NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
976 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 4, 2023
Seat BeltsCrashInjury
Front seat belts come unbuckled while driving. My wife commuted to work in this car for about 12 months (37 miles one way) and mentioned that sometimes the seatbelt would come unbuckled. I suspected that she was not getting it latched in properly and did not think much of it as when I looked at the seatbelt it functioned prope…
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Front seat belts come unbuckled while driving. My wife commuted to work in this car for about 12 months (37 miles one way) and mentioned that sometimes the seatbelt would come unbuckled. I suspected that she was not getting it latched in properly and did not think much of it as when I looked at the seatbelt it functioned properly. However our daughter started driving this car to and from school and also mentioned issues with the seatbelt occasionally coming unbuckled, unfortunately she was involved in a collision. When we learned that she did not have her seatbelt on it surprised us. When my aunt and uncle who owned the car visited in the hospital, my aunt mentioned that she also has had the seatbelt randomly come unbuckled multiple times in that car. I purchased seatbelts from cars of the same age and platform (1997-2004 GM N body) and have inspected them. I believe there is a design flaw that allows the seatbelt to latch in and feel secure when it is actually not locked in. In my pictures note the scratches on the release button. It is my feeling that normal debris (hair, lint, ect) may be causing the release button to partially stick down (1/8" or so). When the release button is stuck partially down the belt side can be inserted into the buckle and it will latch with a click sound, however the white plastic lock tab will not drop under the lock rod. In this latched but not locked situation the belt can be pulled on with a fair amount of force and still stay latched. When compared to other seat belt styles from other models of cars, I notice that the release button or cover have a smaller "slide surface area". Also on the other seat belt styles if the release button is stuck partially down the belt will not latch into the buckle.
NHTSA ODI #11525299
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2020
Unknown Or Other
I WAS A AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS REP AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THESE RECALLS COMPLETED. I HAVE HAD MY 2 KEYS RETROFITTED WITH THE INSERTS BY MY LOCAL CHEV DEALER YEARS AGO AND TRIED 6 TIMES UNSUCCESSFULLY TO HAVE THIS RECALL SHOWN AS COMPLETED. I WAS ASSURED THAT THEY MADE A MISTAKE AND USED A VIN WITH 1 # WRON…
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I WAS A AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS REP AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THESE RECALLS COMPLETED. I HAVE HAD MY 2 KEYS RETROFITTED WITH THE INSERTS BY MY LOCAL CHEV DEALER YEARS AGO AND TRIED 6 TIMES UNSUCCESSFULLY TO HAVE THIS RECALL SHOWN AS COMPLETED. I WAS ASSURED THAT THEY MADE A MISTAKE AND USED A VIN WITH 1 # WRONG AND THAT IT HAD BEEN CORRECTED. THIS IS MY LAST REQUEST. I GIVE UP. I AM NOT WILLING TO RETURN TO THE DEALER AGAIN. PLEASE SEE THAT THIS IS RESOLVED.
NHTSA ODI #11306454
130,000 miles · Jan 23, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11171731
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
TAKATA RECALL HAVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998 THAT I JUST BOUGHT AND FOUND OUT IT HAD A RECALL THAT WAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF AND HOW WOULD I GO TO GET IT DONE
NHTSA ODI #10950178
170,000 miles · Jan 13, 2017
Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH NOT SHUTTING OFF AND AT TIMES NOT TURNING TO START CAR. SHIFT LEVER HAS TO BE WIGGLED TO ALLOW KEY TO TURN TO OFF POSITION. KEY CYLINDER SHUTTING OFF IN START POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #10945175
313,000 miles · Jan 12, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT MY DAUGHTER (SOLE OCCUPANT) HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. SHE LOOKED TO RIGHT AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. SHE HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING INCLUDING BUMPS OR POT-HOLE. NOT SURE IF IT'S A TAKATA BUT DEPLOYMENT COULD OF COST HER LIFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10944959
150,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AS THE ANTI THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER TEN MINUTES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AS THE ANTI THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER TEN MINUTES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10822938
200,116 miles · Jan 6, 2016
Steering
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT I HEARD LOUD CLUNKING AND THEN FINALLY A POP AS I TURNED THE STEERING TO THE LEFT. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, WHILE DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA LEFT TURNS BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MAKE, AND I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO BE OFF CENTER. I DECIDED TO MAKE A 3-POINT TURN TO RE…
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WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT I HEARD LOUD CLUNKING AND THEN FINALLY A POP AS I TURNED THE STEERING TO THE LEFT. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, WHILE DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA LEFT TURNS BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MAKE, AND I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO BE OFF CENTER. I DECIDED TO MAKE A 3-POINT TURN TO RETURN HOME, AND WHILE BACKING TO THE LEFT THERE SEEMED TO BE LITTLE ACTUAL MOVEMENT BEFORE I FELT AS IF THE FRONT END OF THE CAR RAISED A BIT FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER LOUT POP. RETURNING THE WHEELS RIGHT SAW LITTLE MOVEMENT AT FIRST BEFORE TURNING AS NORMAL. LEFT TURNS THE REST OF THE WAY HOME DIFFICULT, WHILE RIGHT TURNS ARE MADE WITH EASE. UPON INSPECTION WHEN GETTING TO MY GARAGE RACK AND PINION MOUNT ON PASSENGER SIDE THAT APPEARS TO BE WELDED HAD BROKEN. PERHAPS RUSTED? I LIVE IN CA, SO I DIDN'T EXPECT RUSTED PARTS TO BE AN ISSUE.I HAVE RESEARCHED OTHER MALIBUS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED INCREDIBLY SIMILAR BEHAVIOR, AND THERE IS EVEN A RECALL REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION IN MY MY MALIBU, HOWEVER MINE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. I FIND THIS TO BE ABSOLUTELY APPALLING THAT GM CAN RECEIVE SO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE, AND REQUEST FOR A FIX, AND SO BOLDLY TELL THESE CUSTOMERS THAT THEY WILL NOT SERVICE THEIR VEHICLES WHEN THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #10818472
32,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Steering
I PURCHASED NEW TIRES TODAY AND THE TECHNICIANS NOTICED THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING LINK VIA THE RACK AND PINION. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WELDS (WHICH ARE BOTH FACTORY AND MOST LIKELY ROBOTIC) HOLDING THE NUT THROUGH THE RACK AND PINION HAVE FAILED. THESE WELDS ARE NOT A CONSUMABLE OR A…
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I PURCHASED NEW TIRES TODAY AND THE TECHNICIANS NOTICED THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING LINK VIA THE RACK AND PINION. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WELDS (WHICH ARE BOTH FACTORY AND MOST LIKELY ROBOTIC) HOLDING THE NUT THROUGH THE RACK AND PINION HAVE FAILED. THESE WELDS ARE NOT A CONSUMABLE OR AN OTHERWISE REPLACEABLE PART OF THE CAR AND UNACCEPTABLE FOR THEM TO FAIL. CURRENTLY IF THE NUT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY WELDED IN PLACE COMES OFF I WILL COMPLETELY LOSE STEERING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. AT EVEN SLOW SPEEDS THIS COULD BE FATAL TO THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS. THE CAR HAS BEEN OWNED BY ONE FAMILY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMACULATELY MAINTAINED. FOR CHEVROLET TO DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE SUCH A CRITICAL PIECE IN THIS FASHION IS APPALLING. I AM TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH CHEVROLET RECALLS DEPARTMENT AND SAFETY BUT NO ONE WILL RETURN MY CALLS. THE ONE PERSON THAT ANSWERED AT A DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD ABSOLUTELY FIX IT IF AS A FAILED WELD SIGNALS A FABRICATION DEFECT. I GAVE THEM MY NUMBER SO THEY COULD CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BUT NO ONE HAS CALLED!
NHTSA ODI #10780255
113,751 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,751.
NHTSA ODI #10735113
Official recalls
3Jul 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.
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.
Mar 8, 2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
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
6RQ04006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened Jul 7, 2004 · Closed Jan 13, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
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.
EA00019 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Jul 12, 2000 · Closed Mar 6, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ON FEBRUARY 22, 2000, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) INITIATED PE00-009 BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 & 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU & OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO EA00-019 ON JULY 12, 2000.DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF FRACTURE OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING (SUBJECT COMPONENT).SUCH A FRACTURE LED TO AN IMMEDIATE AND IRRECOVERABLE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION.GMREPORTED THAT THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION (50% GLASS-REINFORCED ACETAL) OF THE SUBJECT COMPONENT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO WITHSTAND STRESSES IMPOSED BY CERTAIN FROZEN PRECIPITIATION ACCUMULATIONS.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT MATERIAL WAS CHANGED TO THE STRONGER 50% GLASS-REINFORCEDNYLON-6, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 98.OBSOLETE SERVICE PART WERE DISCARDED.GM WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS IN 129,427 SUBJECT VEHICLES FOUND IN 28 STATES (AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY), THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND ALL CANADIAN PROVINCES.THESE STATES ACCOUNTED FOR 91% OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.ODI WILL MONITOR THIS COMPAIGN FOR ADEQUATE EFFCTIVENESS AND, IF NECESSARY, TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE.FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS MATTER IS UNJUSTIFIED AT THIS TIME.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.
EA00010 · Stop Lamp Assembly Overheat
Opened Mar 27, 2000 · Closed Aug 9, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE00009 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Feb 22, 2000 · Closed Jul 12, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
There is no summary currently available
PE99071 · Stop Lamp
Opened Nov 17, 1999 · Closed Mar 27, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
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