Recall 73V-013: 1971–1972 Buick Centurion, 1971–1972 Buick Electra and 16 more
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall for structure, reported to NHTSA on Jan 24, 1973, covering about 3,707,064 vehicles.
The problem
The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible for one of these stones to lodge between the steering coupling and the frame and cause increased steering effort or interference with steering control of the car when steering wheel is turned to the left.
The risk
Increased steering effort or interference with steeringcontrol may lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
The fix
Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.
Notes
System: steering.vehicle description: passenger cars.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
|---|---|
| Component | Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 73V013000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Centurion | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Buick Electra | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Buick Estate Wagon | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Buick Lesabre | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Buick Riviera | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Belair | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Biscayne | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Brookwood | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Caprice | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Impala | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Kingswood | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Kingswood Estate | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Chevrolet Townsman | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Oldsmobile 88 | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Oldsmobile 98 | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Pontiac Bonneville | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Pontiac Catalina | 1971, 1972 | All years |
| Pontiac Grand Ville | 1971, 1972 | 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 73V-013?
The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible for one of these stones to lodge between the steering coupling and the frame and cause increased steering effort or interference with steering control of the car when steering wheel is turned to the left.
How is recall 73V-013 fixed?
Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.
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.