Vehicle Data Hub

Recall 08V-118

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recalled the 1997 to 2003 Buick Regal and 1 other model: Engine and engine cooling.

At a glance

Campaign number
08V-118
Reported
March 12, 2008
Vehicles affected
207,542 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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.

The 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.

The fix

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-[removed] or pontiac at 1-[removed], or through their website at <a href=[link removed] .

Notes from the manufacturer

GM recall no. 07035. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-[removed] (tty 1-[removed]), or go to <a href=[link removed] .

Affected vehicles