NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
80 reportsClear category filter61,500 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER FOLLOWING REPAIRS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER FOLLOWING REPAIRS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED REPLACING THE SENSOR BUT THE CONTACT HAD RECENTLY HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT STILL, DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,500.
NHTSA ODI #10324743
129,000 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER ADVISED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER ADVISED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLIANT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10324652
115,000 miles · Feb 18, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS FAILED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311739
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
CHEVROLET IMPALA 2003: CAR WON'T START OR EVEN TURN OVER WHEN HOT. AFTER ENGINE COOL DOWN START AGAIN AS NORMAL AS NEW. IF I TURN THE ENGINE OFF AFTER DRIVING FEW MILES I SEE ON THE INFORMATION CENTRE THE PASSLOCK WARNING, RADIO IS DEAD, INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE DEAD, AND IF I TRY TO CRANK THE ENGINE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPEN. I HAV…
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CHEVROLET IMPALA 2003: CAR WON'T START OR EVEN TURN OVER WHEN HOT. AFTER ENGINE COOL DOWN START AGAIN AS NORMAL AS NEW. IF I TURN THE ENGINE OFF AFTER DRIVING FEW MILES I SEE ON THE INFORMATION CENTRE THE PASSLOCK WARNING, RADIO IS DEAD, INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE DEAD, AND IF I TRY TO CRANK THE ENGINE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPEN. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING OK LET'S SAY THE NIGHT BEFORE, NEXT DAY IN THE MORNING IN A SUNNY DAY THE CAR GETS WARM WITH THE SUN JUST BY SEATING ON MY DRIVEWAY AND IF I TRY TO START THE ENGINE I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TO PUSH IT UNDER A TREE, OPEN HOOD AND DOORS LET IT SEATING ON THE SHADE FOR FEW MINUTES AND WHEN THE BODY IS COLD, THE CAR START NORMALLY. THIS IS DRIVING ME CRAZY BECAUSE I CANT USE MY CAR DURING THE SUMMER (IT WON'T START), AND DURING SPRING, FALL, AND WINTER I HAVE TO LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE I DO MY SHOPPING AND OTHER STUFF. THIS IS A RISK, MY CAR CAN BE STOLEN AND IS TOO MUCH GAS CONSUMPTION. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. HOW CAN I FIX THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK MY CAR TO GM DEALER BUT THEY CHANGED BCM AND BATTERY BUT NEVER FIX THE REAL PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303499
64,000 miles · Jan 21, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
LEAKING HEAD GASKET CAUSING ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10301804
Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2003 IMPALA HAS TROUBLE STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS HOT: WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR FOR OVER A HOUR SOMETIMES LESS WE CAN NOT GET IT TO RE-START UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN FOR A LEAST A HOUR. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER THEY CAN NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE THEY REPLACED ALL KINDS OF PARTS AND HAVE NO IDEA , HAD IT TOWED SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEA…
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MY 2003 IMPALA HAS TROUBLE STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS HOT: WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR FOR OVER A HOUR SOMETIMES LESS WE CAN NOT GET IT TO RE-START UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN FOR A LEAST A HOUR. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER THEY CAN NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE THEY REPLACED ALL KINDS OF PARTS AND HAVE NO IDEA , HAD IT TOWED SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER WHEN IT HAPPENS (THERE REQUEST). MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TRAVEL AS YOU HAVE TO LEAVE IT RUNNING TO GET GAS ETC. UNLESS YOU WANT TO SIT FOR A HOUR EVERY TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292676
50,651 miles · Oct 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50651. UPDATED 12/09/09 *BF THE CONSUEMR STATED THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50651. UPDATED 12/09/09 *BF THE CONSUEMR STATED THE VEHICLE WILL TURN OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. UPDATED 12/10/09
NHTSA ODI #10290273
69,764 miles · Aug 19, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA AND TRIED TO SIGNAL A LANE CHANGE AND THE FLASHERS WOULD NOT WORK FOR EITHER DIRECTION. THERE WAS NOT ANY ACCIDENT, BUT THE SITUATION WAS VERY AGGRAVATING. THE CAR ALSO HAS A HISTORY OF OIL SEEPAGE AND IT HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. WE BOUGHT THE CAR 4 YEARS AGO AT A USED CAR DEALER, AND I CH…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA AND TRIED TO SIGNAL A LANE CHANGE AND THE FLASHERS WOULD NOT WORK FOR EITHER DIRECTION. THERE WAS NOT ANY ACCIDENT, BUT THE SITUATION WAS VERY AGGRAVATING. THE CAR ALSO HAS A HISTORY OF OIL SEEPAGE AND IT HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. WE BOUGHT THE CAR 4 YEARS AGO AT A USED CAR DEALER, AND I CHANGE THE OIL MYSELF EVERY 3000 MILES. THE CAR IS HARD STARING AT TIMES, AND I HAD PUT A NEW BATTERY IN IT 2 YEARS AGO DUE TO THE TROUBLE STARTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280952
120,000 miles · Jul 17, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER IN COLLIERVILLE,TN. FOR ANOTHER WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL COSTING 1,000.00, & WAS TOLD OF ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE GASKET,THAT WILL BE ANOTHER $1,000.00, I SEE MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT OF COURSE GM NOT CALLING IT A RECALL. I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA WI…
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TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER IN COLLIERVILLE,TN. FOR ANOTHER WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL COSTING 1,000.00, & WAS TOLD OF ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE GASKET,THAT WILL BE ANOTHER $1,000.00, I SEE MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT OF COURSE GM NOT CALLING IT A RECALL. I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH APPROXIMATELY 149,000 MILES ON IT. SUNRISE CHEVROLET IN COLLIERVILLE,TN. HAS BEEN THE PROPLE DEALING WITH ME , AND STATES, THEIR COMPUTER PROGRAMMED BCM IS NOT A RECALL, NOR THE IGNITION CHIP THAT ENGAGES THE KEY , IS ALSO NOT A GM PROBLEM BUT MANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. I SUFFERED WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING NUMEROUS TIMES , AND FINALLY BIT THE BULLET AND PAID HIGH DOLLAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR GM'S SHOULD BE RECALL. I WANT SOMEONE TO LISTEN ABOUT EVERYONE'S COMPLAINT OF THE INTAKE GASKET LEAKING, AND MAKE GM DO THE RIGHT THING! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277125
124,864 miles · Jun 15, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PERSISTENT BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE POURING OIL INTO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER. A FEW UNKNOWN COMPONENTS WERE DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO B…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PERSISTENT BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE POURING OIL INTO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER. A FEW UNKNOWN COMPONENTS WERE DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. SHE LATER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, WHICH STATED THAT THERE COULD POTENTIALLY BE A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO DROPS OF ENGINE OIL DEPOSITED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 124,864. UPDATED 07/14/09 *BF AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE HAD AN INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. PRIOR TO THE RECALL, THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. UPDATED 07/15/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10273805
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.
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
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.
Feb 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Aug 9, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR 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 ↗
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