The problem
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
The risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
The fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Contacts
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 3.8L v6 engine. Owner notification: owner notifications began during july 1996. 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; 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.
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 Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V116000.
- 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.