Buick Recall 99V-089: Power train – automatic transmission

Affected: 1999 Buick Lesabre, 1999 Oldsmobile 88, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville. Filed with NHTSA on April 26, 1999, covering about 99,333 vehicles.

The problem

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.

The risk

If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated PRNDL state May differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.

The fix

Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign99V-089 (99V089000)
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentPower train › Automatic transmission
Report dateApril 26, 1999
Owners notifiedMay 25, 1999
Vehicles affected99,333
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 99V-089 repair free?

Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 99,333 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.