The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V701000·Announced 2015-10-26

GM Recalls 1997-2004 Vehicles Due to Exhaust Fire Risk

General Motors is recalling specific 1997-2004 Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile vehicles because engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold, posing a fire risk.

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 (exhaust system) that poses a risk of fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (structural vehicle defect or significant property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling approximately 1,003,556 model year 1997-2004 Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile vehicles. The affected models include the Chevrolet Impala, Lumina, and Monte Carlo; Buick Regal; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Oldsmobile Intrigue. These vehicles were previously addressed under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to fix an issue where engine oil could drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

The previous repairs did not adequately remove the safety risk. Engine oil dripping onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine's front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that have not yet received the original remedy will receive this improved fix under the original recall numbers.

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside until the improved remedy is applied, as the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, or Pontiac customer service for more information, or contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
CHEVROLET, BUICK, PONTIAC IMPALA, LUMINA, REGAL, MONTE CARLO
Brand
CHEVROLET
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Category
Vehicle — Exhaust System
Hazard
Affected units
1,003,556

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 (6)

  • IMPALA
  • LUMINA
  • REGAL
  • MONTE CARLO
  • GRAND PRIX
  • INTRIGUE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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