1988 Buick Regal Custom coupe Review

Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Consequence: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 1997.NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Summary: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

Notes: SYSTEM: WHEELS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH KELSEY HAYES STEELWHEELS; MODELS RPO PB9 14" AND PG1 15".NOTE: VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED THAT HAD LESS THAN FOUR WHEELS REPLACED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 94V-041 ARE TO BE REINSPECTED.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME,SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020; BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Summary: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

Notes: SYSTEM: WHEELS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH KELSEY HAYES STEEL WHEELS; MODELS RPO PB6 14" AND RPO PG1 15".NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Summary: FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.

Consequence: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.

Notes: SYSTEM: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE; FMVSS 210.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Summary: TWISTED COMPONENTS COULD ALLOW THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE TO CONTACT THE FENDER LINING/RAIL AREA; OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND A PARTIALLOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSPECT LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND REPLACE, AS NECESSARY.

Notes: SYSTEM: LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Summary: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE.

Consequence: IF PRIMARY LATCH DISENGAGES, HOOD COULD UNEXPECTEDLYOPEN. IF CAR WAS IN MOTION, HOOD COULD CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD, REDUCE THEDRIVERS FORWARD VISION AREA, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE SECONDARY LATCH WITH A NEW LATCH.

Notes: SYSTEM: HOOD LATCH.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Summary: LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT CAN BECOME LOOSE. ALSO, CERTAIN CARS COULD HAVE TIE ROD BALL STUD NUTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.

Consequence: CONTINUED OPERATION OF CAR WITH EITHER CONDITION COULDRESULT IN SEPARATION OF THAT JOINT AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS; ALSO, CHECK TIE ROD BALL STUD NUT TORQUE.

Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING/SUSPENSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Summary: AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BELLCRANK CLIP IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAN RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CABLE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE IN AGEAR OTHER THAN THAT DISPLAYED BY THE SHIFT INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE COULD MOVEIN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION AND CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: A NEWLY DESIGNED BELLCRANK CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED.

Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION/SHIFT LINKAGE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Summary: THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY HAVE A LOOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THE LOOSE CONTACT CAN OVERHEAT AND MELT THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC CAUSING THE CONTACT TO STICK OPEN.

Consequence: AN OPEN CONTACT WOULD RENDER THE BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVEWHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH CONTROL ANDCRUISE CONTROL CONTACTS WOULD REMAIN CLOSED. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT INCRUISE RESUME UPON BRAKE PEDAL RELEASE IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS IN THE ONPOSITION. EITHER AN UNEXPECTED CRUISE RESUME OR INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: THE ROTARY SOPLAMP SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.

Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL/STOP LAMPSWITCH.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.