NHTSA opens recall query into 1988–1991 Buick, Chevrolet and 2 other makes’ vehicles: ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
On March 4, 1999, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ99002) into 1988–1991 Buick, Chevrolet and 2 other makes’ vehicles, concerning the engine and engine cooling. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ99002 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine
- Listed
- 9 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Makes | Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac |
|---|---|
| Models | Cutlass, Grand Prix, Lumina, Lumina APV, Monte Carlo, Regal, Silhouette, Trans Sport |
| Model years | 1988–1991 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ99002, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Related recalls
NHTSA links these recall campaigns to RQ99002.
- NHTSA campaign 97V058000
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ99002
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search RQ99002 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.