The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.
The risk
The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
The fix
Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-090 (04V090000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03054B |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery |
| Report date | February 24, 2004 |
| Owners notified | June 30, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 910,873 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
- 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems 76
- 1999 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems 28
- 2000 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems 60
- 1998 Buick Park Avenue fuel system problems 34
- 1999 Buick Park Avenue fuel system problems 19
- 2000 Buick Park Avenue fuel system problems 7
- 2000 Chevrolet Impala fuel system problems 76
- 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo fuel system problems 28
- 1998 Oldsmobile 88 fuel system problems 20
- 1999 Oldsmobile 88 fuel system problems 13
- 1998 Pontiac Bonneville fuel system problems 36
- 1999 Pontiac Bonneville fuel system problems 23
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-090 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 910,873 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.