NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
31 reportsClear category filter114,000 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA ODI #10681322
110,000 miles · Dec 5, 2010
Steering
STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2001 BONNEVILLE SSEI MAKING GRINDING AND CLUNKING NOISE. THE SOUND IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS BELOW 20 MPH. I HAVE HEAD FROM OTHER BONNEVILLE OWNERS THIS IS AN ONGOING EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. THE DESIGN OF THE STEERING SHAFT SEEMS TO BE FLAWED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369225
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
52,000 miles · Oct 18, 2007
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AT 52,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY PULLED OUT AND LUBRICATED THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE FAILURE. AT 67,000 MILES, THE GRINDING NOISE RECURRED. THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AT 52,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY PULLED OUT AND LUBRICATED THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE FAILURE. AT 67,000 MILES, THE GRINDING NOISE RECURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. AT 78,000 MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. CURRENTLY, THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO MAKE ANY MORE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #10206228
41,573 miles · Oct 12, 2007
Steering
RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2001 BONNEVILLE: JUST WANTED TO PROVIDE MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY BONNEVILLE FROM WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE A 2001 BONNIE AND THIS ISSUE SHOWED UP IN 2005 AT ONLY 28000 MILES ( REPAIRED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY ). THIS ISSUE APPEARED AGAIN AT 41,500 M…
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RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2001 BONNEVILLE: JUST WANTED TO PROVIDE MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY BONNEVILLE FROM WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE A 2001 BONNIE AND THIS ISSUE SHOWED UP IN 2005 AT ONLY 28000 MILES ( REPAIRED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY ). THIS ISSUE APPEARED AGAIN AT 41,500 MILES. I HAD JUST PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER IT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ONLY REMOVE THE SHAFT AND REGREASE IT . I ASKED IF THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT IS WAS NOT. MY QUESTION IS WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE AND AM I IN ANY DANGER DRIVING THIS CAR? *JB
NHTSA ODI #10205542
Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2006
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, AIRBAG SENSOR FRONT, STEERING NOISE 4TH TIME, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOISY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10173190
5,000 miles · Sep 6, 2006
Electronic Stability ControlSteering
I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE "CHECK STABILITY SYSTEM" WARNING AND A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT AREA. IT MAKES NOISE PRIMARILY IN A TURN OR GOING OVER A BUMP. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING/ASSEMBLY REPLACED AS WELL. THE LAST MECHANI…
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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE "CHECK STABILITY SYSTEM" WARNING AND A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT AREA. IT MAKES NOISE PRIMARILY IN A TURN OR GOING OVER A BUMP. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING/ASSEMBLY REPLACED AS WELL. THE LAST MECHANIC WAS PUZZLED AND FRUSTRATED AT THE FACT THAT HE CANNOT FIGURE OUR WHAT IS MAKING THE NOISE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DEFECT AND GM SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE CONSUMER. GM WONDERS WHY THEIR SALES A SLACKING....MAYBE THEY SHOULD TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. MAKES ME THINK I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A TOYOTA..... *JB
NHTSA ODI #10167488
80,000 miles · May 1, 2006
Steering
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED TWO YEARS AGO THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD FAILED WHICH INTERFERED WITH THE STEERING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SHAFT, AND EXPLAINED IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THIS PART TO FAIL. THE MANUFAC…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED TWO YEARS AGO THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD FAILED WHICH INTERFERED WITH THE STEERING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SHAFT, AND EXPLAINED IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THIS PART TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. TWO YEARS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE SAME PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. UPDATED 05/30/2006. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10156493
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
WE OWN A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. IT HAS HAD TO HAVE A NEW FAN MOTOR, NEW MANIFOLD. AND IN DEC 2003 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION, IN DEC 2004 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION. AND NOW IT IS MAKING THE SAME NOISE AGAIN. IN READING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS WITH PONTIAC OVER THE RACK AN…
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WE OWN A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. IT HAS HAD TO HAVE A NEW FAN MOTOR, NEW MANIFOLD. AND IN DEC 2003 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION, IN DEC 2004 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION. AND NOW IT IS MAKING THE SAME NOISE AGAIN. IN READING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS WITH PONTIAC OVER THE RACK AND PINION ISSUE. THEY NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10139193
22,346 miles · Jun 4, 2005
Steering
OCT. 6,2002 WAS FIRST TRIP TO DEALER REPORTING CLUNK IN STEERING WHEN TURNING, MILEAGE 22,346. DIAG. NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT R & R AND LUBBED SHAFT. NOV. 14, 2003 SECOND TRIP TO DEALER FOR NOISE IN STEERING, MILEAGE 35,423. NOISEY SLIP JOINT R&R INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND LUBE AS PER BULLETIN #1-02-32-001C E7700A 1.2. THESE WE…
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OCT. 6,2002 WAS FIRST TRIP TO DEALER REPORTING CLUNK IN STEERING WHEN TURNING, MILEAGE 22,346. DIAG. NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT R & R AND LUBBED SHAFT. NOV. 14, 2003 SECOND TRIP TO DEALER FOR NOISE IN STEERING, MILEAGE 35,423. NOISEY SLIP JOINT R&R INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND LUBE AS PER BULLETIN #1-02-32-001C E7700A 1.2. THESE WERE BOTH COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. JUNE 2, 2005 RETURNED FOR A THIRD TIME TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF CLUNKING IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING. WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED AT 57,632 MILES. I WAS TOLD WHEN I SET THE APPT. THIS WOULD BE AT NO COST TO LUBE AGAIN, BECAUSE OF MY TWO OTHER OCCURRENCES. AFTER SPENDING AN HOUR AT THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD I COULD EITHER HAVE THE SHAFT LUBED AGAIN AT A COST TO ME OF $120.00 OR I COULD HAVE IT REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $260.00. THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE EXPENSE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT HAD BEEN SO LONG SINCE THE LAST OCCURRENCE. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL OFFER.
NHTSA ODI #10124213
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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