NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
276 reports96,745 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MONTE CARLO SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED HE COULD ONLY DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE IF THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MONTE CARLO SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED HE COULD ONLY DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE IF THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,745.
NHTSA ODI #10562876
43,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 02/27/14*LJ UPDATED 02/27/14
NHTSA ODI #10560353
195,000 miles · Dec 22, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, GasolineFire
UPON ATTEMPTING TO START MY CAR, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD BANG AND SAW SOME SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SIDES OF THE HOOD. I THEN NOTICED IN THE REFLECTION OF SOME WATER ON THE STREET AND ORANGE GLOW. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SAW FIRE UNDER THE CAR, AND CALLED 911. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556993
180,000 miles · Nov 20, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFire
I PURCHASED A USED 2001 MONTE CARLO SS 3.8L OCTOBER 2011. THE RECALL #2009047 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NOTICE ARRIVED IN AUGUST 2012. TWO SPARK PLUG RETAINERS WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALER SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 FOR NO CHARGE. ON NOVEMBER 18, 2013, THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS FROM 11 AM UNTIL 2:45 PM, THEN AFTER DRIVING A S…
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I PURCHASED A USED 2001 MONTE CARLO SS 3.8L OCTOBER 2011. THE RECALL #2009047 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NOTICE ARRIVED IN AUGUST 2012. TWO SPARK PLUG RETAINERS WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALER SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 FOR NO CHARGE. ON NOVEMBER 18, 2013, THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS FROM 11 AM UNTIL 2:45 PM, THEN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE (LESS THAN 8 MILES) ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE LOT OF A PHARMACY. NOTICEABLE SMOKE BEGAN TO EMANATE FROM UNDER THE SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE HOOD REMAINED COOL TO THE TOUCH. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HOOD WAS LIFTED, THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE. TWO POLICE OFFICERS JUST HAPPENED TO BE ON THE SCENE AT THE TIME. THEY KEPT US AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND PREVENTED US FROM ANY ATTEMPTS TO USE AN EXTINGUISHER ON THE FIRE. IT BURNED UNTIL THE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED A FEW MINUTES LATER AND PUT IT OUT. THE CAR STILL LOOKED GREAT WITH THE HOOD CLOSED. EXCEPT FOR A CRACKED WINDSHIELD, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, OR TIRES. EVERYTHING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED IT OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553136
80,220 miles · Aug 8, 2013
EngineFire
I'VE HAD THIS AUTOMOBILE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND WITHOUT KNOWING THE INTAKE GASKETS LEAK IN THE 3.8 ENGINES. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS SEVERE CONDITION. I SHOULD OF BEEN TOLD OF THIS ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM THE DEALER SINCE THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE CHEVY MONTE CARLOS 3.8 AND I BELIEVE THE 3.4 ALSO. IT…
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I'VE HAD THIS AUTOMOBILE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND WITHOUT KNOWING THE INTAKE GASKETS LEAK IN THE 3.8 ENGINES. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS SEVERE CONDITION. I SHOULD OF BEEN TOLD OF THIS ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM THE DEALER SINCE THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE CHEVY MONTE CARLOS 3.8 AND I BELIEVE THE 3.4 ALSO. IT WILL COST ME ABOUT $480 TO REPAIR WHICH I DO NOT HAVE AND SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CHEVROLET ONGOING ISSUE. I HAD VERY SCARY MOMENT ONE TIME IT STARTED RUNNING HOT AND SMOKE WAS COMING OFF THE ENGINE AS THE FLUID WAS SEEPING OUT OF THE GASKET AND DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FLAME. THIS SUCH A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND I SHOULD NOT BE LIABLE FOR THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10534262
60,000 miles · Aug 2, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10533235
123,045 miles · Feb 6, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEATING SYSTEM TO ALSO FAIL. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE IGNITION AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE HEATING SYSTEM TO ALSO FAIL. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE IGNITION AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,045 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,161. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ UPDATED 04/03/13
NHTSA ODI #10496567
60,000 miles · Jan 25, 2013
Service BrakesTraction Control System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AT 20 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AT 20 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10494661
184,375 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine
I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED WITH HARD STARTING NOW IT DOESN'T WANT TO START AT ALL. I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY JUST POINTED AT STUFF AND THEN BLAMED THE REMOTE START AND TOLD ME TO CHANGE MY IGNITION MODULE IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BOUGHT BRAND NEW PLUGS AND WIRES AND THAT DIDN'T FI…
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I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED WITH HARD STARTING NOW IT DOESN'T WANT TO START AT ALL. I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY JUST POINTED AT STUFF AND THEN BLAMED THE REMOTE START AND TOLD ME TO CHANGE MY IGNITION MODULE IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BOUGHT BRAND NEW PLUGS AND WIRES AND THAT DIDN'T FIX IT THEN THEY TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER AND THAT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. THEY FIRST TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT COST ME 180 DOLLARS THEN I HAD TO BUY A BLINKER SWITCH WITCH WAS ALSO AROUND 190 DOLLARS THIS IS MONEY I DON'T HAVE. AND NOW IM ON FOOT BECAUSE MY CAR WONT START AND I NEED HELP I HAVE NO IDEA WHO KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON CARS WERE I LIVE. I NEED SOMEWHERE THAT THEY KNOW WIRING OR SOMETHING, JUST HELP. I HAVE NO MORE MONEY AND I JUST NEED TO HAVE THIS STUPID PROBLEM FIXED. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WERE THE CAR WILL DIE OUT AT A CERTAIN SPEED OR WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I ALMOST WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10488058
113,000 miles · Dec 7, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF 31ST STREET AND LA GRANGE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PULLED INTO THE CIT-GO GAS STATION THINKING MY MONTE CARLO WAS OVER HEATING. THEN, FLAMES BEGAN TO COME FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND THE LA GRANGE PARK POLICE…
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I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF 31ST STREET AND LA GRANGE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PULLED INTO THE CIT-GO GAS STATION THINKING MY MONTE CARLO WAS OVER HEATING. THEN, FLAMES BEGAN TO COME FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND THE LA GRANGE PARK POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITHIN MINUTES. THEY HAD TO SAW MY HOOD OPEN TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED GM. THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS IN FACT A RECALL AND WAS NEGLIGENT IN SENDING ME THE REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNER ANY SORT OF NOTICE OF RECALL. GM IS DENYING FAULT AND REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OR GRANT ANY SORT OF RESPONSIBILITY OR COMPENSATION. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT THEY STILL REFUSE LIABILITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487695
Official recalls
5Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
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.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Aug 29, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULES (SDM) COULD EXPERIENCE A MEMORY ERROR RESULTING IN THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A CRASH SITUATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SERIOUS INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
Aug 7, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗