NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
6 reportsClear category filter116,000 miles · Feb 5, 2016
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 04/22/2016*LJ *JS
NHTSA ODI #10824503
110,000 miles · Jul 25, 2014
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE BRAKE LINE DUE TO ROAD SALT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO POWER OFF THE VEHICLE BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE BRAKE LINE DUE TO ROAD SALT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO POWER OFF THE VEHICLE BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10616246
48,000 miles · Jan 10, 2013
Service Brakes
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME INDICATING LOW FLUID LEVEL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS LEAKING FLUID. VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT, SELDOM DRIVEN IN THE WINTER TIME, HAS LOW MILEAGE AND NO VISIBLE SURFACE RUST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492182
156,000 miles · Jun 23, 2012
Service Brakes
I WAS PULLING OUT TO CROSS BUSY FOUR LANE. A CAR COMING FROM RIGHE SWITCHED LANES AND TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BRAKES SMARTLY BUT DID NOT APPLY HARD ENOUGH TO SLIDE OR SQUEAL TIRES. AFTER THAT I CONTINUED ABOUT A MILE AND STARTED TO BRAKE FOR A STOP LIGHT. BRAKES FELT AS IF SOME AIR WAS IN SYSTEM (NOT FULLY BLED). NEXT …
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I WAS PULLING OUT TO CROSS BUSY FOUR LANE. A CAR COMING FROM RIGHE SWITCHED LANES AND TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BRAKES SMARTLY BUT DID NOT APPLY HARD ENOUGH TO SLIDE OR SQUEAL TIRES. AFTER THAT I CONTINUED ABOUT A MILE AND STARTED TO BRAKE FOR A STOP LIGHT. BRAKES FELT AS IF SOME AIR WAS IN SYSTEM (NOT FULLY BLED). NEXT I APPLIED AGAIN FOR ANOTHER LIGHT. CONDITION WORSENED. BY THE TIME I RETURNED TO MY RESIDENCE, ABOUT THREE MILES AWAY, I HAD TO USE EMERGENY BRAKE. ALL FLUID WAS GONE FROM MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. I PLACED CAR ON JACK, REFILLED RESERVOIR AND PUMPED BRAKES, AND FOUND THAT ABOUT 2 TO 3 INCHES OF BRAKE LINES DIRECTLY UNDER DRIVERS FLOOR, ON THE SLOPED PART GOING UPWARD TO MASTER CYLINDER ,WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND HAD FAILED (PIN HOLE). LINE ABOVE LOOKS NEW AND LINE BELOW THE AREA LOOKS NEW. ALSO THE CAR IS VERY CLEAN AND NON RUSTED ON BOTTOM. THIS CAR HAS BEEN PAMPERED SINCE WE PURCHASED FROM DEALER AT 18,000 MILES. THIS IS CLEARLY A MATERIALS ISSUE AS THE PART THAT IS CORRODED IS IN A SLOPED AREA WHICH WOULD NATURALLY DRAIN OFF ANY MOISTURE THAT COLLECTS. ADDITIONALLY FUEL LINES AND ADJACENT TO THE BRAKE LINES ARE ALSO CORRODED. I SUSPECT THAT LINES WERE DAMAGED WHEN ORIGINALLY BENT, PROBABLY PEIRCING THE OUTER CORROSION COATING. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. I SEARCHED FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES ON LINE AND FOUND FIVE COMPLAINTS THAT EXACTLY DUPLICATE MY PROBLEM. THIS FAILURE MODE BYPASSES THE SAFETY DESIGN OF THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH IS DESIGNED TO KEEP EITHER FRONT OR REAR BRAKES WORKING IF THE OTHER FAILS. IT IS CATASTROPHIC AND WILL (OR PROBABLY HAS) CAUSED INJURY OR DEATH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462826
149,772 miles · Jun 8, 2012
Service Brakes
I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK AT AROUND 5:30AM AND STARTED TO PASS A SEMI TRUCK WHEN THE SEMI SIGNALED TO COME OVER TOO THE PASSING LANE AS WELL TO PASS A SLOWER MOVING TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM. I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND SIGNAL FOR THE TRUCK TO MANEUVER INTO THE PASSING LANE. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOO…
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I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK AT AROUND 5:30AM AND STARTED TO PASS A SEMI TRUCK WHEN THE SEMI SIGNALED TO COME OVER TOO THE PASSING LANE AS WELL TO PASS A SLOWER MOVING TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM. I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND SIGNAL FOR THE TRUCK TO MANEUVER INTO THE PASSING LANE. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HAD NO STOPPING POWER. THEN THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER TO FIND THAT THERE WAS NONE VISIBLE. I CALL MY BROTHER TO COME AND TOW ME AND THE CAR HOME, WHICH WAS ABOUT 6 MILES FROM THE HOUSE. AFTER I LIFTED THE CAR AND PUT BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER, I FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUPTURED WHERE THE FUEL LINE AND THE BRAKE FLUID LINE COME TOGETHER IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS TO THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM OF $255 OF MY OWN MONIES! THANKS PONTIAC FOR POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LOSS OF LIFE OR INJURY TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND ANY OTHER MISFORTUNES THAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOUR LACK OF A IMPROPER, UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE BRAKING SYSTEM!!! AS THIS IS NOT THE ONLY REPORT OF THIS FAILURE, I HOPE AND PRAY IT DOES NOT COME TO SOMEONE LOSING A LIFE BEFORE YOU ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES AND FAILURES! *JS
NHTSA ODI #10461076
106,000 miles · Jun 5, 2012
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED BUT DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINE GOING TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS COM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED BUT DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINE GOING TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10460695
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> .
Aug 7, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Oct 21, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULES HAVE AN UNDERSIZED INFLATOR ORIFICE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THIS UNDERSIZED ORIFICE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE. IF AN AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE EXPLODES, METAL AND/OR PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULES.
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
7EA07008 · 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.
PE07006 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 29, 2007 · Closed Jun 12, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ON JANUARY 29, 2007, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED NON-CRASH FIRES ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ?L67? SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF THE GENERAL MOTORS (GM) 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 121 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT ALLEGE NON-CRASH RELATED FIRES ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING OR AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF. WHILE NO SUBJECT COMPONENT HAS YET BEEN IDENTIFIED, ODI ANALYSIS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENT RATE AMONG THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN GM PEER VEHICLES THAT USE THE NON-SUPERCHARGED ?L36? VERSION OF THE GM 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.IN SOME CASES, THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE IS TWICE AS HIGH IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND UP TO AS MUCH AS AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE GREATER THAN IN NON-SUPERCHARGED PEER VEHICLES.FOR INSTANCE, THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE FOR THE SUPERCHARGED MY 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP IS APPROXIMATELY 236 PER 100,000 VEHICLES PRODUCED (58 FIRES / 24,509 SUBJECT VEHICLES OR 0.236%) WHILE THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE FOR MY 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE NATURALLY ASPIRATED ?L36? ENGINE IS APPROXIMATELY 18 PER 100,000 VEHICLES PRODUCED (17 FIRES / 90,338 VEHICLES OR 0.018%). THE MANUFACTURER?S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-008) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY AND SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT. BASED ON THE INFORMATION REVIEWED IN PE07-006, THE RANGE OF SUBJECT VEHICLES UNDER INVESTIGATION WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL MY 1999-2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE, REGAL, AND RIVIERA, OLDSMOBILE LSS, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND GRAND PRIX VEHICLES THAT USE THE SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TRANSVERSE MOUNTED ?L67? ENGINE.
PE07001 · Loss Of Brake Lamp Illumination
Opened Jan 17, 2007 · Closed Apr 30, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
THE AGENCY'S ANALYSIS OF GM'S COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING A COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENCY AND MANUFACTURER DATA PERTAINING TO OTHER VEHICLE BRAKE LAMP INVESTIGATIONS, INDICATED A LOW FAILURE HISTORY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION INCLUDED A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF DATA FOR RELEVANT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTIONS THAT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH (MFS) MODULE.THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MFS MODULE.OTHER COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION SUCH AS WIRING, BULB SOCKETS, AND THE PLUNGER-TYPE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH, WERE NOT A PART OF THIS INVESTIGATION.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
THE AGENCY'S ANALYSIS OF GM'S COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING A COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENCY AND MANUFACTURER DATA PERTAINING TO OTHER VEHICLE BRAKE LAMP INVESTIGATIONS, INDICATED A LOW FAILURE HISTORY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION INCLUDED A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF DATA FOR RELEVANT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTIONS THAT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH (MFS) MODULE.THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MFS MODULE.OTHER COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION SUCH AS WIRING, BULB SOCKETS, AND THE PLUNGER-TYPE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH, WERE NOT A PART OF THIS INVESTIGATION.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
THE AGENCY'S ANALYSIS OF GM'S COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING A COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENCY AND MANUFACTURER DATA PERTAINING TO OTHER VEHICLE BRAKE LAMP INVESTIGATIONS, INDICATED A LOW FAILURE HISTORY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION INCLUDED A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF DATA FOR RELEVANT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTIONS THAT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH (MFS) MODULE.THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MFS MODULE.OTHER COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION SUCH AS WIRING, BULB SOCKETS, AND THE PLUNGER-TYPE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH, WERE NOT A PART OF THIS INVESTIGATION.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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.
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.
EA01014 · Air Bag Inflator
Opened Jun 11, 2001 · Closed Aug 26, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
No summary supplied.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
SQ00004 · Accelerator Cable Detaches From Throttle
Opened Feb 2, 2000 · Closed Jan 19, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available