NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
976 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 6, 2007
Electrical System
I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HAS CAUSED THE FAILURE. I AM USING THE SAME KEY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY BEEN USING IT FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. THEFT SYSTEM IS CAUSING ME A BIG HEADACHE WITH THE TEN TO TWENTY MINUTE WAITS FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING SO I CAN START THE CAR AGAIN. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROB…
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I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HAS CAUSED THE FAILURE. I AM USING THE SAME KEY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY BEEN USING IT FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. THEFT SYSTEM IS CAUSING ME A BIG HEADACHE WITH THE TEN TO TWENTY MINUTE WAITS FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING SO I CAN START THE CAR AGAIN. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND MY FINANCIAL STATUS IS PREVENTING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO REPAIR IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10208046
51,900 miles · Oct 18, 2007
Wheels
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE WHEEL THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE DOES NOT FIT ONTO THE FRONT AXLE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND NO ASSISTANCE COULD BE PROVIDED. THE EXACT PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, THE YEAR WAS 1999. THE CURRENT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE WHEEL THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE DOES NOT FIT ONTO THE FRONT AXLE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND NO ASSISTANCE COULD BE PROVIDED. THE EXACT PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, THE YEAR WAS 1999. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,900. UPDATATTED 11/05/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10206239
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2007
Visibility
USE OF THE WINDOW AND FAULTY DESIGN WITH PLASTIC PARTS LED UP TO THE FAILURE. WINDOW IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE USED AND HAS TO STAY IN THE CLOSED POSITION OR IT FALLS INTO THE DOOR. TOO EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10205758
90,000 miles · Oct 13, 2007
Electrical System
ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, IT CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. AFTER 10 MINUTES I CAN TRY AGAIN AND IT USUALLY STARTS. I'VE FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I'VE CALLED CHEVROLET (NATIONAL 800 NUMBER) TWICE; EACH TIME THEY SAY THEY'…
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ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, IT CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. AFTER 10 MINUTES I CAN TRY AGAIN AND IT USUALLY STARTS. I'VE FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I'VE CALLED CHEVROLET (NATIONAL 800 NUMBER) TWICE; EACH TIME THEY SAY THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF IT. I'VE CALLED TWO DEALERS; THEY KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT, BUT OF COURSE A DIAGNOSIS IS STILL REQUIRED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10205565
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2007
Electrical System
I OWN A 1998 CHEVY MALIBU AND IT IS ONE OF THE THOUSANDS WITH THE ANTI-THEFT PASSLOCK SYSTEM ERROR. MY CAR CONTINUALLY READS AN ERROR IN THE THEFT SYSTEM AND CUTS OFF THE FUEL FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN START IT AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10203205
87,727 miles · Jul 31, 2007
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS THAT HOLD UP THE VEHICLE WITH THE COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. HE STATED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE NO C…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS THAT HOLD UP THE VEHICLE WITH THE COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. HE STATED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT COIL SPRINGS WERE DAMAGED. THE STRUTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS MUST COME FROM ANOTHER GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,742 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,727. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10197915
180,000 miles · Jul 22, 2007
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING THE TIRE CAUSING BLOWOUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10197168
41,138 miles · Jul 2, 2007
Back Over Prevention
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, PREVENTING HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. THE FAILU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, PREVENTING HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. CHEVROLET STATED THAT IT WAS A GOOD VEHICLE AND HE SHOULD NOT WORRY. THE MANUFACTURER APOLOGIZED FOR THE DEFECT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41,780 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,138.
NHTSA ODI #10195141
60,000 miles · Jun 29, 2007
Power Train
CAR WOULD BE RUNNING STEPPED ON GAS AND WOULDN'T MOVE, HAD IT BACK WHEN IT WAS NEW, BUT WOULDN'T HAPPEN WHEN BONNER CHEVROLET IN KINGSTON, PA MECHANICS WOULD TEST DRIVE IT. VEHICLE CONTINUED UNTIL I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF PARK, THEN I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2003. ITWAS A 1998 LS CHEVY MALIBU FULLY LOADED, BOU…
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CAR WOULD BE RUNNING STEPPED ON GAS AND WOULDN'T MOVE, HAD IT BACK WHEN IT WAS NEW, BUT WOULDN'T HAPPEN WHEN BONNER CHEVROLET IN KINGSTON, PA MECHANICS WOULD TEST DRIVE IT. VEHICLE CONTINUED UNTIL I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF PARK, THEN I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2003. ITWAS A 1998 LS CHEVY MALIBU FULLY LOADED, BOUGHT NEW. MY SON HAD THE SAME CAR AND IT HAD DONE THE SAME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10195000
100 miles · May 31, 2007
Exterior Lighting
TAIL LIGHTS ON ALMOST ALL CHEV. MALIBU'S ARE BAD MOSTLY ON THE RIGHT SIDES IF YOU GOING DOWN THE ROAD LOOK FOR YOURSELF ALMOST ALWAYS THEY HAVE AT LEAST ONE BURNED OUT LIGHT. I OWN TWO MY KIDS DRIVE AND ALMOST EVERY TIME THEY WASH THEM OR IT STORMS I HAVE TOO REPLACE BULBS THE TAIL LIGHT FILLS WITH WATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10192120
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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