NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
130 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 7, 2010
Electrical System
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU WILL NOT START DUE TO PASSLOCK PROGRAM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED NORMALLY HE WOULD DRIVE SOMEWHERE AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION, BUT WHEN HE TRIED TO RESTART IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SCREEN ON THE DASH AN ICON FLASHED. HE HAD TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, EXIT THE …
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1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU WILL NOT START DUE TO PASSLOCK PROGRAM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED NORMALLY HE WOULD DRIVE SOMEWHERE AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION, BUT WHEN HE TRIED TO RESTART IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SCREEN ON THE DASH AN ICON FLASHED. HE HAD TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, EXIT THE VEHICLE, GET BACK IN AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10323132
107,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED THAT THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE C…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED THAT THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
NHTSA ODI #10315880
107,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical System
THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315708
125,000 miles · Feb 18, 2010
Electrical System
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT BLINKS AND CAR WILL NOT START. WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND CAR WILL EVENTUALLY START. THIS HAPPENS A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311803
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2010
Electrical System
1998 CHEVY MALIBU MORE AND MORE OFTEN, WHEN I START MY CAR, THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND I CAN NOT START THE CAR UNTIL IT TURNS OFF ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES LATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10299627
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2009
Electrical System
1998 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A NOTORIOUS ISSUE WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE READ 1000'S OF ISSUE WITH THIS LIGHT COMING ON AND YOUR NOT ABLE TO START YOUR CAR. TONS OF PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THIS ISSUE. CHEVY NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFAULT IN THEIR VEHICLES. YOU PAY MONEY TO SUPPORT AMERICAN AUTO MAKERS BUT WHERE IS THE…
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1998 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A NOTORIOUS ISSUE WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE READ 1000'S OF ISSUE WITH THIS LIGHT COMING ON AND YOUR NOT ABLE TO START YOUR CAR. TONS OF PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THIS ISSUE. CHEVY NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFAULT IN THEIR VEHICLES. YOU PAY MONEY TO SUPPORT AMERICAN AUTO MAKERS BUT WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN THE CAR NO LONGER WORKS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. BUT I THINK STARTING A CAR WHEN YOU HAVE PURCHASED IT IS AS IMPORTANT. THIS THEFT LIGHT COMES IN AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 15 MINS OR MORE FOR IT TO CUT OFF TO START YOUR OWN CAR!!! CHEVY DEALERS CHARGE $600+ DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS SENSOR. THE FAULTY SENSOR IN CHEVY VEHICLES ARE ON TONS OF WEBSITE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, BUT WHY HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL !! YOU WANT TO HELP THE ECONOMY...HELPING.GETTING PEOPLE TO WORK ON TIME IS A GREAT START. NEXT TIME, I'M GOING FOREIGN. JAPANESE.....TO MANY MONEY HUNGRY COMPANIES FOR ME TO SUPPORT. I KNOW BETTER NEXT TIME...IF YOU GOOGLE " THEFT SYSTEM IN A CHEVY" THERE ARE NOTHING BUT COMPLAINTS. THERE ARE ALSO PEOPLE GIVING ADVISE ON HOW TO DISABLE THIS BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY TO START YOUR CAR WITH THIS ISSUE. I'M DISGUSTED WITH CHEVY....SHAME ON THEM!!!!!!! A CAR THAT THINKS THE OWNER IS STEALING IT.....WHAT A SHAME! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294641
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2009
Electrical System
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, AND THE DASHBOARD THEFT LIGHT COMES ON . AT OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START, AND THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON. THE FAILURE OCCURS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS, IM AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, AND HAVE FOUND THE PROBLEM. T…
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UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, AND THE DASHBOARD THEFT LIGHT COMES ON . AT OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START, AND THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON. THE FAILURE OCCURS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS, IM AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, AND HAVE FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THE GM PASSLOCK II SYSTEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SUCH A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10283144
68,700 miles · May 27, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM BILL HEARD IN PLANT CITY BEFORE THEY CLOSED DOWN,FROM DAY 1 I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IGNITION NOT STARTING AND THE ANTI THEFT,I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED SEVERAL TIME S CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM,I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THEM TWICE AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG ALTHOUGH AT TIMES T…
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I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM BILL HEARD IN PLANT CITY BEFORE THEY CLOSED DOWN,FROM DAY 1 I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IGNITION NOT STARTING AND THE ANTI THEFT,I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED SEVERAL TIME S CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM,I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THEM TWICE AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG ALTHOUGH AT TIMES THERE IS THEN THEY TOLD ME IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN JUST LET THE CAR SET FOR 10MINS AND IT WILL BE OK, WELL IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE,THEN AFTER ALMOST FLIPPING THE CAR I FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT ROTORS ARE TOTALLY SHOT AND WHEN I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES ONE CAUGHT BEFORE THE OTHER CAUSING THE CAR TO GO INTO A SKID,THEN THE IGNITION AND THE ANTI THEFT ACT UP AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE HORN IS STUCK SO I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE TO STOP THE HORN TESTED THE RELAY AND IT WAS FINE THE SWITCH IS STUCK SOMEWHERE AND KNOW ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHERE,SO NOW I HAVE A USED CERTIFIED USED CAR WITH NO HORN AND WORN OUT ROTORS FAULTY IGNITION AND OH I FORGOT THAT EVERY NOW AND THEN I WILL GET SHOCKED GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND A BROKE MOTOR MOUNT THAT I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FIX OWN MY OWN DUE TO IT WAS AWARE AND TEAR APART THAT THEY WON'T COVER, WELL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE THE CAR WAS EVEN SOLD. SO NOW I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 OTHER DEALERS TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT WELL I DON'T THINK THAT'S RIGHT DUE TO THE FACT THAT ALL OF THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND FIXED BEFORE THE CAR WAS EVER SOLD AND I GUESS SINCE I WAS A FIRST TIME BUYER WITH NO CREDIT THAT IT WAS OK FOR THEM TO STICK IT TO ME WHICH IN TURN I SEE WHY BILL HEARD WENT OUT OF BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE LIKE THAT WORKING FOR THEM,SO NOW I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS SO CALLED CERTIFIED USED PIECE OF DEATH TRAP I WAS SOLD? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10270034
186,900 miles · May 17, 2009
Electrical System
I HAVE A 98 CHEVY MALIBU. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WHEN I WENT TO START IT. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. AFTER THE LIGHT SHUT OFF IT STARTED AND THIS HAPPENS ALOT. EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A CHEVY SEEMS TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SHOP WANTS OVER $200 TO FIX IT. …
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I HAVE A 98 CHEVY MALIBU. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WHEN I WENT TO START IT. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. AFTER THE LIGHT SHUT OFF IT STARTED AND THIS HAPPENS ALOT. EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A CHEVY SEEMS TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SHOP WANTS OVER $200 TO FIX IT. I BELIEVE THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLER IS FAULTY AND IS SET UP TO GO BAD SO THAT THEY CAN GET MORE MONEY AM VERY ANGRY THAT THIS KEEPS HAPPENING TO ME. I HAVE READ OVER 1000 REPORTS ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10268928
93,000 miles · Feb 4, 2009
Electrical System
VEHICLE PASSLOCK SYSTEM PREVENTS STARTING OF VEHICLE. HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, INCIDENT DATE SHOWN IS MOST RECENT. THE VEHICLE IS OLD, THINGS WILL BREAK, THINGS WILL GO BAD. THAT IS UNDERSTOOD, BUT AFTER VISITING MANY WEBSITES AND READING AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS, TWO THINGS ARE APPARENT: 1) GM IS AWARE OF TH…
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VEHICLE PASSLOCK SYSTEM PREVENTS STARTING OF VEHICLE. HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, INCIDENT DATE SHOWN IS MOST RECENT. THE VEHICLE IS OLD, THINGS WILL BREAK, THINGS WILL GO BAD. THAT IS UNDERSTOOD, BUT AFTER VISITING MANY WEBSITES AND READING AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS, TWO THINGS ARE APPARENT: 1) GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND 2) GM IS UNABLE TO GIVE CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM CONSTANT, PERMANENT, OR SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. NOT WHEN YOU HAVE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS PROVIDING DIFFERENT DIAGNOSES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND NOT WHEN, AFTER COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED, THE COMPLAINT RESURFACES. IT'S NOT A WORN OUT SWITCH WE'RE COMPLAINING ABOUT. IT'S A THEFT SYSTEM WHICH IS PREVENTING A LAWFUL OPERATOR WITH THE APPROPRIATE VEHICLE KEY FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT IS THE RESULT OF POOR ENGINEERING AND CUSTOMERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS DUE TO FAULTY ENGINEERING. PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PROBLEM COMPONENT/SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED IN VEHICLES EVEN AFTER THE MANUFACTURER BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10257486
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
Illustration