NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
152 reportsClear category filter118,000 miles · Apr 10, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE CONTACT USED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE CONTACT USED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA ODI #10454737
50,000 miles · Apr 10, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
THE CAR DAMAGED THE PLENUM THREE TIMES, THIS CAUSE MULTIPLE MISSFIRE UNTIL THE CAR WONT START; THERE IS CORROSION ON SPARK CABLES, DAMAGED THE COILS. ALL POWER WINDOW MACHINERY AND/OR MOTORS ALSO DAMAGED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454709
100,000 miles · Apr 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ENGINE FIRE, APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER CAR WAS PARKED. FIRE COMPANY CALLED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454061
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN IT ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN IT ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10434789
188,000 miles · Oct 25, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringFire
VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. THEN IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING AND STALLED. THE ENGINE DIED FOLLOWED BY FLAMES FROM UNDER BOTH SIDES OF THE HOOD. NO SMOKE WAS SEEN BEFORE THE FIRE BEGAN. NO LIGHTS CAME ON TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. IN NO TIME, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432826
160,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ON SUNDAY MORNING JULY 3, 2011 I DROVE MY WIFE'S 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 13.57 MILE FROM MY HOME TO GET SOME LAB WORK DONE. AFTERWARDS I DOVE 12.77 MILE TO THE GAS STATION AND FILLED THE CAR UP WITH GAS $49.50 TO BE EXACT, THEN DROVE HOME 1.80 MILES TOTAL TRIP 28.14 MILES. I PARKED THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY HOME AS I ALWAYS DO NEX…
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ON SUNDAY MORNING JULY 3, 2011 I DROVE MY WIFE'S 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 13.57 MILE FROM MY HOME TO GET SOME LAB WORK DONE. AFTERWARDS I DOVE 12.77 MILE TO THE GAS STATION AND FILLED THE CAR UP WITH GAS $49.50 TO BE EXACT, THEN DROVE HOME 1.80 MILES TOTAL TRIP 28.14 MILES. I PARKED THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY HOME AS I ALWAYS DO NEXT TO MY 1993 CADILLAC SEVILLE. I WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO CHANGE FOR CHURCH AND APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER MY SON CALL OUT TO ME SAYING DAD THE CAR IS SMOKING!! I WENT TO THE DOOR AND I SAW THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND THEN FIRE SHOT OUT FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND ENGULFED THE ENGINE. MY WIFE CALLED 911 AND TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS (MY NEIGHBOR ALSO CALLED 911). MY WIFE THEN SAID TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS AND DOOR JUST IN CASE THE CAR BLOWS. WHILE MOVING BACK WE SAW THE BLAZE FROM THE GRAND PRIX SPREAD OVER TO THE SEVILLE CATCHING THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE ON FIRE. BY THIS TIME THE FIRE AND POLICE WERE ON THE SITE. THE GRAND PRIX BURNED FROM THE FRONT HOOD TO THE BACK SEATS BEFORE BEING CONTAINED, AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND FRONT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL ON THE 1993 SEVILLE WAS BURNT BADLY INCLUDING THE RIGHT TIRE, THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS. I'M SIMPLY OUT RAGED THAT MY INSURER WILL NOT COVER MY SEVILLE FOR THE DAMAGES DONE BY NO FAULT OF MINE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I HAD TWO PERFECTLY RUNNING VEHICLES UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING AND NOW I'M DOWN TWO. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS INDICATED THAT THEY WILL PAY FOR THE GRAND PRIX BUT PULL OUT A CLAUSE IN MY POLICY SAYING THAT DAMAGE TO PROPERTY WHILE IT IS OWNED BY YOU IS NOT COVERED!, BUT IF SOMEONE ELSE'S VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED. THIS IS NO FAULT OF MINE AND I'VE ALWAYS PAY MY INSURANCE ON TIME AND I'M ROBBED IN THE END... WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?!?!? I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED GM AND I'M NOW RETHINKING THAT! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10417051
161,813 miles · Apr 22, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineFire
EARLY MONDAY MORNING GOT INTO CAR AS NORMAL TO GO TO WORK, TURNED THE KEY TO START AND IMMEDIATLY THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP THEN SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF HOOD AREA, I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD IT WOKE MY FAMILY IN WHICH THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BY THEN I HAD ALREADY RAN …
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EARLY MONDAY MORNING GOT INTO CAR AS NORMAL TO GO TO WORK, TURNED THE KEY TO START AND IMMEDIATLY THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP THEN SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF HOOD AREA, I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD IT WOKE MY FAMILY IN WHICH THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BY THEN I HAD ALREADY RAN TO MY BOAT TO RETRIEVE MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, LUCKILY I HAD THE EXTINGUISHER AND WAS ABLE TO CANCEL FIRE DEPARTMENT CALL AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BY MYSELF, NOW I AM AWAITING ESTIMATE FROM MECHANIC TO SEE IF ENGINE CAN BE SALVAGED OR IF IT IS A TOTAL LOSS
NHTSA ODI #10397762
98,000 miles · Dec 13, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS IS THE SAME CAR AS ON THIS REPORT FILED EARLIER AND I AM THE SAME COMPLAINANT AND STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY RELIEF. HAD UPPER MANIFOLD PLENUM AND GASKET REPLACED, ALONG WITH NEW PLUGS AND WIRES. CAR RAN OK FOR APPROX. 6 MONTHS AND HAD PROBLEMS AGAIN. TOOK CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN AGA…
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THIS IS THE SAME CAR AS ON THIS REPORT FILED EARLIER AND I AM THE SAME COMPLAINANT AND STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY RELIEF. HAD UPPER MANIFOLD PLENUM AND GASKET REPLACED, ALONG WITH NEW PLUGS AND WIRES. CAR RAN OK FOR APPROX. 6 MONTHS AND HAD PROBLEMS AGAIN. TOOK CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AS THE SO-CALLED BETTER PLASTIC PLENUMS AND GASKETS DISSOLVES AGAIN. CAR STARTED RUNNING ROUGH, REPLACED PLUG WIRES PER MECHANIC, WHICH WOULD TAKE ROUGHNESS AWAY. DROVE ABOUT 1 WEEK AND NO GOOD RESULTS. FINALLY TOOK CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AS PREVIOUS GM MECHANIC STATED, BUT THE LOWER MANIFOLD AND GASKETS WERE THE PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED, THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE ENGINE TO TAKE IN AIR AND WATER, THE PLUG WERE BURNED OFF AS IF EATEN AWAY BY ACID AND WATER WAS ESCAPING THROUGH THE ENGINE VALVES. I WAS SHOWN THE DAMAGED PLUGS AND THE DISINTEGRATED GASKET AND WARPED MANIFOLD COVER. NOW MY ENGINE IS GONE BECAUSE NOT ONLY ARE THE HEAD GASKET BLOWN, BUT THE ENGINE HAS A CRACKED BLOCK DUE TO THE HEAT. I WILL HOPEFULLY NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM AUTO. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE SUPPORT THE FOREIGN CAR MARKETS. THEY SEEM TO MAKE BETTER AUTOS, EVEN THE RECALLED ONES. I HAVE TO REPLACE AT MY OWN ENGINE, IF I DO, AT MY OWN COST, DUE TO THEIR FAULTY AND INFERIOR MATERIALS. THIS IS CLEARLY A RIP-OFF AND UNFAIR TO THE AMERICAN CONSUMERS. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 12/1999 WITH 26 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN UPKEPT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE AND CURRENTLY HAVE ONLY 98,000 MILES ON THE DAMAGED ENGINE. NOW I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, ONLY WORSE. I HAVE ALSO REPLACE THE MOTOR DRIVER FRONT WINDOW 2 TIMES AND ALSO OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE SAME WINDOW AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK SO IT IS UP POSITION PERMANENTLY. IF IT GOES DOWN, THE DOOR HAVE TO BE TAKEN APART TO GET IT BACK UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10370418
131,752 miles · Nov 15, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR INSPECTION. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE ENGINE STALLED BEF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR INSPECTION. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE ENGINE STALLED BEFORE THEN INDEPENDENTLY RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,752.
NHTSA ODI #10365822
130,000 miles · Nov 8, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE FROM INSIDE HER RESIDENCE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE FROM INSIDE HER RESIDENCE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 09V116000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND STATED SHE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2008 AND THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE RECALL APPLIED TO HER VIN OR IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAS SATISFIED THE RECALL REPAIR REQUIREMENTS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10365020
Official recalls
4Oct 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> .
Jan 25, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 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 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
6EA07008 · 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.
PE07006 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 29, 2007 · Closed Jun 12, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ON JANUARY 29, 2007, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED NON-CRASH FIRES ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ?L67? SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF THE GENERAL MOTORS (GM) 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 121 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT ALLEGE NON-CRASH RELATED FIRES ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING OR AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF. WHILE NO SUBJECT COMPONENT HAS YET BEEN IDENTIFIED, ODI ANALYSIS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENT RATE AMONG THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN GM PEER VEHICLES THAT USE THE NON-SUPERCHARGED ?L36? VERSION OF THE GM 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.IN SOME CASES, THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE IS TWICE AS HIGH IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND UP TO AS MUCH AS AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE GREATER THAN IN NON-SUPERCHARGED PEER VEHICLES.FOR INSTANCE, THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE FOR THE SUPERCHARGED MY 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP IS APPROXIMATELY 236 PER 100,000 VEHICLES PRODUCED (58 FIRES / 24,509 SUBJECT VEHICLES OR 0.236%) WHILE THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE FOR MY 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE NATURALLY ASPIRATED ?L36? ENGINE IS APPROXIMATELY 18 PER 100,000 VEHICLES PRODUCED (17 FIRES / 90,338 VEHICLES OR 0.018%). THE MANUFACTURER?S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-008) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY AND SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT. BASED ON THE INFORMATION REVIEWED IN PE07-006, THE RANGE OF SUBJECT VEHICLES UNDER INVESTIGATION WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL MY 1999-2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE, REGAL, AND RIVIERA, OLDSMOBILE LSS, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND GRAND PRIX VEHICLES THAT USE THE SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TRANSVERSE MOUNTED ?L67? ENGINE.
EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
EA01014 · Air Bag Inflator
Opened Jun 11, 2001 · Closed Aug 26, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
No summary supplied.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
PE01002 · Driver Air Bag Malfunction
Opened Jan 10, 2001 · Closed Jun 11, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
ODI IS AWARE OF ONE REPORTED INCIDENT OF A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATION IN A MODEL YEAR 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX.AN INVESTIGATION OF THE INCIDENT REVEALED THAT A TWO-INCH, DISK-SHAPED FRAGMENT OF THE ALUMINUM INFLATOR ASSEMBLY RUPTURED THE AIR BAG, BROKE OFF PORTIONS OF THE AIR GAB COVER FLAPS, AND STRUCK THE DRIVER.ALSO, EVIDENCE SHOWED HOT COMBUSTION GASES/PARTICULATE ESCAPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NUMEROUS INJURIES FROM THE INFLATOR FRAGEMENTAND HOT GASES/PARTICULATE.A TEARDOWN OF THE FAILED INFLATOR DID NOT REVEAL ANY OBSERVABLE DEFECTS OR ROOT CAUSE OF FAILURE.GM AND ITS SUPPLIERS (DELPHI AND BREAD) ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TOGETHER TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE SINGLE REPORTED FAILURE AND THE SCOPE OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM CONDITION IN THE FIELD.FINALLY, GM HAS STATED THAT MODEL YEAR 1998-2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES AND MODEL YEAR 1998-2001 PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES HAVE IDENTICAL DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG INFLATORS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WILL COVER THESE MODEL/MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.
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