NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ98013

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS: Air Bags

OPEN

possible recall

1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- The air bagds can inadvertently deploy from a minor frontal impact or an undercarriage impact Investigation was initiated on August 26 1998. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ98013 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ03001

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE: Steering**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (R&P). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet cavalier and Pontiac sunfire sedans built between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997.ODI opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on ODI's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the W-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, ODI will further examine the W-cars (1996-1997 Oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 Buick regal, Chevrolet lumina, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1997-1998 Buick century, and 1998 Oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. Investigation was initiated on January 02 2003. Closed on September 15 2003. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ03001 »