The problem
During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds were missed. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
The risk
In the event of a rear end collision, the vehicle sheet metal structure will not perform as designed causing unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines, resulting in fuel leakage. If this is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three whelds between the involved panels applying primer, sealer and anti-corrosion materials.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-212 (96V212000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly |
| Report date | October 30, 1996 |
| Owners notified | November 11, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 245 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-212 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three whelds between the involved panels applying primer, sealer and anti-corrosion materials.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 245 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.