Known Recalls

Model year record

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,064 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V701000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Component
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected
1,003,556
Reported to NHTSA
2015-10-26
Owners notified
2016-02-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Manufacturer 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 engine’s 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V116000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,497,516
Reported to NHTSA
2009-04-08
Owners notified
2009-04-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V118000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
207,542
Reported to NHTSA
2008-03-12
Owners notified
2008-04-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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> .

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V286000

Steering: rack and pinion

Component
Steering: rack and pinion
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,159,156
Reported to NHTSA
2002-11-04
Owners notified
2003-01-24

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V348000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
155,149
Reported to NHTSA
1999-12-16
Owners notified
2000-05-25

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Exterior lighting: headlights13572,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion13073,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling56162,000 mi
Engine45170,000 mi
Air bags3386,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer3395,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3235,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine31129,000 mi
Electrical system29136,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system2987,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline2781,232 mi
Steering24100,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission20100,000 mi
Unknown or other1858,700 mi
Air bags: frontal17190,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1755,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls1750,431 mi
Vehicle speed control15160,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar14—
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1386,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1035,900 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1080,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1015,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood9101,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system934,573 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices950,431 mi
Suspension9180,000 mi
Visibility: windshield8—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages8—
Seats7—
Structure: frame and members7—
Electrical system: ignition699,750 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.6—
Exterior lighting6134,000 mi
Power train680,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic652,300 mi
Structure: body: door6—
Suspension: rear61,000 mi
Air bags: side/window5148,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring571,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash5100,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner5105,000 mi
Tires5—
Visibility5157,900 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor5152,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module4—
Electrical system: ignition: switch437,398 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys4—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4109,500 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor4—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections481,000 mi
Electrical system: horn3—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3—
Equipment368,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump3—
Interior lighting3—
Latches/locks/linkages3—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift3—
Seat belts3—
Seat belts: front: retractor3—
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices3—
Seats: front assembly: recliner3—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc3—
Suspension: front3—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system337,398 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Exterior lighting: fog lights2—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2—
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock2—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)2—
Service brakes2171,750 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module235,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device2—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid299,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft246,000 mi
Structure280,000 mi
Structure: body2—
Structure: body: bumpers2—
Structure: body: trunk lid2—
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs2—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing284,000 mi
Suspension: multiple axle2—
Visibility: glass, side/rear2—
Air bags: on-off switch assembly1—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger198,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices171,000 mi
Exterior lighting: back up lights1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline1148,052 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1—
Fuel system, other1—
Fuel system, other: delivery1—
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: pressure relief devices1219,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system1100,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1100,000 mi
Parking brake158,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1—
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler1—
Service brakes, air: antilock198,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components1—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1—
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Unknown1—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1105,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1—

The 1996 model has 9 times as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

RQ98013OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS

Air bags

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.