NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
17 reportsClear category filter264,000 miles · Aug 6, 2020
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL OUT OF THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER CAUSING A MISFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL OUT OF THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER CAUSING A MISFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FUMES INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED EYE IRRITATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TPMS, CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE ENGINE, SEAT BELT, AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, AFTER REFUELING, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE FUEL READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUG RETAINER AND VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V238000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 264,000.
NHTSA ODI #11343664
25,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND REPAIRED. THE TYPE OF REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND REPAIRED. THE TYPE OF REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10633215
156,000 miles · Sep 29, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, THE OCCUPANT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUCK THE GEAR SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE ROLLED THREE FEET. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. WHENEVER THE SHIFTER MOVES OUT OF GEAR, THE VE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, THE OCCUPANT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUCK THE GEAR SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE ROLLED THREE FEET. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. WHENEVER THE SHIFTER MOVES OUT OF GEAR, THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHETHER THE ENGINE IS ON OR OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 156,000.
NHTSA ODI #10243883
88,526 miles · May 25, 2008
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train
ALL WINDOWS EXCEPT DRIVERS STOPPED WORKING, ALL DOOR LOCKS EXCEPT DRIVERS STOPPED WORKING. CAR WAS STORED FOR PART OF WINTER. I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND NOW I HAVE NO CLIMATE CONTROL. DRIVERS SIDE IS HOT, PASS IS COLD. PASS HEATED SEAT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. SUN ROOF JUST BROKE! STEERING IS MAKING LOTS OF NOISE, TRANSMISSION…
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ALL WINDOWS EXCEPT DRIVERS STOPPED WORKING, ALL DOOR LOCKS EXCEPT DRIVERS STOPPED WORKING. CAR WAS STORED FOR PART OF WINTER. I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND NOW I HAVE NO CLIMATE CONTROL. DRIVERS SIDE IS HOT, PASS IS COLD. PASS HEATED SEAT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. SUN ROOF JUST BROKE! STEERING IS MAKING LOTS OF NOISE, TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WTF WHY NO RECALL. HOW CAN YOU PURCHASE A CAR FOR 35,000 & IT IS ?!@#$% BEFORE IT HITS 100,000? MY FORD HAS 196,000 NO PROBLEM, MY HONDA HAS 235,000 BARELY A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED 4 PONTIACS AND NOW IM PAYING THOUSANDS TO FIX THE PIECE OF ?!@#$%! WHY IN THE ?!@#$% DO MY WINDOWS NOT WORK!! ALL OF THEM IN ONE DAY? NO DOOR LOCKS, AT ALL? SAME DAY! NOW WITH A NEW BATTERY, I HAVE 90 DEG AIR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE & 60 DEG AIR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. YOU TRY TO DRIVE THIS PIECE OF ?!@#$%!! NOW MY BACK PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW JUST FELL DOWN!! I HAVE TO USE A MAGIC MARKER TO PRY & HOLD IT UP!! WE NEED A MAJOR RECALL ON THESE FAULTY VEHICLES. IM A PONTIAC FAN, BUT ILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE IF YOU CANT TRY AND FIX THIS ?!@#$%. MY CAR LOOKS LIKE NEW BUT WORKS LIKE IT WAS BUILT BY A BUNCH OF IDIOTS!! I AM EMBARRASSED TO DRIVE THIS CAR. IT LOOKS BETTER THAN MOST 525 B-MIRS BUT I HAVE TO TELL ALL MY FRIENDS THAT I HAVE NO DOOR LOCKS, NO AIR, NO WINDOWS OR ANYTHING. NOTHING LIKE SITTING INSIDE A 135 DEGREE LEATHER BOUND FLAGSHIP SWEATING YOUR ?!@#$% OFF!! BY THE TIME I GET TO WORK IM A BIG BALL OF SWEAT!! PLEASE STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. IM SERIOUSLY LOOKING TO SPEND SOME OF MY MONEY TO PROMOTE A CAMPAIGN TO DO NOTHING BUT TALK ?!@#$%ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS. GET ON LINE FOR A MINUTE AND SEE HOW MANY BONNEVILLE OWNERS ARE REALLY HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE ISSUES I HAVE LISTED ABOVE! THERE ARE THOUSANDS!! TIME FOR A RECALL! DON'T U THINK? GET YOUR ?!@#$% STRAIGHT GM! MY FAMILY WORKS FOR YOU! WE BUY YOU PLEASE HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228851
10,100 miles · Nov 16, 2005
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY FAILED AFTER MAKING A LOUD "BANG" WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS CAR HAD ONLY 10,100 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TRUSS BEARINGS BROKE APART CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10142916
24,000 miles · Jun 2, 2005
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY FAILED AFTER MAKING A LOUD "BANG" WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THIS CAR HAD ONLY 24,000 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TRUST BEARINGS BROKE APART.
NHTSA ODI #10123906
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2005
Power Train
WHILE AT AN IDLE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD SHIFT GEARS, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T ONCE THE VEHICLE HAD CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE TRUST BEARINGS BROKE APART AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10117611
86,500 miles · Aug 9, 2004
Power Train
THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE TURNING THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AT THE TIME. THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SO THERE WAS NO COLLISION. THE CAR STOPPED AND THOUGH THE ENGINE RAN, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION INPUT FAIL…
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THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE TURNING THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AT THE TIME. THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SO THERE WAS NO COLLISION. THE CAR STOPPED AND THOUGH THE ENGINE RAN, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION INPUT FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BY GM FOR A SUBSTANTIAL FEE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086499
37,650 miles · Feb 19, 2004
Power Train
THE SHIFT SOLENOID AND CLUTCH SOLENOID GOT STUCK ON WHICH CAUSED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOTOR TO BURN OUT. THIS WAS MARKED BY MIIMICKING THE NEUTRAL GEAR: THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN ACCELERATING EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE BUT THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD RISE. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BUT WAS MORE NOTICEABLE IN COLD…
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THE SHIFT SOLENOID AND CLUTCH SOLENOID GOT STUCK ON WHICH CAUSED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOTOR TO BURN OUT. THIS WAS MARKED BY MIIMICKING THE NEUTRAL GEAR: THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN ACCELERATING EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE BUT THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD RISE. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BUT WAS MORE NOTICEABLE IN COLD WEATHER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WARMED UP, THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGED SUDDENLY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 37,650 MILES ON IT AND GM IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME ABOUT REPLACING IT BECAUSE IT IS PAST THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THEY WILL GUARANTEE A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION FOR 50,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10058533
48,400 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power Train
OUR PROBLEMS STARTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AT INITIAL LAUNCH. A REAL SUPRISE AND SAFETY CONCERN WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING. I DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REVEALED METAL DEBRIS AND GEAR TEETH. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I HAVE LEARNED THAT A (ALLEGED) DEFECTIVE THRUST BEARING,…
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OUR PROBLEMS STARTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AT INITIAL LAUNCH. A REAL SUPRISE AND SAFETY CONCERN WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING. I DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REVEALED METAL DEBRIS AND GEAR TEETH. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I HAVE LEARNED THAT A (ALLEGED) DEFECTIVE THRUST BEARING, SUPPLIED (1999) BY GM'S SUPPLIER, FAILS AND DESTROYS THE 'SUN/REACTION GEARSET' AND THE DEBRIS CONTAMINATES THE INSIDE WORKINGS OF THIS 4T65-E TRANSMISSION. JUST SHOWING THE DEBRIS TO THE GM SERVICE MANAGER, THEY OFFERED TO DO A 50/50 SPLIT ON REPAIRS. I INSISTED ON 100% SINCE THE TRANSMISSION DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO THE RECOMMENDED 50K OIL AND FILTER CHANGE. WITH THE FACT OF NOT GETTING A WRITTEN ESTIMATE, BUT A VERBAL ESTIMATE OF A MAX COST TO ME OF $3500 FOR THE REPAIR, I HAD AN INDEPENDENT REBUILD THE UNIT. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #03-07-30-017 ISSUED MAY 7, 2003, DESCRIBING THE DEALER FIX (REBUILD) FOR THIS FAILURE. THIS TSB COVERS THIS MODEL TRANS THAT IS USED IN 1999-2002 BUICK CENTURY, LESABRE, PARK AVENUE,CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, SILHOUETTE, PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, GRAND PRIX, MONTANA, 2000-2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, 2001-2002 PONTIAC AZTEK, 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS, ALL WITH THE TRANSAXLE AUTO 4-SPEED, 4T65E(RPO MN3) THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WRITTEN #03-07-30-017 ISSUED MAY 7, 2003. IT IS ALSO UNDERSTOOD THAT THE REPLACEMENT THRUST BEARINGS ARE CORRECTLY MADE NOW, AND FOR THE 2004 MODEL OF THIS TRANSMISSION, GM IS USING A SPECIAL COATING (BALZER COATING) ON THE 'SUN/REACTION GEARSET' TO INCREASE DURABILITY OF THE COMPONENTS
NHTSA ODI #10071045
NHTSA investigations
2EA07008 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jun 12, 2007 · Closed May 1, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
Engine And Engine Cooling
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE - THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
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