Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
08V118000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 08/01/1996 to 07/31/1997V (Vehicle)20754204/28/2008ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.03/12/200803/12/2008
Defect SummaryGm 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 SummaryCertain 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new front (left) rocker cover gasket with an improved design from the original gasket and replace the spark plug wire channel with new retainers. due to parts availability, owner notification letters will be mailed in two phases. the customer letters for the 1997-2000 model year vehicles will be mailed on april 28, 2008. gm will advise as to when the owner letters for the 2001-2003 model year vehicles will be mailed. until sufficient parts become available, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) they strongly recommend 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 http://www.gmownercenter.com .
NotesGm recall no. 07035. customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
09V116000GENERAL MOTORS CORP. V (Vehicle)149751604/09/2009ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.04/08/200904/08/2009
Defect SummaryGeneral 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 SummaryIf 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of engine and install two new spark plug wire retainers free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during may 2009. 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.
NotesGm recall no. 09047.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
010601007A07/01/2001010601007620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold. *tt08/31/2001
01060100709/01/2007010601007C619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) *tt updated 11/02/07 *nj05/17/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
08-06-04-01904/01/2008080604019A10024787L67 engine oil smell or odor, leak at left or front valve cover (replace valve cover gasket, gromments and spark plug wire retainers for cylinders 1-3-5). *nj updated 7/25/2008 *pe05/20/2008
04060102106/01/200410012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt02/15/2005
000604049B12/01/2003000604049A10005145Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint 1f136536 may exhibit intermittent malfunction indicator lamp / service engine soon indicator illumination; anti-lock brake system warning light illumination; stall / no start condition; various el02/09/2004
010601008A05/01/2002010601008634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt10/09/2002
01060100802/01/2001619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt05/17/2001
77611006/01/199752573Engine oil level indicates over full (replace oil level indicator tube assembly). *tw08/21/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
000605049A03/01/2002000604049631274Subject regarding various driveability symptoms, malfunction indicator lamp illuminates intermittently, diagnostic trouble codes seat, engine will not start. *slc05/21/2002
9709016116A09/01/199754327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine. *yc03/30/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
97110177652911/01/199754193Subject pertaining to instrument cluster resets when on-board ham radio is keyed. *yc03/30/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
04060101706/01/200410008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt08/02/2004

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PE02050GENERAL MOTORS CORP.06/13/200210/22/2002ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
 Alleged engine compartment fire during startup.loud pops or backfires before the fire started

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
03/16/20111
 1997 buick regal. consumer states vehicle exploded after exiting. *tgw
01/03/2011
 Tl- the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. the contact stated the lights on the dash started going in and out along with the radio and the vehicle started to smoke. the contact pulled over and shortly there after the vehicle went up in flames. the vehicle was destroyed in the fire. the contact was not made aware of the recall when they purchased the vehicle. the contact was informed body the salvage lot that the vehicle had a recall for engine and engine cooling because of an oil leak that caused the fire. the campaign id number is 08v118000. the failure mileage was unknown.rl
09/06/2009158000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. the contact stated that she received recall notice # 09v116000 (09v116000). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired according to the remedy referenced in the recall. however shortly after the repair the vehicle had an engine compartment fire. the fire department was able to extinguish the flames. the manufacturer was not notified. the current and failure mileages were 158,000.bl
04/08/2009
 Tl*the contact does not own a 1997 buick regal. the contact read an article regarding nhtsa campaign id number 09v116000. the recall was issued due to an oil leak that could cause the vehicle to catch fire. he believed that the remedy for the recall would not repair the failure. gm states that they will remove the spark plug wire retention channel and install two new plug wires. he believes that this will not correct the failure and the vehicle could still catch fire in the future. the contact believes that the leaks should be repaired at the core of the issue. there is not one particular vehicle in question, but the recall includes the 1997-2003 buick regals, 2000-2003 chevrolet impalas, 1998-1999 chevrolet luminas, 1998- 2003 chevrolet monte carlos, 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigues, and 1997-2003 pontiac grand prixs. the vin and mileages were unknown.
08/28/20081202191
 3.8 liter supercharged engine coolant leak - lower intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant. i have read about the recall or class action suit about the coolant leaks on 3.8 liter engines that are not supercharged. i would like to know why they never included superchared engines. i have a 1997 buick regal and a 2001 pontiac grand prix that were both at a gm dealership and they have this problem and it needs to be fixed. *tr
11/15/20071183281
 Engine light kept coming on and then when go off. it was fixed by replacing the rear purge solenoid on 11-15-07. *tr
03/31/20081
 1997 buick regal died while driving and caught fire. consumer states that she was then informed of a recall and believes that buick should compensate her so she can purchase a new vehicle. *kb the consumer received a recall letter in the mail 1 month after the fire. recall # 08v118000 *jb
05/02/20081250001
 1997 buick regal gs on thursday may 1, 2008 i received in the mail a recall letter from gm. in this letter it explains that these vehicles have higher rocker cover gasket temps. in short, this could lead to vehicle fire and surrounding property. on friday, may 2, 2008, my daughter was driving this vehicle and parked at a friends house. while the car was parked and engine off, the car caught fire in the engine area. the vehicle and contents were totally destroyed. damage was also caused to the friends house. *tr
07/29/200525000106/23/1997
 Dt: the consumer's vehicle was stalling while going down a hill. the consumer had the crank shaft sensor and the ignition control module replaced. the vehicle was fixed at a dealership, and the vehicle has been working properly. 1997, buick, regal. the consumer had to pay $837.00 to have crank shaft sensor/ignition replaced. *ak *jb
10/25/199732869810/25/1997
 1997 buick regal sedan developed various problems since purchase. *mr there was a continuous oil leak. the repairs consisted of the replacement of the oil pan and gasket due to an oil leak, the thermostat, belt tensioner, coolant pump, complete flushing of the system, wires and plugs, new alternator, upper and lower intake gasket replacement and a new engine. the first time the consumer was informed that a new engine was needed, the bearings and the pistons were noisy. *sc the front brakes were replaced and the rotors were resurfaced. *jb
02/18/20051
 Driver noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. a loud winding noise was coming from the front of the vehicle. then, vehicle stalled. driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak
01/01/2003
 While traveling on the highway the oil light appear on the dashboard. and with in seconds the vehicle caught on fire. please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
01/28/20081400001
 Antifreeze dexcool leaks into engine. had it fixed for $400+. now i find out that my other car is doing the same thing. *tr
10/28/20081430001
 Recall fixed at buick garage ... oil drips onto manifold causing possible fire. drove car about 20 mi. after being fixed and car started on fire. *tr
09/09/2000107/01/1999
 Water pump replaced at approx. 30,000, front tires - steel belts wore through. *ak
10/01/199908/19/1997
 Water pump went, causing annti-freeze to leak. dealer has repalced the water pump. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
05/20/2005200000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. the contact placed oil in the vehicle and noticed that the engine was on fire once he arrived home. the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and his neighbor extinguished the fire. the vehicle was destroyed by the time the fire department arrived. there were no injuries. the fire department filed a report. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 200,000.
07/17/2004141000209/01/1997
 Buick regals - 1989 and 1997 - the '89 blew a head gasket at 190,000 miles and the '97 after 141,000 miles and cracked both heads - with perfect servicing and care. no warnings - just heated up and immediately blew - but had never over-heated prior to blowing gaskets.. *jb
01/01/1999
 While driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly and lost all power which could have resulted in a crash. dealer replaced power control modul/ crank sensor, etc. problem still exists. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information. *ak
04/15/1997
 Passenger side air bag sticks up on left side. oil pan seal leaks.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
 Vehicle will shut off without any notice at any speed. contacted dealer, and dealer wasnot willing to do anything. *ak
06/01/20011201/22/2001
 While traveling and without any indication vehicle would stall at any speed. *ak consumer states vehicle seems to stall at high and low speeds, consumer also states that the fuel filter was replaced but did not resolve the problem.*jb *jb
12/01/1997
 Excessive oil consumption, needs to add a quart of oil afer 2000 miles. this is not acceptable. this is an added expense and will not get better. we also have a 1998 gmc jimmy two oil changes never had to add oil. the buick dealer claims that this normal, i disagree, this is the 90's pollution is a consideration plus the additional operational cost. i also have a long rental record with national ,and always rent buick regals, not for days, but weeks and drive 2000-3000 miles per rental. could you respond. thanks. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
02/08/2005980001
 While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph the pulley wheel from the motor came off. this caused the power steering to go out. owner had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and was informed that the pulley wheel and drive train pulley belt had to be replaced. *ak
12/01/2004853931
 The tensioner pulley froze up and disintegrated, causing the serpentine belt'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>serpentine belt'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>serpentine belt'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>serpentine belt to fray badly. it rubbed up against and scraped a hole in the power steering pump. *bf *tc
12/01/2001210/01/1999
 Vehicle has a history of steering problems from ps pump to rack and pinion cost of repairs are outrageous. most recent failure locked steering completely with my wife and 6mo baby driving at 75mph on interstate. has had numerous other problems with oil seals, electrical, idlers going out. serpentine belt broke dur to idler seized and shut down power steering while at 75mph in a seperate incident
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
05/25/20091004581
 I left work on my break drove a half mile to home got out my car and came in the house for about five minutes. then a officer was at my door and told me my car was on fire. the flames were very bad under my hood. the police was telling everyone to move there cars and stay in there apartments. it took about ten minutes before the firemen to get there. when they arrive and open the hood a ball of fire shot out. they put it out. the car was burnt up badly. so i call gm and gave a fire report. it was a recall on my engine and gm sent me a letter to go and get it service. and i did go to mikes buick on 04/09 and they fix the recall. and on 05/25/09 that's when my car caught on fire. mikes came out and towed my car to there shop. they call me about five days after that and said they could not do any thing for me. now i have no transportation to work they just don't care about there mistake. my car was perfectly fine until they worked on it and then it just badly burnt up. i really need some help with this problem i am a single mother of 5 and now i have no transportation for work or school. please help us. thank you very much. *tr

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