Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | ||||||||||||||||
| 96V116000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 07/01/1995 to 05/01/1996 | V (Vehicle) | 275811 | 07/08/1996 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 07/01/1996 | 07/08/1996 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 3.8l v6 engine. owner notification: owner notifications began during july 1996. note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300; pontiac at 1-800-762-2737; or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 9810008 | 03/24/1998 | 601775 | Information on fuel gauge intermittently inoperative: check for poor connection at c200. *yc | 08/24/1998 | |
| 738325 | 12/01/1997 | 600209 | Customers may complain that the fuel gauge remains on full too long. *tt | 04/29/1998 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 03V473000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 04V090000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 03V473000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 04V090000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 04V090000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
| EA02030 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/22/2002 | 03/09/2004 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | 03V473000 | |
| Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 08/20/2010 | 146874 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. while starting the vehicle it backfired. the vehicle then would not start. the vehicle was towed to his residence. the contact called the dealer and referenced recall 96v116000, fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system the dealer nor the manufacture has no record of the recall. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileage were 146,874. vwb | |||
| 01/10/2007 | 120000 | 1 | |
| After months of dealing with no start of my vehicle know my manifold needs replaced i've contacted buick and they say my vin is not with the vin included with the recall i don't under stand im lost i've tried getting help with this situation and i will write buick and everything but this is a manufacturers default that has not been corrected on my vehicle. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2009 | 153000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. the contact smelled a very strong odor of gasoline. in addition, the steering wheel would shake while driving at any speed. while performing a routine inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that half of the radiator fluid was missing. he added more radiator fluid and noticed that fluid continue to disappear in the vehicle every four days. after numerous refills of radiator fluid, he took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the upper intake manifold needed to be replaced. in addition, the water pump needed to be replaced and the main gas line was leaking, which caused the strong odor. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). the contact believes that the vehicle should be included in the recall. the vehicle is currently at the dealer and has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 153,000. | |||
| 01/23/2009 | 13000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. when the contact placed the key into the ignition and attempted to start the vehicle, the engine exploded with a very loud noise. he shut off the vehicle and checked the engine. when he opened the hood, he noticed that the intake manifold and the engine cover were shattered into many pieces. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that he never saw a vehicle with this type of defect. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). the contact believes that the vehicle should be included in the recall since the failures are identical. the vehicle is still at the shop and has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 13,000. | |||
| 06/18/2008 | 71000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. she smelled a strong gasoline odor emanating from her vehicle. the dealers technician stated that she would have to replace the fuel lines at an expense exceeding $350.00. the vehicle was not repaired. she will speak with the manufacturer to determine if her vehicle was included in recall#96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 72,000. | |||
| 06/22/2006 | 80000 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle back fired causing an explosion when an attempt was made to turn vehicle on. the vehicle was rendered un-drivable and was towed to dealers for service. the dealers determined that a leaky fuel regulator caused the back fire that destroyed upper intake of manifold, which could also lead to fires. the dealers replaced the fuel regulator and upper intake manifold. the manufacturer was also contacted to see if vehicle was part of a recall. the manufacturers determined the vehicle was not a part of the recall. *jb | |||
| 10/07/2004 | 83990 | 1 | 03/28/2003 |
| The mechanic noticed fuel leaking from under the fuel tank'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>fuel tank, while changing the consumers oil. *jb the consumer noticed a strong smell of gas for two days. two small children in child safety seats were overwelmed by fumes. *tc | |||
| 04/02/2003 | 1 | ||
| There was a smell of gas in the truck area of the automobile, the dealer informed consumer the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. *jb | |||
| 12/29/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire, the cause of the fire was accidental, part failure, malfunction, the fire originated at the engines fueling system on the intake housing side, claim 53-c681-096. *slc | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||
| 04/13/2006 | 105000 | 1 | 04/01/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the engine would not start. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined there was a hole in the intake manifold. there is a nhtsa recall campaign id # 96v116000 regarding the fuel system. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however is not included in the recall due to the vin. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| The consumer states that the intake manifold warped resulting in a coolant leak, also resulting in a repair costing $655.00. the consumer states that gm would not acknowledge a manufacturing defect nor offer financial assistance because the vehicle is out of warranty. the consumer elected to participate in the promotion of the petition and is signee #570, based upon the failure of the intake manifold in this vehicle, as well as the high incidence of failure reported by other gm consumers. due to the nature of the failure, there appears to be a potential for significant safety hazard which may impact the general population. the consumer attached a copy of the warranty and owners assistance manual which states that the intake manifold is guaranteed 7 years or 70k miles in the state of california due to the emissions standards in that state. the consumer adds that; to his belief that by the virtue of this statement, that gm has defined the projected life of this vehicle part regardless of the state of residence. (nhtsa# 96v116000) *scc | |||
| 01/08/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer had parked vehicle and it exploded as consumer was exiting vehicle , adjuster stated possible internal engine intake manifold to be cause, claim 05-4442-741. *slc | |||
| 12/14/2001 | 1 | 06/01/2000 | |
| Upon starting the vehicle it backfired and broke the intake manifold into several pieces. i found a recall indicating what had happened due to the powertrain control module. i gave this info to the dealer at gambacorta buick at 427 w. seventh st. new castle, delaware 19720 tel. no 302 323 3026. they diagnosed it as a fuel pressure regulator leak causing the intake to crack. i have photos showing the intake manifold broken in two end to end about an inch wide. this seems to be more than a crack. when this happened it was an explosion. it was very loud inside the car.*ak referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| 1 | |||
| While driving engine check light keeps coming on. this happens intermittently. took vehicle to dealer, and had vehicle repaired, but problem still exists. *ak oxygen sensor failed due to antifreeze in intake system. the upper intake plenium was leaking because it had cracked and was replaced. *yh | |||
| 02/21/2002 | |||
| Antifreeze gauge indicates that it is low. driver feels there is a leak. took to vehicle to dealer, and they stated that upper/lower intake manifolds needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 02/13/2002 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Defective intake manifold assembly made of composite material can degrade and allow coolant to enter the cylinders to cause engine failure. the repair is replacement of the composite intake manifold with a metal one, implying a defect in the original design. the repair costs over $900, and involves the vin k- rpo l36 engine used in hundreds of thousands of buicks, pontiacs, chevrolets and oldsmobiles from 1995 to 1998. i believe a recall is warranted for this dangerous problem. please note: the dealer listed is not the original seller of my vehicle, but they performed the recommended repairs as specified in gm tsb #01-06-01-007a promptly and to my satisfaction. | |||
| 01/25/2002 | |||
| Vehicle was difficult to start, then, after starting it would stall right away. dealer has replaced upper and lower intake gaskets, and fuel pressure regulator. *al | |||
| 02/01/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1996 | |
| While attempting to start the vehicle the engine caught fire totally destroying the car. nlm there was recall on the upper intake manifold.*jb an investigator stated that the fire originated within the ignition of vapors of gasoline in the engine compartment of the vehicle, they stated that it should be noted that the conditions described at the time of the fire are in line with the recall regarding the upper intake manifold. *slc referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| 02/02/2001 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Intake manifold replaced. recall on this component for 1997 buick lesabre, but per buick this vehicle was not affected by recall.*ak | |||
| 01/19/2001 | 1 | 08/21/1999 | |
| Intake manifold needs to be replaced. recall on this component, but per buick this vehicle was not affected by recall. *ak the intake manifold failure allowed antifreeze into the engine. *yh | |||
| Intake manifold malfunctioned, causing vehicle to stall at high speeds. vehicle has been repaired by a private mechanic. dealer will be notified.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | |||
| 02/18/2001 | 1 | ||
| Engine caught on fire while trying to start vehicle , vehicle was a total loss, and manufacturer was unable to detect orgin of fire.*ak aaa detected a hot spot in the manifold and the fuel line runs along the manifold, also vehicle had an intake manifold leak, fire possibly fuel related. *slc | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 05/16/2007 | 162000 | 1 | 05/28/1999 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. while driving 60 mph, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. as time progressed, the rattling noise gradually intensified. the oil pressure began to decrease and increase randomly and fluctuate from low to no pressure. the mechanic stated that the oil pump failed and is a common occurrence. the current and failure mileages were 162,000. | |||
| 12/11/2006 | 100435 | 1 | 10/20/1997 |
| Dt*: the contact stated after filling the fuel tank, there was a very strong smell of fuel in and around the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that there was a fuel leak coming from the the piping above the fuel tank. the pipes were also observed to be rusted. a service dealer was notified, and both the dealer and the private repair shop stated that manufacturer did not use the correct quality parts. | |||
| 10/15/2004 | 100800 | 1 | 08/25/1997 |
| I have a gasoline leak at the joint where the fuel line from the fuel tank sending unit join the fuel line that connects the fuel filtering front of the right side rear wheel. after discovering the odor of gasolione coming from the rear of the car, the only action i have taken is to take my vehicle to a buick dealer for diagnosis. even though the fuel line shows significate corrosion, buick has denied responsibility because of the mileage on this car. i have requested relief from buick thru general buick customer assistance only to be denied again,today, 10/19/2004. i have been told by buick that i am responsible for the cost of this repair (value between $400-$750). in my opinion, fuel leaks of any nature should not present an issue to the consumer for life of automobile. i am reqesting that the above information be added to your database in the event that this is not an isolated complaint.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | |||
| 05/04/2010 | 66212 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. when the contact started the vehicle, he heard a loud noise. after examining the vehicle, he discovered that the intake manifold failed. the contact called the dealer who stated that there were no related recalls. the contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in recall 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) and that they would not offer any assistance with the expenses. the vehicle will be repaired when the complaint was filed. the current and failure mileages were 66,212. | |||
| 01/26/2008 | 60000 | 1 | 04/10/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. when the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. he also noticed a strong odor of gasoline. he inspected the vehicle and noticed a large puddle of gasoline underneath the front end of the vehicle. while attempting to start the vehicle, more gasoline leaked. he notified the dealer and they stated that although he was experiencing the same failure, his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). he would have to pay for the repairs on his vehicle. the vehicle is currently being repaired. the contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 60,000. | |||
| 01/17/2008 | 177364 | 1 | 09/06/2006 |
| I turned the ignition to start my car on 1/17/2008 at approximately 8:30a and heard a very loud pop and smoke started coming out from under the hood. i looked under the hood and found that the engine cover and intake manifold were both shattered. i researched online and found a recall pertaining to this exact issue, recall number 96v116000; additionally, i found another recall pertaining to faulty safety belts, recall number 96v044000. i am currently looking into repair costs because i was told by the buick corporation that there is a recall but my vin is not included for some unexplained reason. *tr | |||
| 11/05/2007 | 50149 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. the contact stated that there was an explosion in the intake manifold when the vehicle was started. the intake manifold was damaged. the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or a mechanic. his vin is not included in nhtsa campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system). the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 50,075. updated 12/12/07 | |||
| 06/22/2006 | 80000 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle back fired causing an explosion when an attempt was made to turn vehicle on. the vehicle was rendered un-drivable and was towed to dealers for service. the dealers determined that a leaky fuel regulator caused the back fire that destroyed upper intake of manifold, which could also lead to fires. the dealers replaced the fuel regulator and upper intake manifold. the manufacturer was also contacted to see if vehicle was part of a recall. the manufacturers determined the vehicle was not a part of the recall. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 1 | 08/19/2003 | |
| Dt: consumer states that on july 1, 2005 vehicle would not start and he thought the battery was dead. when he tried to get a jump and start it the vehicle made a loud backfire noise. at that point, he took the vehicle to an independent repair man, and was told there was recall 96v116000. he went to the dealership and asked about the recall, dealership then checked with general motors, and was told the recall was for canada., and because consumer's vehicle was manufactured in the u.s. it would not included in recall. consumer then called buick and was told the same information. *ak | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 12900 | 1 | |
| Vehicle failed to start due to problems described in recall notice. *bf the problem was due to a cracked intake manifold that caused engine coolant to leak into the cylinder heads. recall# 96v116000. *sc the consumer never received a recall letter. the consumer is requesting reimbursement. *jb | |||
| 03/31/2004 | 55000 | 1 | |
| When consumer starting the vehicle there was a huge explosion, then fire broke out under the hood. when the fire department arrived the battery was still smoking, and the engine and wires were burnt. recall 96v116000 was issued for the fuel carburetor manifold intake. but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak *la | |||
| 05/25/2003 | 81000 | 1 | 03/02/2002 |
| Engine stalled and then started using antifreeze and overheated. the upper and lower intake manifolds were cracked and the local gm dealer couldn't diagnose. an independent mechanic referred to recall#97-c-02 gm (nhtsa #96v116000), and went right to the problem. gm denies a defect or prior knowledge of problems. see complaint #758801, this is addressed in the recall and personal injury warning given to gm mechanics. public not warned or reimbursed. *jb | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | ||
| Regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused explosion while consumer was starting vehicle, claim 23-1276-311. *slc | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer was starting vehicle when a broken gas line caused a fire, the adjuster stated that the regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused an explosion, claim 23-1276-311. *slc referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | ||
| Regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused explosion while consumer was starting vehicle, claim 23-1276-311. *slc | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer was starting vehicle when a broken gas line caused a fire, the adjuster stated that the regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused an explosion, claim 23-1276-311. *slc | |||
| 01/25/2002 | |||
| Vehicle was difficult to start, then, after starting it would stall right away. dealer has replaced upper and lower intake gaskets, and fuel pressure regulator. *al | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||
| 1 | |||
| The fuel gauge stopped working. *yh | |||