The problem
The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.
The risk
An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-249 (96V249000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar |
| Report date | December 17, 1996 |
| Owners notified | January 6, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 424 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-249 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 424 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.