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1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 223 of 976 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 347 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports5 fire reports18 injury reports

Steering complaints

74 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2010
Power TrainSteering

I WAS ON INTERSTATE 95 GOING HOME WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP ON ME AND I STARTED LOSING HORSEPOWER UNTIL I COMPLETELY STOPPED!. SO THERE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE STOPPED!, WITH CARS SWERVING AROUND ME AT HIGH SPEEDS!... NOT TO MENTION THE CARS STOPPED BEHIND ME TRYING TO GET AROUND!. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE BADLY RE…

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I WAS ON INTERSTATE 95 GOING HOME WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP ON ME AND I STARTED LOSING HORSEPOWER UNTIL I COMPLETELY STOPPED!. SO THERE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE STOPPED!, WITH CARS SWERVING AROUND ME AT HIGH SPEEDS!... NOT TO MENTION THE CARS STOPPED BEHIND ME TRYING TO GET AROUND!. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE BADLY REAR ENDED FOR SURE!!. LUCKILY, A TOW TRUCK HAPPENED TO BE PASSING...AND STOPPED TO HELP. SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN KILLED!!!!!. AND FROM ALL THE TESTIMONIALS I'VE HEARD...I THINK GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD MAIL EVERYONE WHO OWNS A CHEVY MALIBU A BIG FAT CHECK!.

NHTSA ODI #10371648

140,000 miles · Sep 10, 2008
Steering

WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN THE WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD AND WHEEL SUDDENLY SURGED TO THE RIGHT. WHEEL HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT ACCOMPANIED BY STRAIN ON THE POWER STEERING. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10241682

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2008
Steering

ON AUGUST 21, 2008, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A LEVEL, STRAIGHT ROAD AND HEARD A SNAP. THE STEERING OF THE CAR GOT REALLY LOOSE AND SQUIRRELLY. I PULL OVER TO CHECK FOR LOOSE COMPONENTS UNDER THE WHEEL WELLS. EVERYTHING LOOKED TIGHT. LATER I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AT THE RACK AND PINION AND HAD A HELPER TURN THE STEERING WHEEL…

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ON AUGUST 21, 2008, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A LEVEL, STRAIGHT ROAD AND HEARD A SNAP. THE STEERING OF THE CAR GOT REALLY LOOSE AND SQUIRRELLY. I PULL OVER TO CHECK FOR LOOSE COMPONENTS UNDER THE WHEEL WELLS. EVERYTHING LOOKED TIGHT. LATER I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AT THE RACK AND PINION AND HAD A HELPER TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL TO THE LEFT. ONCE THE WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT, I SAW THE WHOLE RACK MOVE UP AND DOWN FROM THE FRAME OF THE ENGINE CRADLE. FROM THE LOOKS OF IT A PART THAT HELD IT DOWN BROKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10239260

42,114 miles · Mar 31, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING: RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING AND THE CONTACT PAID $195, PLUS $470 FOR LABOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE CONTACT CALLED GM IN APRIL OF 2002 AND WAS I…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING: RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING AND THE CONTACT PAID $195, PLUS $470 FOR LABOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE CONTACT CALLED GM IN APRIL OF 2002 AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED. WHEN HE INFORMED GM THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE SHOP, GM CHANGED THEIR MIND AND NEVER PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,114. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF THE DEALER REPAIRED THE CAM POSITION SENSOR AS WELL. UPDATED 04/16/08 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10222896

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2007
Steering

ANTI THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IN MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU HAS CAUSED TURMOIL AND HARDSHIPS. THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS REGULARLY AND STRANDS ME IN NOT SO SAFE PLACES. IT IS MUCH MORE DANGEROUS TO SIT IN MY CAR IN A DARK PARKING LOT THEN TO HAVE IT STOLEN. SOMETIMES AFTER THE 10 MINUTE WAIT, THE IGNITION STILL DOESN'T TURN OVER, AND IM …

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ANTI THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IN MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU HAS CAUSED TURMOIL AND HARDSHIPS. THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS REGULARLY AND STRANDS ME IN NOT SO SAFE PLACES. IT IS MUCH MORE DANGEROUS TO SIT IN MY CAR IN A DARK PARKING LOT THEN TO HAVE IT STOLEN. SOMETIMES AFTER THE 10 MINUTE WAIT, THE IGNITION STILL DOESN'T TURN OVER, AND IM WAITING ANOTHER 10 MINUTES, AND THEN AGAIN. LAST NIGHT IT TOOK 4 HOURS FOR IT TO GO OFF. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS VERY LATE FOR WORK. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT IS DANGEROUS TO CHEVY'S CONSUMERS, A HORRIBLE ENGINEERING IDEA, AND THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR NOT RECALLING THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10209002

103,000 miles · Jul 3, 2006
Steering

HAVING TROUBLE WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY WHEN TURNING LEFT FOLLOWED BY A JERK TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS TO HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT THEN EXTREMELY EASY TO TURN TO RIGHT AS THOUGH UNASSISTED. I HAVE A RECALL FOR 98 MALIBU BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE . I FI…

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HAVING TROUBLE WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY WHEN TURNING LEFT FOLLOWED BY A JERK TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS TO HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT THEN EXTREMELY EASY TO TURN TO RIGHT AS THOUGH UNASSISTED. I HAVE A RECALL FOR 98 MALIBU BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE . I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE CONSIDERING THE TROUBLE I AM HAVING WHICH IS JUST LIKE OTHER 98 MALIBUS THE CAMPAIGN # IS 03V527000 EFF. 12/11/03 GM RECALL# 03062. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10161289

91,201 miles · Mar 6, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND TURNING THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE NOISE IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V527000, REGARDING THE …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND TURNING THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE NOISE IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V527000, REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10152003

83,000 miles · Aug 13, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING, RESULTING IN ME HAVING TO GET NEW OR RESURFACED ROTORS, PADS, CALIPERS, BEARINGS OBVIOUSLY, ETC. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN A YEAR AND A HALF! I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP SHELLING OUT $500-600 EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, EITHER. AFTER DOING SOME RE…

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WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING, RESULTING IN ME HAVING TO GET NEW OR RESURFACED ROTORS, PADS, CALIPERS, BEARINGS OBVIOUSLY, ETC. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN A YEAR AND A HALF! I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP SHELLING OUT $500-600 EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, EITHER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND TALKING TO A FEW MECHANICS, I'M APPARENTLY NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, MY POWER STEERING HOSE HAS A HABIT OF BLOWING OFF THE LINE FOR NO REASON, RESULTING IN ME HAVING TO RE-ATTACH IT. BUT I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY BRAKE SYSTEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10132730

89,250 miles · Dec 5, 2004
Steering

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED ONCE BEFORE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. D.F.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102190

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2004
Steering

CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 03V527000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK UPDATED 12/12/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10095221

Official recalls

3

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

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.

01V068000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

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

6

RQ04006 · 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