000 MILES. IT WAS A GOOD CAR UNTIL THE FIRE. IT HAD THE 3.8 LITER SUPERCHARGED ENGINE. NO OTHER PROBLEMS PRIOR TO EVENT. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR HAD ABOUT 140,000 MILES ON IT. ONLY MAJOR WORK DONE WAS TRANS WAS REPLACED IN MAR OF 2005 WITH 108,000. IF YOU NEED COPY OF POLICE REPORT, PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221275
180,000 miles · Mar 14, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
THE CAR, A '97 GRAND PRIX WITH A V-6 ENGINE, HAD JUST BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AND SOMEONE CAME IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER AND SAID "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" THE PERSON WAS ALREADY ON THE PHONE WITH 911. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR ALONG WITH ALL OF MY CDS AND OTHER ITEMS WERE A TOTAL LOSS AND I…
Read full complaint
THE CAR, A '97 GRAND PRIX WITH A V-6 ENGINE, HAD JUST BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AND SOMEONE CAME IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER AND SAID "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" THE PERSON WAS ALREADY ON THE PHONE WITH 911. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR ALONG WITH ALL OF MY CDS AND OTHER ITEMS WERE A TOTAL LOSS AND I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE SO IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOOK MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND IT WAS 210 OVER 130 AND TRIED TO GET ME TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE DRIVE WAY COVERED WITH A TARP AND THE GARAGE STILL HAS THE SIDING HANGING DOWN WHERE IT MELTED FROM THE HEAT. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT EVEN THOUGH A DEPUTY SHERIFF WAS PASSING BY AND STOPPED AS THE WINDOWS AND TIRES EXPLODED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221244
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.
Illustration