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1998 Chevrolet Lumina

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 126.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

72 reports with mileage · 151 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.

  • Steering. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

223 reports
76,800 miles · Dec 19, 2012
Engine

MY REPORT: ORIGINAL DIAGNOSTIC CODE WAS 3RD CYLINDER SPARK PLUG. SYMPTOMS WERE CONSISTENT WITH THIS. CAR DROVE FINE THAT EVENING UNTIL THE ENGINE HAD TROUBLE, SPUTTERED AND SHUT OFF. MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NO COOLANT AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THIS MODEL AND YEAR IS KNOWN F…

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MY REPORT: ORIGINAL DIAGNOSTIC CODE WAS 3RD CYLINDER SPARK PLUG. SYMPTOMS WERE CONSISTENT WITH THIS. CAR DROVE FINE THAT EVENING UNTIL THE ENGINE HAD TROUBLE, SPUTTERED AND SHUT OFF. MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NO COOLANT AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THIS MODEL AND YEAR IS KNOWN FOR COOLANT LEAK INTERNALLY BY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAK EXTERNALLY PRIOR TO THIS, DIDN'T BLOW WHITE SMOKE OUT THE BACK, THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT DIDN'T GO ON, THE OIL WAS FULL, NO MILKY STUFF IN RADIATOR EITHER, THE CAR DROVE LIKE NEW, AND THE CAR ONLY HAD 76,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAD ONE PREVIOUS OWNER AND WAS WELL-MAINTAINED BY THAT OWNER AND MYSELF. I BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO WITH ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT. I LOOKED INTO WHY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WOULD LEAK AND FOUND 2 REPORTS. BECAUSE THIS WAS A DEFECT, I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH AND ENGINE OR MONEY FOR THE ENGINE FROM CHEVY: PROBLEM REPORTS: CHEVROLET LUMINA REPORT: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS MAY LEAK COOLANT OR ENGINE OIL MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 ENGINES AFFECTED: 3.1L V6, 3.4L V6, 3.8L V6 THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET MAY DEVELOP AND EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. IN SOME CASES, AN INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK MAY OCCUR CAUSING COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL. OUR TECHNICIANS TELL US THAT OPERATING THE ENGINE WITH A COOLANT/OIL MIX CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SHOULD CORRECT THESE LEAKS. UNFORTUNATELY THE 3.1 LITRE ENGINE HAS A MANUFACTURE FLAW. THE GASKET IS PLASTIC AND RUBBER. OVER TIME THE PLASTIC CRACKS DUE THE HEAT AND THE RUBBER SEAL FAILS. FELPRO HAS REDESIGNED THAT GASKET. INSTEAD OF BEING PLASTIC AND RUBBER IT IS STEEL AND RUBBER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10489267

124,000 miles · Jul 26, 2012
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES LINES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE METAL BRAKES LINES WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES LINES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE METAL BRAKES LINES WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 08-09-12 *BF THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS COMPLAINT REMOVED. HE STATED WILL BE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH GM REGARDING THE ISSUE. UPDATED 08/09/12. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10467825

170,000 miles · Jun 2, 2012
Wheels

INSTALLATION OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL RESULTED IN ONE OF THE FIVE WHEEL STUDS BREAKING OFF IN THE WHEEL NUT. WHEN THE WHEEL HUB WAS REPLACED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL NUT ENGAGEMENT ON ALL TEN OF THE FRONT WHEEL STUDS WAS ONLY 4 THREADS EACH. THE WHEELS INSTALLED APPEAR TO BE THE STOCK ALUMINUM WHEELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460327

86,000 miles · Apr 22, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER TO THE LEFT BECAUSE THE RACK AND PINION FAILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACT WHO ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER TO THE LEFT BECAUSE THE RACK AND PINION FAILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACT WHO ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10397149

98,000 miles · Feb 22, 2011
Service Brakes, Electric

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA, ALL OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND A MAN TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE TOP BRAKE LIGHT HAS ALWAYS WORKED, BUT THE TWO SIDE LIGHTS AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM EVER SINCE I NO…

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WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA, ALL OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND A MAN TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE TOP BRAKE LIGHT HAS ALWAYS WORKED, BUT THE TWO SIDE LIGHTS AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM EVER SINCE I NOTICED IT. WE HAVE TIRED THE FOLLOWING: SWITCHING THE LIGHT BULBS, CHANGING THE FUSES, AND GETTING A PROFESSIONAL WORK DONE. HOWEVER, NOTHING WORKS. THE NEW FUSE MAKES THE LIGHTS WORK FOR LESS THAN A DAY IF I'M LUCKY, BUT THEN THE FUSE BLOWS; AND THE EXPERTS HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG. I LIVE IN MILWAUKEE, WI, AND HAVE SEEN OVER TEN CARS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! I HAVE GOTTEN PULLED OVER AND TICKETED 3 TIMES NOW, AND HAVE HAD TO PAY OVER $100 IN FINES, AND AT LEAST $300 AT THE AUTO SHOP, JUST FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM. ALSO, THE REVERSE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN FIXED, NOT EVEN WITH A NEW FUSE PUT IN. GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET ANY MORE TICKETS, OR FIX THE PROBLEM MYSELF. SEEING THAT MANY CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURES PROBLEM, AND I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PLEASE. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ADDRESS MY CONCERNS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384073

104,000 miles · Dec 16, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN, SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 ( STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER. THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN, SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 ( STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #10370937

110,000 miles · Jul 1, 2010
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS BROKEN IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT IS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS TO MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS BROKEN IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT IS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS TO MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ UPDATED 2/28/11 *CN UPDATED 03/03/11*JB

NHTSA ODI #10340980

100,000 miles · Oct 7, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONSUMER STATED ABOUT 1/2 MILE AWAY FROM HER HOUSE, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND DECIDED TO WALK HOME. WHEN SHE RETURNED WITH HER HUSBAND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PUTTING OUT A FIRE FROM HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONSUMER STATED ABOUT 1/2 MILE AWAY FROM HER HOUSE, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND DECIDED TO WALK HOME. WHEN SHE RETURNED WITH HER HUSBAND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PUTTING OUT A FIRE FROM HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL # 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, A REPRESENTATIVE CONCLUDED THAT THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA DOES NOT REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AFTER 7 MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/04/09*LJ UPDATED 11/06/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10286635

129,800 miles · Jul 11, 2009
Steering

TEMPORARY LOSS OF STEERING. ON 4 OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS I HAD RECENTLY LEFT MY RESIDENCE AND WAS MAKING EITHER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. AT THE START OF THE TURN I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. IT WAS AS IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN, I DID HEAR A SQUEAL. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS) AND AGAIN CHECKED THE POWER STEER…

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TEMPORARY LOSS OF STEERING. ON 4 OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS I HAD RECENTLY LEFT MY RESIDENCE AND WAS MAKING EITHER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. AT THE START OF THE TURN I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. IT WAS AS IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN, I DID HEAR A SQUEAL. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS) AND AGAIN CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE FLUID WAS CORRECT AND THE BELT IS ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD. FOR THE RECALL #03V527000 IN 2003 I DID GO TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER IN FT. MYERS AND THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS OK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276403

86,000 miles · Jun 2, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE FOR ANOTHER WEEK. AS A CONSEQUENCE, IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE O…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE FOR ANOTHER WEEK. AS A CONSEQUENCE, IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10272674

Official recalls

3

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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 ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

03V527000 · Steering:rack And Pinion

Dec 11, 2003

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS 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 ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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

3

EA03019 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure

Opened Sep 15, 2003 · Closed Dec 18, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion

GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BEARING DAMAGE RATES IN MOST OF THE VEHICLE APPLICATIONS THAT USED THE GENERAL BEARING COMPANY (GBC) BEARING.ALL OF THE VEHICLES COVERED IN THE EXPANDED RECALL HAVE THE 133 LB SPRING FORCE.THE 96 LUMINA/MONTE CARLO AND 97-98 CENTURY W-BODY VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION UTILIZE A LOWER SPRING FORCE AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BEARING DAMAGE RATES IN MOST OF THE VEHICLE APPLICATIONS THAT USED THE GENERAL BEARING COMPANY (GBC) BEARING.ALL OF THE VEHICLES COVERED IN THE EXPANDED RECALL HAVE THE 133 LB SPRING FORCE.THE 96 LUMINA/MONTE CARLO AND 97-98 CENTURY W-BODY VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION UTILIZE A LOWER SPRING FORCE AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Steering:rack And Pinion

GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BEARING DAMAGE RATES IN MOST OF THE VEHICLE APPLICATIONS THAT USED THE GENERAL BEARING COMPANY (GBC) BEARING.ALL OF THE VEHICLES COVERED IN THE EXPANDED RECALL HAVE THE 133 LB SPRING FORCE.THE 96 LUMINA/MONTE CARLO AND 97-98 CENTURY W-BODY VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION UTILIZE A LOWER SPRING FORCE AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

RQ03001 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure

Opened Jan 2, 2003 · Closed Sep 15, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

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.