NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
130 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 17, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO MY ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED, AFTER BEING WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS JUST A GASKET LEAKING. THEY THEN "AS GOOD CITIZENS" REPAIRED MY CAR UNDER WARRENTY AND CHARGED ME $73.95 FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND FUEL FILTER BECAUSE THESE THINGS HAD TO BE DONE WHILE THEY WE…
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THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO MY ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED, AFTER BEING WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 4 DAYS, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS JUST A GASKET LEAKING. THEY THEN "AS GOOD CITIZENS" REPAIRED MY CAR UNDER WARRENTY AND CHARGED ME $73.95 FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND FUEL FILTER BECAUSE THESE THINGS HAD TO BE DONE WHILE THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE LEAK. I HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD MY OIL CHANGED. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF HAVING MY CAR I NOTICED SERVERAL PROBLEMS THAT I REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND WAS WAVED OFF SEVERAL TIMES. I EVEN RODE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE TICKING IN THE ENGINE, THE WHINNING MY WINDOW MADE WHEN ROLLING IT UP OR DOWN, THE SQUEEKING IN THE FRONT AND BACK OF CAR WERE ALL NORMAL BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SETTLING LIKE A HOUSE DOES. THESE NOISES AND SQUEEKS ARE NORMAL!!! SHORTLY THERE AFTER, MY WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED, MY WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL UP WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN IT BEGAN POURING RAIN. THE TICKING NOISE WAS EXPLAINED THREE YEARS LATER, SINCE THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO MY ENGINE. I HAVE REPLACED BREAK PADS, AND MY ROTARS AND AM ON MY WAY TO REPLACING BOTH AGAIN AT 36,000 MILES. THE TICKING NOISE IN MY CAR IS STILL PRESENT AND NOW THE AIR CONDITIONER GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. I REPLACED THE LAMPS IN MY BREAK LIGHTS TWICE BEFORE ANOTHER MALIBU OWNER TOLD ME IT WAS A PROBLEM IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND CAN'T WAIT UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO GET RID OF IT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY UNLESS THE CHOOSE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLIANTS I NOW SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO EVER REPORT THE LEAKING OF THE COOLANT AND AM FRUSTRATED SINCE I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NEVER SEEN BEFORE!!!*AK
NHTSA ODI #752291
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2001
Electrical System
HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY DON'T COME ON AND GO OFF WHEN IN USE. PROBLEM HAS TO DUPLICATE BY ITSELF FOR DEALER TO FINED A SOLUTION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #896239
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2001
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED STRONG VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING DUE TO ROTORS FAILURE. *YH
NHTSA ODI #561902
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2001
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train
AIR CONDITOIN PANEL HAS GONE OUT TWICE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED NOW IT IS GOING OUT A THIRD TIME. @ HAD REPLACE BRAKES TWICE IN ONE YEAR AND ALSO REPLACE THE ROTERS, REAR SUSPENSION MAKES A NOISE A CRAKING SOUNS LIKE THE SHOCKS ARE BAD. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ,CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OR CHANGE GEAR. IT HAS BEEN PUT ON THE COMPUTER …
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AIR CONDITOIN PANEL HAS GONE OUT TWICE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED NOW IT IS GOING OUT A THIRD TIME. @ HAD REPLACE BRAKES TWICE IN ONE YEAR AND ALSO REPLACE THE ROTERS, REAR SUSPENSION MAKES A NOISE A CRAKING SOUNS LIKE THE SHOCKS ARE BAD. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ,CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OR CHANGE GEAR. IT HAS BEEN PUT ON THE COMPUTER 2 TIMES AND NO CODE IS SHOWING UP IN THE TRANSMISSION. PLEASE HELP I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE DAY ONE. AND I HAVE NO EXTENDED WARRENTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #744692
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2001
Electrical System
THE IGNITION LOCK WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 1999 BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. IT JUST HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON 4/23/01 BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK WAS SO WORN OUT, IF YOU TOOK THE KEY OUT, THE CAR WOULD STILL RUN. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, BECAUSE IF I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OFF, AND LEFT IT IN A LOT OR IN THE…
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THE IGNITION LOCK WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 1999 BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. IT JUST HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON 4/23/01 BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK WAS SO WORN OUT, IF YOU TOOK THE KEY OUT, THE CAR WOULD STILL RUN. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, BECAUSE IF I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OFF, AND LEFT IT IN A LOT OR IN THE STREET SOMEWHERE, AND IT TURNED OUT IT WAS ON, SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY HURT. ACCORDING TO TWO DIFFERNET GM DEALERSHIPS, AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO I CONSULTED ON THIS MATTER, THE IGNITION LOCK SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AND THIS IS THE THIRD ONE I HAVE HAD SINCE 1998. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD OFFER WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED. THANKS.
NHTSA ODI #744580
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2001
Electrical SystemFire
FAULTY STARTER CAUSED FIRE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A GM AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. NLM
NHTSA ODI #559709
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS OF TIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM AT A COMPLETE STOP AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON. SLOW CRANK AND BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM WHENEVER YOU SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP DUE TO THE STALLING ISSUE, MECHANIC STATES IT IS…
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VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS OF TIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM AT A COMPLETE STOP AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON. SLOW CRANK AND BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM WHENEVER YOU SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP DUE TO THE STALLING ISSUE, MECHANIC STATES IT IS A PROBLEM IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND WILL AND TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. MOTOR MOUNTS ARE ALSO CORRODED WHICH IS HIGHLY UNUSUALLY DUE TO CAR ONLY BEING 3 YEARS. I WAS UNABLE TO GIVE THE VIN # DUE TO NOT HAVING ACCESS TO VEHICLE AT THE MOMENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP UNDERGOING REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI #740822
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
CAR HAS STALLED OVER 35 TIMES OVER A TWO MONTH SPAN. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, REPROGRAMMED THE PCM, AND REPLACED THE PCM. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTEY AND THE FUEL FILTER. THE CAR WILL STALL AT ANY SPEED. IT WOULD RESTART 'TILL 12/24/00 WHEN IT STALLED FOR THE LAST TIME AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION. MY…
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CAR HAS STALLED OVER 35 TIMES OVER A TWO MONTH SPAN. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, REPROGRAMMED THE PCM, AND REPLACED THE PCM. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTEY AND THE FUEL FILTER. THE CAR WILL STALL AT ANY SPEED. IT WOULD RESTART 'TILL 12/24/00 WHEN IT STALLED FOR THE LAST TIME AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION. MY TWO CHILDREN WERE WITH ME AT THE TIME. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER. I TRIED OVER FOURTY TIMES TO RESTART THE CAR. THE ENGIN TURNED OVER FINE. IT DID NOT DRAG. FINALLY, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I TAKIT IN WITH IN A TWO MONTH PERIOD TO HAVE THE STALLING REPAIRED. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, WE WERE COMING BACK FORM VACATION WHEN THE CAR DIED ON US OVER TWENTY TIMES FORM SAN DIEGO TO SACRAMENTO. AT ONE POINT, WHILE RUNNING, THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE AND DECCERATE AS IF SOMEONE WAS PUMING THE ACCERATOR IN A RAPID MOTION. THEN THE CAR WOULD DIE OUT. I WOULD PULL OVER AND RESTART IT. AFTER A WHILE, I GOT THE HANG OF IT. IT WOULD DIE OUT, I WOULD PUT IT IN NUTERAL, AND I WOULD RESTART THE CAR. IT WAS NIGHT TIME AND IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS EVERY TIME THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER TO RESTART IT. I WAS WITH MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN. SECOND PROBLEM: THE ABS LIGHT LIT UP WHEN THE CAR HAD 35,800 MILES APPROXIMATLY. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND AT THAT TIME THE LIGHT WAS OUT. IT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. AROUND 37,000 MILES, THE ABS WOULD COME ON EVERYOTHER DAY, AND THE CAR WOULD GO INTO AN ABS BRAKE EVERY TIME THE LIGHT WOLD COME ON. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SENSOR REPLACED. THAT TOOK CARE OF THE ABS PROBLEM. I PUT OFF THE REPAIR BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AT 30,000 MILES AND IT SOULDS LIKE THEY NEED TO BE REPALCED AGAIN. THEY SQUEEK WHEN I BRAKE. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE CAR'S DEFECT WITH THE STALLING. I AM AFRAID THAT SOME DAY WE MAY GET IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738309
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2000
Electrical System
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY SPEED . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #874115
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2000
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic
ALMOST AS SOON AS I BOUGHT THE CAR, REAR LIGHTS BEGAN TO GO OUT SPORADICALLY, I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE SHOES TWICE (AT 18,000 AND ABOUT 44,000 MILES), I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AT 37,000 MILES, ONE SEAT BELT CLIP PLASTIC HANDLE PROTECTOR BROKE OFF, AND I'VE HAD RADIATOR LEAKAGE AND AIR CONDITION PROBLEMS AS WE…
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ALMOST AS SOON AS I BOUGHT THE CAR, REAR LIGHTS BEGAN TO GO OUT SPORADICALLY, I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE SHOES TWICE (AT 18,000 AND ABOUT 44,000 MILES), I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AT 37,000 MILES, ONE SEAT BELT CLIP PLASTIC HANDLE PROTECTOR BROKE OFF, AND I'VE HAD RADIATOR LEAKAGE AND AIR CONDITION PROBLEMS AS WELL AS RADIO RECEPTION BEING SPORADIC AT BEST.
NHTSA ODI #734706
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
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Illustration