The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·10V110000·Announced 2010-03-19

NHTSA Recalls 2005-2008 Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet Minivans for Suspension Defect

NHTSA is recalling 2005-2008 Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Chevrolet Uplander minivans converted for accessibility due to a potential rear suspension welding defect.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where the rear axle may separate from the chassis, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects.

Plain-English summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling certain 2005-2008 model year Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Chevrolet Uplander minivans. These vehicles are General Motors mobility conversions designed to be handicapped accessible low-floor minivans, modified by Braun Corporation.

The recall addresses a defect where the driver or passenger side trailing arm modification may not have been adequately welded during the conversion process. This defect can cause squeaking or clunking noises and premature wear of the trailing arm bushings. In severe cases, the trailing arm may fracture or separate, allowing the rear axle to become partially separated from the chassis, which increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the vehicles and use retrofit parts to remedy the issue free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners may contact Braun Corporation at 1-800-488-0359 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
PONTIAC, BUICK, CHEVROLET MONTANA, TERRAZA, UPLANDER
Brand
PONTIAC
Manufacturer
BRAUN CORPORATION
Category
Vehicle — Minivan
Hazard
Affected units
5,375

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • MONTANA
  • TERRAZA
  • UPLANDER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · PONTIAC

Same manufacturer · BRAUN CORPORATION

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Same hazard · structural defect

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