Recall 03V-527: 1996–1998 Buick Regal, 1997–1998 Chevrolet Lumina and 6 more
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall for steering, reported to NHTSA on Dec 11, 2003, covering about 750,283 vehicles.
The problem
Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
The risk
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Notes
Gm recall no. 03062.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
|---|---|
| Component | Steering › Rack and Pinion |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 03V527000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Regal | 1996, 1997, 1998 | All years |
| Chevrolet Lumina | 1997, 1998 | All years |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 1997, 1998 | All years |
| Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1997, 1998 | All years |
| Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1997, 1998 | All years |
| Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme | 1996, 1997 | All years |
| Oldsmobile Intrigue | 1998 | All years |
| Pontiac Grand Prix | 1996 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 03V-527?
Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
How is recall 03V-527 fixed?
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.