NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
810 reports157,900 miles · Jan 13, 2009
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF THEY REMAIN DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS FAIL TO REST AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, WHICH ONLY TEMPORARILY REMEDIED THE ISS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF THEY REMAIN DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS FAIL TO REST AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, WHICH ONLY TEMPORARILY REMEDIED THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE RECURRED BECAUSE THE DEFECT WAS IN THE LINKAGE, WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO THE MOTOR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V348000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES). THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 157,900.
NHTSA ODI #10254898
170,000 miles · Jan 7, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKET AND SENSORS ON THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKET AND SENSORS ON THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). SHE HAS EXPERIENCED OIL LEAKAGE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED GASKET. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER MODEL GASKET WAS TOO OLD AND THERE WAS A NEWER ROCKET COVER GASKET NEEDED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC AT MIDAS STATED THAT DROPS OF ENGINE OIL WERE BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10254103
134,000 miles · Nov 27, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL OUTAGES A MONTH AGO WHICH INCLUDED THE HEADLIGHTS, BLOWER MOTOR, AND GAS SENSOR. MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUTOFF BY THEMSELVES AS WOULD MY BLOWER MOTOR, PERIODICALLY. I NOTICED THAT IT CORRESPONDED TO WHAT LEVEL MY BLOWER WAS PUT ON. LEVEL 5 WOULD KEEP THE SYSTEM ON BUT LEVELS 1-4 WOULD PROM…
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MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL OUTAGES A MONTH AGO WHICH INCLUDED THE HEADLIGHTS, BLOWER MOTOR, AND GAS SENSOR. MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUTOFF BY THEMSELVES AS WOULD MY BLOWER MOTOR, PERIODICALLY. I NOTICED THAT IT CORRESPONDED TO WHAT LEVEL MY BLOWER WAS PUT ON. LEVEL 5 WOULD KEEP THE SYSTEM ON BUT LEVELS 1-4 WOULD PROMOTE THE OUTAGES. I HAVE HAD THE BLOWER MOTOR AND BLOWER SWITCH REPAIRED ON MY CAR NOT MORE THAN A YEAR AGO BUT YET I AM EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER BLOGS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE POSTED PROBLEMS WITH THEIR PONTIAC WHICH ARE IDENTICAL TO MINE. I SHOULD NOTE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250020
109,000 miles · Aug 22, 2008
Unknown Or Other
DRIVING FROM THE HIGHWAY TO THE CITY AS NORMAL LIKE EVERY WEEKEND IN MY ONLY VEHICLE A 97 GRAND PRIX GTP, PULL INTO A DRIVE THROUGH AND GET TO THE WINDOW AND PLACE MY CAR IN PARK. WAIT FOR MY CHANGE AND ORDER THEN TRY TO PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE FROM THE PARK POSITION- AND IT WON'T MOVE! I GOT A FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF "ROAD RAGE" F…
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DRIVING FROM THE HIGHWAY TO THE CITY AS NORMAL LIKE EVERY WEEKEND IN MY ONLY VEHICLE A 97 GRAND PRIX GTP, PULL INTO A DRIVE THROUGH AND GET TO THE WINDOW AND PLACE MY CAR IN PARK. WAIT FOR MY CHANGE AND ORDER THEN TRY TO PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE FROM THE PARK POSITION- AND IT WON'T MOVE! I GOT A FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF "ROAD RAGE" FROM OTHER PEOPLE YELLING AT ME AND CALLING ME NAMES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY WHEN I CAN'T! MY SHIFTER IS STUCK IN PARK (AND YES MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE.) LUCKILY 15 MINUTES LATER STILL STUCK IN THE DRIVE THROUGH I NOTICE A BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THE GEAR SHIFTER CALLED A SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SO I STICK A PEN DOWN IT AND FINALLY I CAN LEAVE. GET HOME, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND IT WON'T RELEASE MY KEY! SO NOW THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WON'T GO TO THE OFF POSITION. TRY TO LEAVE AGAIN AND THE ONLY WAY MY CAR WILL SHIFT FROM PARK IS IF I STICK SOMETHING DOWN IN THE HOLE FOR THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE BUTTON. SEEING THE KEY DOESN'T COME OUT I'M CONSTANTLY PARANOID ABOUT SOMEONE SEEING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STEELING MY VEHICLE! EVERY TIME I USE MY CAR I HAVE TO USE THE RELEASE BUTTON AND LEAVE MY KEY IN THE IGNITION! I'M TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP IT'S GOING TO COST ALMOST $400 TO FIX THE IGNITION LOCK SOLENOID (TO BE ABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY) AND TO FIX THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID (TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT WITH OUT SHOVING A '!@#$% PEN IN A HOLE!) MIND YOU- THE $400 DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR!!!!!! THE SAD THING IS- I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR!! WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY INCIDENTS! I DON'T SEE WHY I SHOULD PAY FOR A DEFECT THAT'S SO COMMON- TOO COMMON! I'M WAITING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM TO SEE IF YOUR ABLE TO HELP MY SITUATION FIRST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239251
58,000 miles · Aug 19, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingParking BrakeFire
IT WAS AROUND 7:30 PM IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO HIS FRIENDS HOME DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE I LIVE. WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MILES PER HR AND WERE NEARING THE FRIENDS HOME WHEN SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO THE FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND MY SON OPENED THE …
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IT WAS AROUND 7:30 PM IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO HIS FRIENDS HOME DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE I LIVE. WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MILES PER HR AND WERE NEARING THE FRIENDS HOME WHEN SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO THE FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND MY SON OPENED THE HOOD TO TAKE A LOOK AND FLAMES CAME OUT, MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. HE DOUSED IT WITH DIRT FROM THE GROUND. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL PARTS, UNDERHOOD, AND ENGINE AREA. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY, BUT ISSUES CONTINUE TO ARISE TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IS NOW PARKED AS MORE REPAIRS ARE NEEDED. I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT OTHER PROBLEMS TO SURFACE BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238911
130,000 miles · Jul 21, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD PRIOR TO THE FIRE, BUT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THER…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD PRIOR TO THE FIRE, BUT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS MINOR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10235206
236,000 miles · Jun 3, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. FOUR MINUTES LATER, HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. MORE SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR SHORTLY AFTER AND THEN FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT GRABBED THE WATER HOSE LOCATED IN F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. FOUR MINUTES LATER, HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. MORE SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR SHORTLY AFTER AND THEN FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT GRABBED THE WATER HOSE LOCATED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ROCKER COVER GASKET AS STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 236,000.
NHTSA ODI #10229724
175,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE GASKET AND SPARK PLUGS. HE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE AT THE DEALER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE GASKET AND SPARK PLUGS. HE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE AT THE DEALER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REGULAR MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT IS UPSET THAT THE WORK HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RETURN HIS CALLS OR HELP HIM RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA ODI #10228206
125,000 miles · May 12, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I PARKED MY 1997 PONTIAC AT WAL-MART ONE DAY AFTER WORK. WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE 30 MINUTES LATER, IT WAS ON FIRE, SURROUNDED BY 2 FIRETRUCKS. IT WAS BURNED BEYOND REPAIR. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227416
125,000 miles · May 11, 2008
Power Train
97 GRAND PRIX, 3.8L HIGH OUTPUT ENGINE,4T65E 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SE MODEL 4 DOOR. TRANSMISSION WAS AT FIRST HESITANT TO GO INTO REVERSE AT 100,000 MILES. AROUND 125,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAS NO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL MOVEMENT WHILE PUSHING THE CAR IN REVERSE. IN OTHER WORDS YOU CANNOT MOVE THE CAR IN REVERSE AT ALL,…
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97 GRAND PRIX, 3.8L HIGH OUTPUT ENGINE,4T65E 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SE MODEL 4 DOOR. TRANSMISSION WAS AT FIRST HESITANT TO GO INTO REVERSE AT 100,000 MILES. AROUND 125,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAS NO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL MOVEMENT WHILE PUSHING THE CAR IN REVERSE. IN OTHER WORDS YOU CANNOT MOVE THE CAR IN REVERSE AT ALL, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND IN NEUTRAL. SHOP TOLD ME I HAD A BROKEN REVERSE SHIFT FORK. TRANSMISSION SERVICE CENTER ADVISED THAT THE CAR'S USED VALUE DOES NOT WARRANT THE REPAIR COST OR PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227391
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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