NHTSA recall 96V-249 (96V249000)

steering recall reported December 17, 1996 - about 424 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V249000
Also written as: 96V-249
Reported: December 17, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~424
Component: steering

What is being recalled

THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER PINCH BOLT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Why it is dangerous

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 (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT FOR CORRECT TORQUE AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN THE BOLT TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-249 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Buick Skylark - 1996

Pontiac Grand AM - 1996

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.