NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
149 reports64,000 miles · Aug 15, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline
DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. ON AUGUST 11, 2005 THE CONSUMER WAS SMELLING GAS; HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE FUEL LINES CRUMBLED IN HIS HANDS. ALL OF THE METAL FUEL LINES FOR THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SMELL WAS THE ONLY INDICATOR. H…
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DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. ON AUGUST 11, 2005 THE CONSUMER WAS SMELLING GAS; HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE FUEL LINES CRUMBLED IN HIS HANDS. ALL OF THE METAL FUEL LINES FOR THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SMELL WAS THE ONLY INDICATOR. HE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD FIRST THEN CRAWLED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW IT WAS LEAKING GAS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10132872
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2005
Exterior Lighting
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. HAS TWO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GM , THE OTHER VEHICLE IS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED AND WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE. SHE HAS TO TURN THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WHEN SHE TRYING TO STOP. SHE HAS HEARD ABOUT SEVERAL…
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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. HAS TWO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GM , THE OTHER VEHICLE IS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED AND WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE. SHE HAS TO TURN THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WHEN SHE TRYING TO STOP. SHE HAS HEARD ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER 1999 -2000 MODELS THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THESE VEHICLES ARE USED AS TAXI VEHICLES . THEY HAVE TO BE RIGHT BECAUSE THEY ARE HAULING PASSENGERS. THE PONTIAC WAS PURCHASED TWO YEARS AGO, AND IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE OLDSMOBILE WAS PURCHASED FOUR MONTHS AGO AND TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED SINCE PURCHASING IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10132248
89,443 miles · Jul 26, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR ON 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUTTE OPENED WHILE DRIVING AND RIPPED THE TIRE AND THE RIM. THE BACK FENDER WAS DAMAGED, AND THE REAR BUMPER WAS BENT OUTWARDS. THE PAINT WAS ALSO DAMAGED IN THE AREAS THAT THE DOOR HIT. DOOR OPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE BY ITSELF. THE OWNER HAD A HARD TIME CLO…
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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR ON 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUTTE OPENED WHILE DRIVING AND RIPPED THE TIRE AND THE RIM. THE BACK FENDER WAS DAMAGED, AND THE REAR BUMPER WAS BENT OUTWARDS. THE PAINT WAS ALSO DAMAGED IN THE AREAS THAT THE DOOR HIT. DOOR OPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE BY ITSELF. THE OWNER HAD A HARD TIME CLOSING THE DOOR, WHICH WAS CHECKED BEFORE. OWNER RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE BOUGHT VEHICLE. BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR. DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THAT THE OWNER BRING THE VAN BACK WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENING. THE VAN HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED SINCE. OWNER LEFT THE DOOR ALONE, AND DID NOT HAVE THE DOOR CHECKED AGAIN. THE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT OPEN . OWNER MADE CHILDREN GET IN TO VEHICLE ON THE OTHER SIDE WHEN THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS IS WAS A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS. THE OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AFTER THE DOOR CAME OPEN AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VAN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10130049
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
LEAK IN THE DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET , WHICH HAS BEEN DIRETLY RELATED TO ENGINE FAILURE,WHICH I NOW HAVE WITH MY 1999 OLDS SILOUETTE - COST TO REPLACE ENGINE - $4,500 - HAVING COLLANT LEAK INTO THE OIL CAN NOT BE GOOD FOR ANY ENGINE! GM WILL NOT OWN PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #10128217
45,000 miles · May 6, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON CONGESTED HIGHWAY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY PROBLEM. MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE AT 45,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $831 WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MAY SEIZE AT ANY TIME DUE TO COOLANT/OIL CONTMINATION. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED WITH NEW GM DESIGN AND NEW INSTALLATION P…
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VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON CONGESTED HIGHWAY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY PROBLEM. MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE AT 45,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $831 WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MAY SEIZE AT ANY TIME DUE TO COOLANT/OIL CONTMINATION. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED WITH NEW GM DESIGN AND NEW INSTALLATION PROCEEDURE. I HAVE RETAINED THE OLD PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #10120044
48,000 miles · Apr 26, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER SLIDING DOOR BROKE WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT GM DEALERS AND WAS TOLD BY BOTH SERVICE SHOPS THAT IT WOULD BE OVER $1200 FOR THE REPAIR AN THAT IT WOULD NOT BE WORTH REPAIRING BECAUSE THEY ALL BREAK. EVEN THE NEW ONES BREAK. I WAS TOLD THAT A RECALL WOULD BE COMING OU…
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THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER SLIDING DOOR BROKE WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT GM DEALERS AND WAS TOLD BY BOTH SERVICE SHOPS THAT IT WOULD BE OVER $1200 FOR THE REPAIR AN THAT IT WOULD NOT BE WORTH REPAIRING BECAUSE THEY ALL BREAK. EVEN THE NEW ONES BREAK. I WAS TOLD THAT A RECALL WOULD BE COMING OUT BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10118454
76,887 miles · Mar 4, 2005
Suspension
VEHICLE WAS ON THE ROAD WHEN DRIVER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVER THEN PULLED OVER TO NOTICE THAT THE FRONT SWAY BAR BROKE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10113450
64,000 miles · Jan 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING ON 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE WITH 64,000 MILES. $900 REPAIR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT GM WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DESIGN DEFECT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10107911
83,000 miles · Dec 31, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE "LOW COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON BUT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A LEAK. WE FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT THE HOT COOLANT WAS LEAKING ONTO THE CAMSHAFT AND INTO THE ENGINE THROUGH FAULTY LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. THE GASKET WAS REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE BUT WE DO NOT KNOW THE DAMAGE OR CONDITION OF THE CAMSHAFT AND ENGINE BEARINGS FR…
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THE "LOW COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON BUT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A LEAK. WE FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT THE HOT COOLANT WAS LEAKING ONTO THE CAMSHAFT AND INTO THE ENGINE THROUGH FAULTY LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. THE GASKET WAS REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE BUT WE DO NOT KNOW THE DAMAGE OR CONDITION OF THE CAMSHAFT AND ENGINE BEARINGS FROM COOLANT MIXED WITH OIL TO LUBRICATE. THERE REMAINS A COOLANT ODOR WE CANNOT IDENTIFY. WE LATER LEARNED OF GM SERVICE BULLETIN 03-06-01-010 DATED MARCH 2003 THAT IDENTIFIES THIS PROBLEM BUT VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE NOT BEEN ALERTED. THERE WILL BE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITHOUT EARLY DETECTION OF PROBLEM AND REPAIR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10104871
60,000 miles · Dec 30, 2004
StructureInjury
OUR DAUGHTER GOT HER HAND CAUGHT IN THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR, INSIDE HANDLE, WHEN SHE WENT TO OPEN THAT DOOR TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY OF SENSING THAT SOMETHING MAY BE CAUGHT IN THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS OPENING SO IT KEPT GOING WHILE HER HAND WAS STUCK THERE. HER WRIST WAS BROKEN AS A RESULT OF T…
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OUR DAUGHTER GOT HER HAND CAUGHT IN THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR, INSIDE HANDLE, WHEN SHE WENT TO OPEN THAT DOOR TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY OF SENSING THAT SOMETHING MAY BE CAUGHT IN THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS OPENING SO IT KEPT GOING WHILE HER HAND WAS STUCK THERE. HER WRIST WAS BROKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10104758
Official recalls
4Dec 22, 2004
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Aug 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 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, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Mar 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. 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, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Apr 12, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.
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
7PE04064 · POWER-SLIDING Door
Opened Sep 17, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS ON FAR FEWER VEHICLES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT PRODUCES LESS FORCE.GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 2004, THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 1997 THOUGH EARLY 2005 GM U-VAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND WITH 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN CHAIRS (NHTSA RECALL #04V597).AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY, GM WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE WITH A FLUSH MOUNTED HANDLE THAT WILL PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM GRASPING THE HANDLE WITH THE PALM BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND DOOR PANEL (THUMB UP ORIENTATION) AND THUS ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ARM/WRIST ENTRAPMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
EA03005 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure
Opened Apr 23, 2003 · Closed Jan 12, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:rear
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02086 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure
Opened Nov 18, 2002 · Closed Apr 9, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear
ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Suspension:rear
ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
PE00045 · Air Bag Tear During Deployment
Opened Nov 3, 2000 · Closed Jan 11, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
No summary supplied.
SQ00014 · Unexpected Opening Of Sliding Door
Opened Jul 25, 2000 · Closed Oct 22, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
RQ00006 · Traction Control
Opened Feb 16, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
No summary supplied.
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