NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
136 reportsClear category filter180,000 miles · Nov 19, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED MY CAR AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY INTERIOR AIR VENTS. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND GRABBED MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CARSEAT. WE RAN FROM THE CAR AND WATCHED THE SMOKE START GETTING WORSE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD. THEN FLAMES STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE…
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I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED MY CAR AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY INTERIOR AIR VENTS. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND GRABBED MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CARSEAT. WE RAN FROM THE CAR AND WATCHED THE SMOKE START GETTING WORSE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD. THEN FLAMES STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT DOWN TO METAL. THE FIRE DEPT. SAID THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY OIL THAT'S WHY THEY WERE UNABLE TO PUT IT OUT. WE ASSUMED IT WAS FAULT ON OUR BEHALF SO WE DID NOT REPORT IT TO OUR INSURANCE. JUST TODAY I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE #09047. STATING THAT AN UNDERHOOD FIRE MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BREAKING. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS EARLIER I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10436444
180,000 miles · Aug 26, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING OIL TO THE ENGINE, SOME OF THE OIL DRIPPED ONTO THE MANIFOLD AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING OIL TO THE ENGINE, SOME OF THE OIL DRIPPED ONTO THE MANIFOLD AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AFTER THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH THE CONTACT BELIEVED WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #10421577
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I WAS THE OWNER OF A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE AND PRIOR TO RECEIVING WORD FROM GM ABOUT A RECALL ON THESE PARTICULAR CARS FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED FIRES... MY CAR WAS LOST IN A FIRE. PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE THERE WERE NO KNOWN ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH, NO ST…
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I WAS THE OWNER OF A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE AND PRIOR TO RECEIVING WORD FROM GM ABOUT A RECALL ON THESE PARTICULAR CARS FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED FIRES... MY CAR WAS LOST IN A FIRE. PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE THERE WERE NO KNOWN ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH, NO STRANGE NOISES,SMELLS ETC. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR 20 MINUTES... A ROUTE I HAD TAKEN MANY TIMES IN THIS PARTICULAR CAR, SMOKE APPEARED AND AFTER 20 MINUTES PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398351
162,844 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AT A SERVICE STATION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AT A SERVICE STATION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE BUILDING OF THE SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE COMPANY WAS UNDERGOING LIQUIDATION AND COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,844.
NHTSA ODI #10373872
61,000 miles · Dec 13, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED HER ANTIFREEZE WAS LOW AND FILLED THE OVER FLOW TANK AND DXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE THE UPPER AND LOW…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED HER ANTIFREEZE WAS LOW AND FILLED THE OVER FLOW TANK AND DXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD HOSE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA ODI #10370416
200,050 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM OIL ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM OIL ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO THE MANUFACTURER WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,050.
NHTSA ODI #10369478
226,081 miles · Jul 7, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH HAS CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. THE DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE HOOD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS LOCATED. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA#08V118000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH HAS CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. THE DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE HOOD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS LOCATED. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA#08V118000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE STATING THAT THEY HAD TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY COULD REPAIR THE DAMAGED THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE RECALL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM ANOTHER DIVISION DUE TO THE FIRE AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE 30 TO 60 DAYS BEFORE HE WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER FOR THE DEALER REGARDING THE REPAIR. FOR SIX MONTHS, THE CONTACT HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE REGARDING THE FAILURE AND APPROVAL FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AGAIN BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 226,081.
NHTSA ODI #10341799
134,000 miles · Jun 8, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I CONTACTED GM ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 AND THEIR CORRESPONDING GM RECALL NO. 07035. THE SERVICE REP ADVISED ME THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I EXPLAINED TO THE REP THAT NEITHER HE OR I COULD GUARANTEE THAT IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY. MY ENGINE IS SEEPING OIL OUT WHERE DESCRIBE…
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I CONTACTED GM ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 AND THEIR CORRESPONDING GM RECALL NO. 07035. THE SERVICE REP ADVISED ME THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I EXPLAINED TO THE REP THAT NEITHER HE OR I COULD GUARANTEE THAT IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY. MY ENGINE IS SEEPING OIL OUT WHERE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IS POOLS UP IN THE ENGINE AND IF I DID HAVE TO STOP FAST OIL WOULD CERTAINLY FLY FORWARD ONTO THE EXHAUST. I CAN ALSO SEE THE RUBBER GASKET PIECES BREAKING DOWN WHERE IT LOOKS AS IF THE OIL IS LEAKING FROM. I ONLY NOTICED THIS WHEN I TOOK OFF THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER TO INSPECT A FUEL LINE. I SIMPLY WANT IT NOTED THAT THEY MAY HAVE RECORDED IT AS BEING FIXED BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY IF THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335356
190,000 miles · Feb 4, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL 08V118000, ENGINE AND…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL 08V118000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING MAY BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT HIM. HE WAS CURRENTLY AWAITING A RESPONSE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #10305296
Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
OUR SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE HOOD AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. HE COULDN'T GET IT TO STOP COMPLETELY BUT DID GET IT SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH TO JUMP OUT. THE FIRE DIED DOWN A LITTLE BUT FLARED BACK UP, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT IT OUT. THE POLICE WERE CALLED BUT DIDN'T MAKE A REPO…
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OUR SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE HOOD AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. HE COULDN'T GET IT TO STOP COMPLETELY BUT DID GET IT SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH TO JUMP OUT. THE FIRE DIED DOWN A LITTLE BUT FLARED BACK UP, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT IT OUT. THE POLICE WERE CALLED BUT DIDN'T MAKE A REPORT BECAUSE THEIR WASN'T A ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297764
Official recalls
5Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Mar 12, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG WITH THE 1-3-5 SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. , FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. UNTIL THE REMEDY IS COMPLETED, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS (1) THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CAR PORT, 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; (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Nov 4, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. 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.
Dec 16, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PLASTIC WATER DEFLECTOR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM AND INSTALL A WATER DEFLECTOR. ON VEHICLES RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT CRANK ARM AND NEW WATER DEFLECTOR, DEALERS WILL ALSO APPLY ADDITIONAL SEALING MATERIAL TO IMPROVE WATER DEFLECTION AWAY FROM THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY AND WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WIPER PARK MECHANISM.
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
7EA02030 · 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.
PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
EA02003 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Dec 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
Steering:rack And Pinion
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
PE01038 · Steering Rack And Pinion
Opened Nov 14, 2001 · Closed Apr 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN.ALL CRASHES WERE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES.GM STATES THAT ONE POSSIBLE FAILURE MODE IS FAILURE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE R&P.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE IF A SAFETY DEFECT TREND EXISTS.
EA99024 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Aug 20, 1999 · Closed Jan 13, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997.GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY DURING HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, DUE TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND THE CRESCENT IN THE WIPER CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1997,GM CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM IN PRODUCTION BY MODIFYING THE DRIVE PIN AND STRENGTHENING THE CRESCENT.THESE SAME IMPROVED PARTS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED.THE SCOPE OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO THE MAY 1, 1997 CORRECTION (THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIQUE PRODUCTION DID NOT START UNTIL AFTER MAY 1, 1997, AND IS THEREFORE NOT INCLUDED).VEHICLES WITH THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND PRODUCED AFTER MAY 1, 1997, CONTAIN THE MORE ROBUST CRESCENT AND IMPROVED PIN DESIGN AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINT REPORTS ON THE VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER MAY 1, 1997 AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.BASED ON GM'S RECALL ACTION (ODI 99V-348) THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE99028 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Apr 16, 1999 · Closed Aug 20, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
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.
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