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1999 Buick Park Avenue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Park Avenue years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Buick Park Avenue are substantially higher than the model-year median of 40.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

59 reports with mileage · 81 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports22 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

140 reports
101,500 miles · Feb 12, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 1999 PARK AVENUE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RUN RUFF, CAUSING ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, AS WELL AS TWO IGNITION COILS. HE STATED THAT THE PLUGS HAD INDICATION OF BURNS THAT ARE ATTRIBUTED TO ANTI FREEZE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE PLUGS. DURING THE REPAIR HE ALSO INDICATED THAT HE…

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MY 1999 PARK AVENUE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RUN RUFF, CAUSING ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, AS WELL AS TWO IGNITION COILS. HE STATED THAT THE PLUGS HAD INDICATION OF BURNS THAT ARE ATTRIBUTED TO ANTI FREEZE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE PLUGS. DURING THE REPAIR HE ALSO INDICATED THAT HE NOTICED ANTI FREEZE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE IN THE AREA OF THE PLENUM. THE REPAIRMAN STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 3800 MOTOR, THAT THE PLENUM LEAKS CAUSING ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS DUE TO THE ANTI FREEZE COMING IN CONTACT WITH ENGINE COMPONENTS. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE IF NOT CORRECTED BY REPLACEMENT OF THE PLENUM AND THE INTAKE GASKET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258452

45,000 miles · Oct 24, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND RESULTED IN A MISFIRE CODE IN MULTIPLE CYLINDERS. SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WERE A ROUGH IDLE AT START FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD COME ON, SOMETIMES STAYIN…

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PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND RESULTED IN A MISFIRE CODE IN MULTIPLE CYLINDERS. SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WERE A ROUGH IDLE AT START FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD COME ON, SOMETIMES STAYING ON AND SOMETIMES EXTINGUISHING AFTER 15 SECONDS. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY DRIVEN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER INITIALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A COMBINATION OF DIRTY FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM (CLEANED REGULARLY, BUT STILL NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AGAIN TO CONVINCE DEALER TO RULE OUT THIS PROBLEM). WHEN PROBLEM PERSISTED IN CYLINDER #6, THE PROBLEM WAS THEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR WHICH WAS REPLACED. WHEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT COOLANT HAD GOTTEN INTO CYLINDER #6 IN SMALL AMOUNTS AND CAUSE A MISFIRE. DEALER THEN DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. WEB SEARCHING REVEALS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AS THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED FROM METAL TO PLASTIC. HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. COST TO REPAIR IS APPROXIMATELY $1,700. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10246657

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS ON FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT FUNCTION AND DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED WITH EITHER REMOTE, KEY OR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229831

45,000 miles · Nov 20, 2007
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SL, SIZE P225/60R16 TIRES. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2004. IN MAY OF 2007, THE FIRST TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT 45,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHERE THE TIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIRE BE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SL, SIZE P225/60R16 TIRES. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2004. IN MAY OF 2007, THE FIRST TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT 45,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHERE THE TIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT 78,000 MILES IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 AND THE THIRD TIRE SEPARATED IN THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER OF 2007 AT 87,000 MILES. THE TIRES WERE BOUGHT IN A SET OF FOUR AND SHE BELIEVES THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSED 3 OUT OF THE 4 TIRES TO SEPARATE WITHIN MONTHS OF ONE ANOTHER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST TIRE FAILURE AND PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECOND AND THIRD TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #10209533

60,000 miles · Nov 5, 2007
Fuel System, GasolineFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. IN 2004, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED AT 30,000 MILES. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED ALL DAY, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. IN 2004, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED AT 30,000 MILES. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED ALL DAY, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT A MECHANIC AT A DIFFERENT SHOP STATED THAT THE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM THE ISSUE STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10207899

40,000 miles · Jul 23, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE ANTIFREEZE. WHEN HE CHECKED THE LEVEL IN THE PROPER RECEPTACLE, IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ANTIFREEZE IS STILL LEAKING. THE CURREN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE ANTIFREEZE. WHEN HE CHECKED THE LEVEL IN THE PROPER RECEPTACLE, IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ANTIFREEZE IS STILL LEAKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10197227

103,134 miles · Dec 3, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

PLASTIC UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED FLOODING ENGINE INTERIOR WITH COOLANT. ENGINE LOCKED UP. VEHICLE OPERATOR WAS ACCELERATING FROM IDLE TO ENTER TRAFFIC WHEN ENGINE LOCK UP OCCURRED, BUT LUCKILY HAD NOT YET ENTERED TRAFFIC. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR BUICK PARK AVENUES WITH MILEAGE ABOVE 90,00…

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PLASTIC UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED FLOODING ENGINE INTERIOR WITH COOLANT. ENGINE LOCKED UP. VEHICLE OPERATOR WAS ACCELERATING FROM IDLE TO ENTER TRAFFIC WHEN ENGINE LOCK UP OCCURRED, BUT LUCKILY HAD NOT YET ENTERED TRAFFIC. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR BUICK PARK AVENUES WITH MILEAGE ABOVE 90,000 MILES. REPAIRS EXCEEDED $1,100. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10175006

62,150 miles · Sep 6, 2006
Tires

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON DRY HIGHWAY ROADS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE SHAKING GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THERE WAS A BLISTER THE SIZE OF A MELON ON THE TREAD OF THE RIGHT FRONT T…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON DRY HIGHWAY ROADS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE SHAKING GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THERE WAS A BLISTER THE SIZE OF A MELON ON THE TREAD OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. THE CONSUMERS SECOND TIRE ALSO HAD TREAD SEPARATION. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10167437

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2006
Structure

1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE SEVERED BRAKE LINES, LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE DUE TO A CRACKED CRADLE. *KB ***NAR*** WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. UPON INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE CRADLE HAD CRACKED. WHEN THE CRADLE CRACKED IT SEVERED THE BRAKE LI…

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1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE SEVERED BRAKE LINES, LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE DUE TO A CRACKED CRADLE. *KB ***NAR*** WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. UPON INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE CRADLE HAD CRACKED. WHEN THE CRADLE CRACKED IT SEVERED THE BRAKE LINE AND BROKE THE FRONT LEFT AXLE. THE TECHNICIAN ORDER TWO CRADLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT JUNK YARDS. BOTH CRADLE HAD CRACKS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. NEW CRADLES HAD TO BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED AND THE LEFT AXLE AND BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164767

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2006
Visibility

1999 PARK AVENUE SENSOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD CAUSED MOISTURE TO FREEZE ON THE WIPERS. *TS THE DEVICE CAUSED MOISTURE ON THE WINDSHIELD TO FREEZE ONTO THE WIPERS. THE END RESULT WAS THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAN OFF THE WINDSHIELD. THE SENSOR CAUSED THE BLADES TO MOVE SO QUICKLY THAT THEY SPED UP THE FREEZING PROCESS. …

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1999 PARK AVENUE SENSOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD CAUSED MOISTURE TO FREEZE ON THE WIPERS. *TS THE DEVICE CAUSED MOISTURE ON THE WINDSHIELD TO FREEZE ONTO THE WIPERS. THE END RESULT WAS THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAN OFF THE WINDSHIELD. THE SENSOR CAUSED THE BLADES TO MOVE SO QUICKLY THAT THEY SPED UP THE FREEZING PROCESS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155173

Official recalls

3

04V090000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Feb 24, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

99V238000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Aug 27, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO PEDAL ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT NUTS MAY BE LOOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THESE NUTS ARE LOOSE, THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY BE LOW, THE ASSEMBLY MAY BE LOOSE, THE BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE, AND IF THE NUTS BACK COMPLETELY OFF, BRAKING MAY BE LOST. ALSO FUME AND WATER INTRUSION TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER TO BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY NUTS AND TIGHTEN ALL FOUR (4) NUTS TO SPECIFIED TORQUE.

99V081000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc

Apr 14, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET ON EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE WITH THIS CONDITION CAN PULL TO ONE SIDE DURING A BRAKING MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE INCREASED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CORRECT BRAKE PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT ROTORS, CALIPER ASSEMBLIES, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKETS.

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

4

EA07008 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Jun 12, 2007 · Closed May 1, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Engine And Engine Cooling

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

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.

EA00002 · Front Shoulder Belt Malfunction

Opened Jan 6, 2000 · Closed May 2, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

There is no summary currently available