NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
810 reports174,000 miles · Sep 29, 2014
Service Brakes
TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DOWN A DUAL LANE (EACH WAY) HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR & THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO STOP, I DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE AUTOMOBILE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE HAD APPARENTLY RUPTURED. REAR BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED A…
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TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DOWN A DUAL LANE (EACH WAY) HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR & THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO STOP, I DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE AUTOMOBILE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE HAD APPARENTLY RUPTURED. REAR BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $700 BY A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AT A LOCAL GARAGE............ I OWN 2 PONTIAC GRAND PRIXS ( A 1997 & 1998) AND ONLY 1 MONTH EARLIER ( 08/14/12), THE 1998 PONTIAC ALSO HAD A SIMILAR BRAKE LINE RUPTURE........UNBELIEVABLY, 2 YEARS LATER ON SEPT 27, 2014 THE 1997 PONTIAC AGAIN HAD A BRAKE LINE FAILURE, WHERE AT THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DOWN A DUAL LANE HIGHWAY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHERE I HAD A STOP SIGN & WAS UNABLE TO STOP, TRAVELING THRU THE INTERSECTION, AVOIDING A COLLISION AND WAS ABLE TO FINALLY STOP OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER PULLING INTO A VACANT PARKING LOT............BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE & 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE DRIVING, I CONSIDER THESE PONTIAC BRAKE LINES TO BE MADE OF INFERIOR MATERIAL THAT DUE TO THEIR PARALLEL PLACEMENT IN BRACKETING RUNNING ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE EXTREMELY SUBJECTED TO CORROSION & FAILURE..........AUTO BRAKE LINES SHOULD BE REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BE MADE OF HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL SINCE THEY ARE A CRITICAL SAFETY ITEM IN EVERY VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINES ON THESE PONTIACS MAKE THEM POTENTIAL TIME-BOMBS ON THE ROADWAY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10639932
180,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR STOPPED WITH NO CODE. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE NEXT WEEK, THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN WITHOUT ANY CODE. BASED ON OTHER COMPLAINTS, THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL STOP AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10609466
225,000 miles · Jun 30, 2014
Suspension
2 ADULTS IN BACK SEAT. LEFT REAR SUSPENSION STRUT TORE THROUGH THE METAL OF THE TRUNK AND CAME UP INTO THE TRUNK, COMPROMISING VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL AND REAR BRAKES, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10606995
171,750 miles · Mar 13, 2014
Air BagsEnginePower Train
THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, THE OIL LIGHT AND ALTERNATOR LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON JUST THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT, ALSO THE TACHOMETER STAYED AT 2000 RPM. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED, BUT COULDN'T GET THE ENGINE TO START. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED SEVER…
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THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, THE OIL LIGHT AND ALTERNATOR LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON JUST THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT, ALSO THE TACHOMETER STAYED AT 2000 RPM. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED, BUT COULDN'T GET THE ENGINE TO START. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FINALLY STARTING. I HAD TO PUT TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION, AND THE KEY ALL THE WAY OFF, THEN START THE ENGINE. I HAD THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR REPLACED, BUT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. ITS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS AND 300 MILES. I QUIT DRIVING IT UNTIL I CAN GET ANOTHER CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569192
141,407 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineExterior LightingFire
AT 4:06 PM ON NOV. 04,2013, MY WIFE PARKED IN A LOCAL WALMART PARKING LOT. SHE IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. BYSTANDERS STARTED YELLING FOR HER TO EXIT THE CAR. ONE BYSTANDER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, LOCATED 1.25 MILES AWAY. MY WIFE EXITED THE CAR CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEN CALLED ME W…
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AT 4:06 PM ON NOV. 04,2013, MY WIFE PARKED IN A LOCAL WALMART PARKING LOT. SHE IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. BYSTANDERS STARTED YELLING FOR HER TO EXIT THE CAR. ONE BYSTANDER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, LOCATED 1.25 MILES AWAY. MY WIFE EXITED THE CAR CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEN CALLED ME WITH HER MOBILE PHONE BY THE TIME THE FIRE ENGINE ARRIVED, THE PLASTIC PARTS ON TOP OF AND AROUND THE ENGINE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. I ARRIVED FROM FOUR MILES AWAY, AND AFTER SURVEYING THE DAMAGE, I CONSIDERED THE DAMAGE TO EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE CAR. I CALLED A LOCAL TOWING SERVICE AND THEY TOWED THE CAR TO MY HOME. THE CAR HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BEFORE THE FIRE. I AM 77 YEARS OLD AND MY WIFE IS 74 AND OUR MEMORIES ARE FAILING. I THINK WE RECEIVED A POST CARD NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL, BUT I THINK IT WAS FOR A STEERING PROBLEM: NOTHING RELATED TO ANY DANGER OF AN ENGINE FIRE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY GENERAL MOTORS CHOSE TO NOT NOTIFY US BY REGISTERED MAIL OF THE IMMINENT DANGER OF A FIRE. . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552219
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFire
AFTER LEAVING WORK ON FRIDAY MAY 17, 2013 I WENT TO COMPLETE SEVERAL ERRANDS BEFORE DRIVING TO THE NEAREST GYM. UPON MY ARRIVAL I NOTICED A SCENT WHICH I BELIEVE WAS COMING FROM MY CAR THEN PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT OF THE GYM, PARK THE CAR, TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR. AFTER DOING SO, I WAS SH…
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AFTER LEAVING WORK ON FRIDAY MAY 17, 2013 I WENT TO COMPLETE SEVERAL ERRANDS BEFORE DRIVING TO THE NEAREST GYM. UPON MY ARRIVAL I NOTICED A SCENT WHICH I BELIEVE WAS COMING FROM MY CAR THEN PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT OF THE GYM, PARK THE CAR, TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR. AFTER DOING SO, I WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER COMPONENTS UNDER THE HOOD SUCH AS MY ELECTRICAL WIRING AND SPARK PLUGS. I HAD A SAFETY RECALL ACT (REPAIR) PERFORMED ON MY CAR IN FEBRUARY 2013 BY A GM DEALERSHIP, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS COMPLETELY SAFE AND WOULD GIVE MY CAR LONGEVITY ACTUALLY DID THE OPPOSITE. I FILED A CASE WITH GM REGARDING THIS MATTER BUT HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN-A-ROUND AS OF MAY 20,2013. I'M VERY UNHAPPY WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE THUS FAR AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING THIS DANGEROUS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514114
130,000 miles · Jan 23, 2013
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. IN ADDITION, COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS ALSO LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALSO SEIZ…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. IN ADDITION, COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS ALSO LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALSO SEIZE SPORADICALLY AND WOULD OFTEN SHAKE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10494483
86,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Air BagsInjury
I WAS DRIVING ON RT 110 IN AMESBURY AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED OUT OF THE BLUE. IT BURNED MY HAND AND WAS THE SCARIEST THING MAKING ME FEEL UNCONSCIOUS FOR A LITTLE WHILE WHEN I REALIZED THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE I GOT OUT AS FAST AS I COULD NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THER…
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I WAS DRIVING ON RT 110 IN AMESBURY AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED OUT OF THE BLUE. IT BURNED MY HAND AND WAS THE SCARIEST THING MAKING ME FEEL UNCONSCIOUS FOR A LITTLE WHILE WHEN I REALIZED THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE I GOT OUT AS FAST AS I COULD NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THERE WAS NO CRASH WITH OTHER VEHICLES. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS DISCONNECTED TO STOP A LOUD HORN FROM BLOWING AT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK IT HAPPENED AGAIN SHATTERING THE WINDOW IN THE FRONT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE HIGHWAY . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493174
183,000 miles · Jul 9, 2012
EngineFire
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. ALWAYS DID REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND KEPT RECORDS. VEHICLE WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464812
212,177 miles · May 16, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,177. .UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, UNTIL THE DEALER WORKED ON IT. THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND BOLT GROMETS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/31/12
NHTSA ODI #10458659
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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