The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
The risk
Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
The fix
The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine's front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 15V-701 (15V701000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 15757 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Report date | October 26, 2015 |
| Owners notified | February 19, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,003,556 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 1997 Buick Regal
- 1998 Buick Regal
- 1999 Buick Regal
- 2000 Buick Regal
- 2001 Buick Regal
- 2002 Buick Regal
- 2003 Buick Regal
- 2004 Buick Regal
- 2000 Chevrolet Impala
- 2001 Chevrolet Impala
- 2002 Chevrolet Impala
- 2003 Chevrolet Impala
- 2004 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
- 2004 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
- 2004 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
- 2004 Buick Regal engine problems 25
- 2000 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 229
- 2001 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 188
- 2002 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 180
- 2003 Chevrolet Impala engine problems 168
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 15V-701 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine's front valve cover and gasket.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,003,556 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.