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
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
3820B10019229Tachometer and temperature gauge inoperative after ipc setup. *ak02/21/2006
70909/01/200510018126Oil life system reset procedures - cars. gm tech link. *tt12/15/2005
05060400201/01/200510013475Whistle noise on light acceleration. *eh04/19/2005
04060402404/01/200410012634Powertrain control module will not properly communicate on board diagnostic freeze frame information to nontech2 service or test equipment. *eh03/09/2005
04060402304/01/200410012596Powertrain control module will not properly communicate on board diagnostic egr test result information to non-tech2 service or test equipment. *eh03/08/2005
0303407/01/200310003430Engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket, or at the upper intake manifold to lower intake manifold to lower intake manifold gasket. this condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine10/20/2003
03060101003/01/200310001282Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt04/25/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
0301907/18/200310006144Engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket, or at the upper intake manifold to lower intake manifold to lower intake manifold gasket. this condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine04/22/2004
07080307/08/200310003814The vme message is to provide information about a new product field action regarding a customer satisfaction program for an engine coolant leak. the engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket or at the upper11/03/2003
03060101605/01/200310002372Loss of coolant, milky colored oil. *tt08/26/2003
01080208/01/2002637353Some vehicles may exhibit a strong sulfur odor or a very offensive type odor coming from the cooling system. *tt11/22/2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
3157A10017172Engine whine or buzz noise sounds like a generator type noise on 3.1l or 3.8l engines. *tt10/26/2005
0555109/01/200510017076Special policy adjustment-catalytic converter. the vehicle may experience a condition where the vehicle's exhaust catalytic converter was replaced due to the complaints of lack of power or illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp. *10/21/2005
080408/01/200410014346Oil life system reset procedures - cars. *nm04/29/2005
04060102106/01/200410012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt02/15/2005
04060200708/01/200410011207Low engine coolant level indicator always on. *tt01/10/2005
304501/01/20043045A10009671Engine overheat and, or cooling fans inoperative intermittently. *tt10/14/2004
300701/01/2004100087863.8l engine oil consumption. *tt08/23/2004
04060403706/01/200410008472Check engine light on, diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0410 set, water in air pump. *tt08/02/2004
0135301/01/200401353A10007937Engine misfire due to injector fretting corrosion. *tt07/16/2004
00612A01/01/200410005498Intermittent crank no start. sit bulletin 1400565. *tt03/01/2004
0152701/01/200410005464A whistle type noise coming from the engine. sit bulletin 1406534. *tt02/27/2004
0158401/01/200410005424Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0650 set after powertrain control module (pcm) replacement. sit bulletin 1413730. *tt02/25/2004
0155601/01/200401556A10005396Engine cranks but does not run. *tt02/24/2004
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
03-06-01-01004/01/2008030601010C10004768Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt gm reminder. *tt install new lower intake manifold gasket. updated 7/18/08 *pe01/06/2004
12130212/13/200210002750Engine frame click or snap noise during low speed maneuvers. *tt09/12/2003
03060403003/01/2007030604030C10002166Multiple driveability symptoms of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. *tt08/14/2003
0113008/31/2001625447Subject regarding customer satisfaction campaign bulletin #01060 - valve springs replacement. *tt11/28/2001
0106008/22/2001625083Subject regarding customer satisfaction campaign valve spring replacement. *jg11/16/2001
0106001/01/2001625021Subject regarding replacement valve springs. *jg11/16/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
04040204/04/2002636483This message is in regards to a clicking or snapping type sound from the engine cradle assembly during slow speed steering maneuvers. *tt11/08/2002
02060101404/01/2002634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt10/07/2002
000605049A03/01/2002000604049631274Subject regarding various driveability symptoms, malfunction indicator lamp illuminates intermittently, diagnostic trouble codes seat, engine will not start. *slc05/21/2002
01060A08/28/2001624657Information regarding customer satisfaction with the replacement of valve springs. *jg11/08/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
04060101706/01/200410008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt08/02/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE
12/21/2012127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact stated that as he attempted to start the vehicle, the intake manifold exploded without warning. a fire erupted and the contact was able to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and lodged a report for the failure. the failure mileage was 127,000.
12/21/2012127000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact stated that as he attempted to start the vehicle, the intake manifold exploded without warning. a fire erupted and the contact was able to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and lodged a report for the failure. the failure mileage was 127,000. kmj
12/21/2012127000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo 127,000 miles.when the contact attempted to start the vehicle the intake manifold exploded.the contact was able to put out the fire. the vehicle towed to the dealer and repaired. the manufacture was contacted and took a report for the failure. bl
08/29/20121
 I have a 2002 monte carlo ss i go out to start my car and it won't start for about 15 minutes. the security light comes on to. when i turn the key it does nothing my lights and everything work it just won't start. if there is anyway i could get help please let me know or let me know what i can do to fix this. thank you! *tr
08/29/2012
 I have a 2002 monte carlo ss i go out to start my car and it won't start for about 15 minutes. the security light comes on to. when i turn the key it does nothing my lights and everything work it just won't start. if there is anyway i could get help please let me know or let me know what i can do to fix this. thank you!
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
08/17/2011105000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. while driving approximately 65 mph, the turn signal was engaged and immediately the engine stalled without warning. the contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and after numerous attempts the vehicle restarted and the contact was able to resume driving. the intermittent failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the failure was not diagnosed nor repaired. the dealer was notified and informed him there were no recalls pertaining to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
08/17/2011105000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. while driving approximately 65 mph, the turn signal was engaged and immediately the engine stalled without warning. the contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and after numerous attempts the vehicle restarted and the contact was able to resume driving. the intermittent failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the failure was not diagnosed nor repaired. the dealer was notified and informed him there were no recalls pertaining to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000. rvk
08/17/2011105000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. while driving approximately 65 mph, the turn signal was engaged and immediately the engine stalled without warning. the contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. after numerous attempts the engine restarted and the contact was able to resume. the intermittent failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the dealer was notified and they informed there was not a recall pertaining to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000. js
12/01/200745000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. upon starting the vehicle she could hear a rattling noise coming from the engine. once the vehicle warmed up she could no longer hear the noise. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where she was informed the coolant was leaking into the oil and all of the lifters within the engine were replaced. approximately 2 and a half years later the failure began to recur. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but the vehicle was not repaired. she was informed that the failure can lead to various other engine, transmission and steering issues. the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the upper and lower intake gaskets were replaced. she also stated that the vehicle was driving as if it were losing power. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the catalytic converter was replaced. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. the vin was unavailable. sm.
05/01/2008520001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact took her vehicle to have an oil change and was informed that oil and coolant were leaking from the vehicle. the leaks could eventually lead to a fire. while driving at any speed, she noticed that the vehicle was hesitant to gain speed. through online research, she found numerous complaints regarding the same failure as her year, make, and model vehicle; however, the manufacturer refuses to repair the issue. the contact believes that a recall should be issued. the vehicle has not yet been repaired and the contact is afraid to drive the vehicle. the failure mileage was 52,000 and current mileage was 54,000. updated 08/04/09. *lj updated 08/11/09.*jb
06/10/200919000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 09v116000 (engine and engine cooling). the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the part for the repair was unavailable due to a massive back order. the contact was displeased with the service regarding the recall repair. he is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 19,000.
05/16/20024
 2002 chevrolet monte carlo with abs and service engine light problems and concerns**cc the traction light illuminated as well. the transmission was replaced 2 months after the consumer purchased the vehicle, because the vehicle wouldn't go into 3rd gear. the steering shaft was lubricated. the consumer was informed that the ebcm needed to be replaced and without the replacement, the abs would not work so the traction control and abs light would remain on. the water pump and intake gasket was replaced due them leaking. the fuel injector was replaced due to it being stuck open. the tire pressure monitoring light illuminated, the dealer sealed the rear wheels. *jb
01/01/1901770001
 E-mail fm consumer (il) re the defective gm 3.4 engine intake manifold in his 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. *ts the faulty intake manifold caused atifreeze to leak from the vehicle. the catalytic converter became clogged at 77000 miles. *nm
05/28/200210000505/28/2002
 Dt: the contact was under the impression that she purchased a brand new vehicle. she experienced several problems since the purchase of this vehicle. the vehicle has been taken to the dealership three times ,and no corrections have been made. the dealer discovered the rotors were bent, and brakes leak fluid. the vehicle stalled, and shook terribly. the air bags were fell out of the dashboard. the seat belts on the driver's side intermittently worked. the dealership insisted there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. she contacted the attorney general's office regarding the lemon laws. she attempted to get the dealership to take the vehicle back, but they will not offer any assistance. the vehicle was no longer under warranty even though it had only 10,000 miles on it at this time. *ak
05/01/200551000108/12/2002
 Low coolant light came on and after contacting and researching gm coolant systems failures it turned out to be a ban manifold having to also replace the waterpump and several oil changes my engine may never be the same. this is an engineering defect wich should be recalled instead of loosing customers
06/04/2004611/04/2001
 Over past 3 months vehicle will not crank. three of these times were after stalling. problem began approximately around 1st week of june. dealership has run 2 diagnostics, nothing can be found, cannot find or fix the problem. dealership and manufacturer customer service evasive about technical service bulletins.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
09/15/20091
 Son owns 2002 monte carlo coupe. recently, the catalytic converter plugged and backed up heat into the intake manifold and burnt a hole into the intake manifold. it is not allowing coolant into the intake manifold. he went to carcomplaints.com and found many others with the same problem, some even having fires develop. the car is sitting in the shop still, x 1-1/2 months, with lots of repair required and cost. *tr
07/19/2006380001
 My 2002 monte carlo gm 3.4l engine leaks oil into cooling system. this is a known problem with the 3.4l engine. several people i know that own this very engine experience the same problem. it is believed that dexcool antifreeze installed in the car when new, reacts with the intake manifold gasket causing deterioration of the gasket. this results in engine oil seeping into the cooling system contaminating the radiator, sensors and all parts related. gm dealers would not fix, car just out of warranty. *tr
03/20/2009700001
 I own a lemon of a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo ss. nothing but problems since i bought it last year. steering column problems, cost $200.00 to fix, catalytic converter replaced, covered by warranty thank god. today it is in the shop again for leaky gasket and wheel bearing/ hub replacement which is costing another $500.00. this was bad because the abs breaks didn't always work which was scary since i wondered when they were going to give out totally and i would be in an accident. the transmission solenoid also needed to be replaced which cost us another $700.00. is there any help for us? i wonder what will be next with this car, it is a nice looking car, but it sucks mechanically!! please help! any suggestions? *tr
02/01/2007109/01/2002
 2/28/2007. 2002 chevy monte carlo's cooling system failed which caused the engine to fail. *mc the engine was rebuilt. the consumer was told that there was a service bulletin issued to dealers but there was no customer notification. this failure has been reported to the manufacturer. *nm
12/30/20061
 I purchased a 2002 monte carlo, and within a year the low coolant light came on, i took it back to where i purchased it and they said it was an electrical problem, and i had nothing to worry about, but each time my oil was changed they filled my coolant, and eventually the light went out, recently i have had to add coolant (dex cool) every other day, and i was told that my intake manifold gasket as gone out, and after speaking with three other mechanics they informed me this was common with gm engines of my year, now i am looking to spend somewhere around $800, to fix my car. *nm
05/09/2006410001
 2002 chevrolet monte carlo, consumer would like the manufacturer to cover the cost of replacing the faulty intake manifold gasket. *kb the failed intake manifold caused the coolant light to illuminate on the dash. *nm
02/25/2005524291
 We own a 2002 chevy monte carlo. the vehicle started to overheat. the dealer told us it needs a new head gasket at a cost of $1000.00 plus. i called chevy to see if this was a common problem since the car only has 50,000 miles on it and they said yes. they have not issued a recall. after doing research i have found out that many people are experiencing this problem and chevy will not fix this defect.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
05/18/200740000108/01/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact heard a knocking noise in the steering column everytime he turned the wheel. the dealer was able to duplicate the failure, but could not determine the cause. the contact was informed that the only way it could be repaired was by taking the steering column apart for inspection. the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, the repairs may have to be made at the contact's expense. he received a recall notice for the spark plugs and now an oil leak is present. the contact will have the recall repair performed. the nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. the failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 74,000. updated 07/10/09. *lj updated 07/10/09.*jb
12/01/2005118000102/07/2002
 Low engine coolant light coming on, intake gasket had to be replaced at a cost of over 800.00. was told there have been multiple reports of this same problem, with no relief from the manufacturer. *jb
10/08/2004210/15/2001
 Low coolant level light keeps coming on - coolant and oil leaking down block. required intake gasket replacement, intake reseal, and replace oil pump drive seal. *nm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
11/20/2001111/15/2001
 Consumer states after start up, a rattling sound is heard coming from the engine, dealer states this is normal. *tt
112/15/2001
 Consumer states that engine bearing has a rattle type noise during cold start, manufacturer notified. *tt
11/20/2001111/15/2001
 Consumer states after start up, a rattling sound is heard coming from the engine, dealer states this is normal. *tt
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
06/13/2009560101
 2002 chevrolet monte carlo catalytic converter clogged while driving. *tr
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
05/20/200640000306/10/2002
 I purchased the vehicle new in june of 2002. the car currently has 120,000 miles on it's 3.8 v6 engine. every 40,000 miles we have had to put a new catalytic converter on the car. the check engine light comes on and the code reads catalytic converter bad. the dealership has made the repair under warranty each time, but can not identify the reason for the converter going bad. i have heard this is a common enough problem that gm extended the warranty on the converters for 10 years or 120,000 miles. the car runs well and gets good mileage. the check engine light never comes on, except when the converter has gone bad. i have tried e-mailing gm, but get no response from them. what are my rights here? *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
12/21/200653000111/08/2005
 I own a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo 53,000 miles on it with intermediate shaft problems and intake manifold gasket problems. both are apparently common on this make and model. chevrolet should make these repairs. the steering can be affected, which is a hazard and the gasket could cause engine freeze up while driving, also a hazard. *jb
01/15/200557000111/28/2001
 Vehicle would overheat and loses coolant while driving. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. dealer was notified and informed consumer that problem was not covered under a recall. *ak
12/20/2003420001
 Lower coolant light come on because of poor sealant of the lower intake manifold. this resulted in anti freeze leaking. *ak *mr