The problem
General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 Buick regal, my 1998-2003 Chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 Oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 Pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil May be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
The risk
If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it May ignite into a small flame and May spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
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, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2016. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 09V-116 (09V116000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 09047 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling |
| Report date | April 8, 2009 |
| Owners notified | April 9, 2009 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,497,516 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 1997 Buick Regal
- 1998 Buick Regal
- 1999 Buick Regal
- 2000 Buick Regal
- 2001 Buick Regal
- 2002 Buick Regal
- 2003 Buick Regal
- 2000 Chevrolet Impala
- 2001 Chevrolet Impala
- 2002 Chevrolet Impala
- 2003 Chevrolet Impala
- 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
- 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
- 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
- 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
- 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
- 1997 Buick Regal engine problems 41
- 1998 Buick Regal engine problems 83
- 1999 Buick Regal engine problems 91
- 2000 Buick Regal engine problems 61
- 2001 Buick Regal engine problems 86
- 2002 Buick Regal engine problems 49
- 2003 Buick Regal engine problems 35
- 2000 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 229
- 2001 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 188
- 2002 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 180
- 2003 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 168
- 1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems 43
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 09V-116 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2016.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,497,516 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.