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1997 Pontiac Grand Am

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Am years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 67 of 383 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports12 fire reports29 injury reports

What owners actually said

383 reports
180,000 miles · Dec 3, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN …

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1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10210701

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2007
TiresCrash

1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM TIRE BLEW CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND END UP IN A DITCH. *KB THE VEHICLE HAD DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE AND LEFT SIDE MIRROR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB

NHTSA ODI #10207177

150,000 miles · Oct 15, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AT A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2007, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AT A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2007, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE CONTACT FELT THAT HER VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE DEALER STATED ENGINE REPLACED IN JUNE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205727

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2007
Electrical System

THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUES TO GET LOCK OR STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS REPRESENTS A SECONDARY SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT CAR HAS KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL TIMES. BATTERY COULD DRAIN LEAVING PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS STRANDED IN UNSAFE OR UNABLE TO REACT TO UNSAFE SITUATIONS (CRIMINAL PURSUERS, ASSAILANTS, ETC). BECAUSE YOUR CAR HAS BE…

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THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUES TO GET LOCK OR STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS REPRESENTS A SECONDARY SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT CAR HAS KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL TIMES. BATTERY COULD DRAIN LEAVING PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS STRANDED IN UNSAFE OR UNABLE TO REACT TO UNSAFE SITUATIONS (CRIMINAL PURSUERS, ASSAILANTS, ETC). BECAUSE YOUR CAR HAS BEEN DRAIN DUE TO AN IGNITION DEFECT THAT LOCKS YOUR KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10198228

102,715 miles · Jul 9, 2007
Electrical SystemFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPARKS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT DID NOT MAKE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 97V059000 (ELEC…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPARKS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT DID NOT MAKE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 97V059000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,715.

NHTSA ODI #10195603

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2007
Electrical System

PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM ON 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM DISABLES CAR'S ABILITY TO START. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH FIXED 2 TIMES ALREADY- THE LAST TIME BEING 2 YEARS AGO. AND THEY WANT ME TO REPLACE IT AGAIN! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184092

133,753 miles · Dec 8, 2006
Air Bags

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE IN CANADA. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 03-162. U…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE IN CANADA. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 03-162. UPDATED 12/28/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10175561

2,000 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

PURCHASED CAR NEW AT END OF 97 MODEL YEAR. WITHIN FIRST SIX MONTHS RETURNED CAR SIX TIMES DUE TO DEFECTIVE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. CAR CLUNKS AS IT IS EITHER TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OR TRAVELS (SLOWLY) OVER SPEED BUMPS. ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED PAINT PEELING FROM OUTSIDE MIRRORS, RADIO VOLUME CONTRO…

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PURCHASED CAR NEW AT END OF 97 MODEL YEAR. WITHIN FIRST SIX MONTHS RETURNED CAR SIX TIMES DUE TO DEFECTIVE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. CAR CLUNKS AS IT IS EITHER TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OR TRAVELS (SLOWLY) OVER SPEED BUMPS. ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED PAINT PEELING FROM OUTSIDE MIRRORS, RADIO VOLUME CONTROL PROBLEMS, RADIO/CLOCK DISPLAY WORKS ONLY PART OF THE TIME, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MOUNTING BROKE AND SLID PASSENGER INTO DASHBOARD, 2 DOOR SPORT COUPE-BOTH POWER WINDOWS MOTORS HAVE BROKEN AND BEEN REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW JUST BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS. PASSENGER WINDOW HAS ALSO STARTED TO ACT SLUGGISH. DISCOVERED LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ANOTHER EXPENSIVE REPAIR. RAIN LEAKS INTO CAR AROUND WINDOW GASKETS WHICH ALSO MAKE A HISSING SOUND AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN WITH CARE FOR NINE YEARS(ODOMETER=80,000 MILES) AND HAS HAD OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS, ETC. COMPLETED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. OWNER CANNOT AFFORD ADDITIONAL COSTLY REPAIRS ESPECIALLY SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE GOING DOWNHILL FROM HERE. DISGUSTED WITH PROBLEMS AS WELL AS WITH LACK OF SERVICE FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PONTIAC DEALERS. OWNER CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A [DECENT] NEW CAR AND WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE SOMETHING USED. MAKE NO MISTAKE- IT WON'T BE A GM PRODUCT! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10169247

170,498 miles · Aug 31, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TOOK VEHICLE TO MURPHY MOTORS, DEALERSHIP HERE IN MY HOME TOWN. TOOK TO THEM DUE TO FACT MY HEAT GAUGE KEPT RISING AND I DIDN'T WANT TO RUN CAR HOT ;WENT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE PUT THE CAR ON THE CODE MACHINE AND RAN IT. SAID CODE POPPED UP TRANSMISSION. I DIDN'T TAKE CAR IN FOR TRANSMISSION. TH…

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TOOK VEHICLE TO MURPHY MOTORS, DEALERSHIP HERE IN MY HOME TOWN. TOOK TO THEM DUE TO FACT MY HEAT GAUGE KEPT RISING AND I DIDN'T WANT TO RUN CAR HOT ;WENT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE PUT THE CAR ON THE CODE MACHINE AND RAN IT. SAID CODE POPPED UP TRANSMISSION. I DIDN'T TAKE CAR IN FOR TRANSMISSION. THEY REFUSED TO FIX OVERHEAT PROBLEM. SAID WOULD HAVE TO PAY $2,500.00 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. PICKED UP CAR TOOK TO CLIFFORD VINE GARAGE. HE LOOKED AT CAR AND IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THE RADIATOR WAS POURING WATER OUT OF IT. HE REPLACED RADIATOR AND COOLING FAN. HE PUT CAR ON CODE MACHINE AFTER REPAIRING THOSE TWO ITEMS AND DID NOT SEE A CODE FOR TRANSMISSION. AFTER THAT ALTERNATOR WENT OUT, AND TWO DAYS LATER, MY COMPUTER AND FUEL INJECTORS WENT OUT. MURPHY MOTORS RAN CAR CHECKING TRANSMISSION NO TELLING HOW LONG AND PROBABLY RAN WITHOUT WATER SINCE RADIATOR WAS POURING IT OUT. THEY DIDN'T MENTION PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR AT ALL, JUST TRANSMISSION CODES. I FEEL THEY DAMAGED CAR WHILE RUNNING IT IN THEIR SHOP LOOKING FOR MORE MONEY TO GET OFF ME, LIKE $2,500.00 FOR A TRANSMISSION THAT HAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS CAR WAS A LEMON FROM THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT. I'VE HAD COIL HOUSING REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES BY MURPHY MOTORS AND BY JOHN HAYS PONTIAC-HOPE AR 71801 WHEN I BROKE DOWN. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN MORE TIMES FOR COIL HOUSING. GM NEEDS THIS CAR DROVE RIGHT UP THEIR BACKSIDE FOR THE PROBLEMS IT HAS CAUSED AND CONTINUES TO CAUSE ME. I CURRENTLY HAVE A $750.00 OUTSTANDING SHOP BILL TO CLIFFORD VINES GARAGE IN EL DORADO, AR 71730 FOR THE LAST 3 TIMES IT WAS TOWED TO HIS SHOP FOR THE RADIATOR, COOLING FAN, ALTERNATOR, FUEL INJECTORS, AND COMPUTER. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC AGAIN, THAT'S FOR SURE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10167121

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2006
Electrical SystemSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM FOR REPAIRS/ REPLACEMENTS OF PARTS. DOOR WINDOWS DO NOT FUNCTION, MOTOR HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED BY FORMER OWNER, WE HAVE REPAIRED MOTORS ON DOOR WINDOWS SEVERAL TIMES ON OUR OWN, WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO UP AND DOWN AT ALL, COST TO REPAIR AT MECHANICS WAS OVER 400 AND WAS DONE BY…

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NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM FOR REPAIRS/ REPLACEMENTS OF PARTS. DOOR WINDOWS DO NOT FUNCTION, MOTOR HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED BY FORMER OWNER, WE HAVE REPAIRED MOTORS ON DOOR WINDOWS SEVERAL TIMES ON OUR OWN, WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO UP AND DOWN AT ALL, COST TO REPAIR AT MECHANICS WAS OVER 400 AND WAS DONE BY FIRST OWNER AT LEAST ONCE. CAR SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND NOW SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN, CAR IDLES HORRIBLY, SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL BE BLOWING UP, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUTER CAR FREQUENTLY STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING IN MID TURN OR WHILE GOING FORWARD, AND CAR FREQUENTLY WAS DIFFICULT TO START, EVENTUALLY NEEDING TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHO HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER. CAR HAS WHEEL BEARINGS THAT MAKE A LOT OF NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF. CAR HAS ACCELERATED ALL ON ITS OWN WITHOUT THE DRIVER STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL OR DOING ANYTHING AT ALL WITH ACCELERATOR, CAR RANDOMLY DECIDES BY ITSELF TO LUNGE FORWARD AND TRY TO DRIVE ITSELF. THIS STOPPED BRIEFLY AFTER THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED AND IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166688

Official recalls

2

02V070000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Mar 6, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 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 CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

97V059000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Apr 8, 1997

THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.

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

RQ03001 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure

Opened Jan 2, 2003 · Closed Sep 15, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

RQ98013 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments

Opened Aug 26, 1998 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

ON JUNE 26, 1998, GENERAL MOTORS BEGAIN A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-146, TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) IN THE 1996 AND SOME 1997 J BODY CARS, CAVALIER AND SUNFIRE.DUE TO CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG SDM, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.THE RECALL POPULATION CONSISTS OF 675,302 VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 1995 THROUGH MAY 1997.ODI HAS RECEIVED 8 OWNER REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT A CRASH.THE PURPOSER OF THE RQ IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER GM SHOULD EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.CLOSING RESUME NOTE:AS OF AUGUST 5, 1999, ODI RECEIVED ONE ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT REGARDING THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THE INCIDENT RATES FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ABOUT ONE-THRID OF THE RATES OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES (WHEN THE RECALL WAS INITIATED).BASED ON THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOSE NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.