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2002 Pontiac Bonneville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 35 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Visibility complaints

13 reports
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40,000 miles · Sep 30, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureVisibility

2002 BONNEVILLE: ALL 4 DOORS/WINDOWS HAVE BEEN RE-SEALED MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE RAIN WATER FLOWS DOWN THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOWS, THEN FLOWS INSIDE THE DOOR, AND THEN FLOWS INTO THE CAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR DOOR, CAUSING SOAKED CARPETING (PUDDLES) AND MOLD. SUN-ROOF MECHANICAL LINKAGE HAS CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF IN PLACES. …

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2002 BONNEVILLE: ALL 4 DOORS/WINDOWS HAVE BEEN RE-SEALED MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE RAIN WATER FLOWS DOWN THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOWS, THEN FLOWS INSIDE THE DOOR, AND THEN FLOWS INTO THE CAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR DOOR, CAUSING SOAKED CARPETING (PUDDLES) AND MOLD. SUN-ROOF MECHANICAL LINKAGE HAS CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF IN PLACES. I BET I USED THE SUN-ROOF ONLY 10 TIMES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. SUNROOF NOW CLOSES CROOKED. DEALER COST ESTIMATE TO FIX = $1200. ALL 4 POWER WINDOW UNITS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW DOORS RATTLE; RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR TRIM FALLS OFF ROUTINELY. WIPER FLUID MOTOR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. CRUNCHING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THESE ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING SHORTLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244034

33,212 miles · Aug 22, 2007
Visibility

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW REGULATOR DESIGN. 3/30/2005 33,212 MILES, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHUDDERS AND STOPPED WORKING, WOULD NOT OPEN. WINDOW REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3/13/2007 65,600 MILES, RT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, WOULD NOT OPEN, REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, COST TO REPAIR $500 8/20/2007 DRIVERS WINDOW AGAIN BARELY WORKING, AND WIL…

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PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW REGULATOR DESIGN. 3/30/2005 33,212 MILES, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHUDDERS AND STOPPED WORKING, WOULD NOT OPEN. WINDOW REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3/13/2007 65,600 MILES, RT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, WOULD NOT OPEN, REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, COST TO REPAIR $500 8/20/2007 DRIVERS WINDOW AGAIN BARELY WORKING, AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT FOR $500. OBVIOUSLY A FLAW IF DESIGN OF WINDOW REGULATORS. POSING DANGER IF CAN NOT OPEN WINDOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200414

62,000 miles · May 15, 2007
Visibility

LATE MARCH 2007 REAR DRIVER WINDOW WOULD NOT WORK. ELECTRIC MOTOR CABLE TWISTED. COST $400. AT THIS TIME BACK PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. FELL OFF TRACK , POSSIBLE MOTOR CABLE PROBLEM . FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. FROZE IN POSITION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10190838

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2007
SeatsVisibility

WINDOW ON 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE FALL DOWN , WHEN PROBLEM WAS LOCATED THE WINDOW REGULATOR GUIDE WIRE WAS TWISTED. REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE WIRE TWISTED ON IT ALSO. CAR SEAMS TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SEAT WARMERS WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN TURNED ON. WINDOWS ALSO WILL NOT LET DOWN AT TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10189721

25,000 miles · Oct 12, 2006
Visibility

I HAVE OWNED A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX AND A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE WINDOW MOTOR ON BOTH VEHICLES SEEM DEFECTIVE. ON MY GRAND PRIX, 3 OF THE FOUR WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED WORKING. ON MY BONNEVILLE, ALL 4 WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. VERY OFTEN IT HAS BEEN STUCK DOWN (WINDOW OPEN) AND I COU…

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I HAVE OWNED A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX AND A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE WINDOW MOTOR ON BOTH VEHICLES SEEM DEFECTIVE. ON MY GRAND PRIX, 3 OF THE FOUR WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED WORKING. ON MY BONNEVILLE, ALL 4 WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. VERY OFTEN IT HAS BEEN STUCK DOWN (WINDOW OPEN) AND I COULD NOT "ROLL" IT BACK UP. EACH TIME I GOT IT FIXED, THEY SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER PONTIAC OWNERS AND THEY HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED. 8JB

NHTSA ODI #10170657

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2005
Visibility

I HAVE HAD BOTH REAR WINDOW GO DOWN AND WON'T COME BACK UP. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF READING OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ,BUT WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS REALLY A SHAME FOR SUCH A NICE LOOKING CAR TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHY WON'T THE MANUFACTURER STAND BEHIND THERE WORK. AND FIX THE PROBLEMS??…

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I HAVE HAD BOTH REAR WINDOW GO DOWN AND WON'T COME BACK UP. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF READING OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ,BUT WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS REALLY A SHAME FOR SUCH A NICE LOOKING CAR TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHY WON'T THE MANUFACTURER STAND BEHIND THERE WORK. AND FIX THE PROBLEMS??*JB

NHTSA ODI #10142675

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2005
Visibility

ON 08/03/05 FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW ON MY 2002 BONNEVILLE SSEI FAILED TO GO UP. THE BUTTON DIDN'T WORK ON THAT DOOR NOR ON DRIVER'S DOOR. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND IT COST ME $458.25 FOR A REGULATOR AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY TO FIX IT. THEN ON 08/23/05, LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LATER, AGAIN FOR…

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ON 08/03/05 FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW ON MY 2002 BONNEVILLE SSEI FAILED TO GO UP. THE BUTTON DIDN'T WORK ON THAT DOOR NOR ON DRIVER'S DOOR. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND IT COST ME $458.25 FOR A REGULATOR AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY TO FIX IT. THEN ON 08/23/05, LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LATER, AGAIN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WHILE SITTING ON THE CARPORT NOT RUNNING, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CAME DOWN ALL BY ITSELF AND WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. THAT WINDOW COST ME ANOTHER $440.51 AT THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM FEMALE (NOT THAT GENDER MAKES A DIFFERENCE), THE SOLE DRIVER OF THIS CAR, AND ALL WINDOWS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, HAVE RARELY BEEN USED. IT'S QUITE EVIDENT THAT THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THESE WINDOWS. NOW I AM OUT NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PONTIAC. NOW I'M WONDERING HOW LONG IT'LL BE BEFORE THE OTHER TWO GO OUT. ALSO NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY EXPIRED IN MARCH 2005, MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 32,000 MILES. OUT OF CURIOSITY, I HAVE CONDUCTED AN INTERNET RESEARCH TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I HAVE WITH THE WINDOW FAILURES AND HAVE FOUND THAT MY CASE IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISOLATED ONE. QUITE A FEW OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION. MY LOYALTY TO AND CONFIDENCE IN PONTIAC IS NOW SOMEWHAT COMPROMISED AND I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION SOON.

NHTSA ODI #10133994

113,824 miles · Apr 18, 2005
Visibility

PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER EQUIPMENT ON 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.*MR WHILE DRIVING DURING A SNOW STORM THE VEHICLE'S WIPERS BEGAN OPERATING ERRATICALLY AND BY THE END OF THE TRIP THE STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THE …

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PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER EQUIPMENT ON 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.*MR WHILE DRIVING DURING A SNOW STORM THE VEHICLE'S WIPERS BEGAN OPERATING ERRATICALLY AND BY THE END OF THE TRIP THE STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER LATER FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE SEEPING INTO THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10118996

18,500 miles · Jan 24, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringStructure

THE CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ERUPTED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED SINCE A SI…

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THE CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ERUPTED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED SINCE A SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED BEFORE. *AK THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED, BOTH FRONT WINDOW LIFT MOTORS WERE REPLACED, WATER LEAKED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THERE WAS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF ENGINE NOISE AS WELL AS HEAT AND EXHAUST ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, THERE WAS TWO INCHES OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING LOCKED UP, THERE WAS A LACK OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR, HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FLUID LEAKED ALL OVER THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE, THE UPPER NUT AND THE BOLT THAT HELD THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10103751

100,000 miles · Dec 9, 2004
Visibility

THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER HAD TO WIRE THE WINDOW IN ORDER FOR THE WINDOW TO STAY SHUT. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10103442

Official recalls

2

03V238000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jul 1, 2003

ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

2

EA07008 · 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.