The problem
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "Occupant crash protection," and no. 214, "Side impact protection." These vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications.
The risk
In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries.
The fix
Dealers will install structural rivets. Owner notification began december 26, 2001. 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 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Chevrolet, Pontiac dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01V381000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.