NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Rack AND Pinion
625.0%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
416.7%
Engine
312.5%
Buckle Assembly
312.5%
Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
28.3%
Cooling System
28.3%
Interior/Under Dash
28.3%
Pump
28.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 10Feb 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE94048Opened 21 Jun 1994Closed 30 Dec 1994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
PE91142Opened 25 Oct 1991Closed 22 Jan 1992STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
DP89012Opened 27 Jun 1989Closed 12 Oct 1989UNKNOWN OR OTHER
STEERING FAILURE
STEERING FAILURE
PE89035Opened 19 Jan 1989Closed 24 May 1989EXTERIOR LIGHTING
STOP LAMPS
SUMMARY:A CHEVROLET SERVICE BULLETIN DATED JULY 1988 INDICATES THAT BOTHSOCKETS MUST BE REPLACED USING PART NUMBER 5972532.THIS SERVICE STOCKUSES A NEW HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL.PRODUCTION STOCK WAS ALSO CORRECTEDBEGINNING WITH VINS J7163799 AND JJ187909.===
EA89010Opened 17 Jan 1989Closed 8 May 1990SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
Recalls on the 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: 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.
88V164000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL FEED HOSE COULD LEAK AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT INAN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
88V048000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET COULD DEVELOP METAL CRACKS.
Risk: THESE CRACKS MAY RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE LOWERCONTROL ARM. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT INLOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19881663,728 units in Canada
Fuel System
THE FUEL FEED HOSE COULD LEAK AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY WITH A NEW HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Recall 198805162 units in Canada
Suspension
VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT COULD DEVELOP METAL CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WITH SUSPECT FRAME ASSEMBLY DATE CODES WILL REQUIRE FRAME REPLACEMENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Port Henry, NY2 injured1 killed
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THE ENGINE STOPED, WHEN STARTED AGAIN THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #516953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 75,000 milesEugene, OR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
1988 CHEVEROLET CELEBRITY. MANUFACRURER DOES NOT STOCK OR SELL REPLACEMENT SEAT BELTS OR PARTS. THE PART IS A PLASTIC CLIP THAT GOES OVER THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. PROBABLY A $1.00 PART. BUT THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS THAT THEY CANNOT PROVIDE THE CLIP OR THE BELT. AM I SUPPOSED TO THROW AWAY A CAR THAT IS OTHERWISE PERFECT?? IS NOT THE MANUFACURER REQUIRED TO PROVIDE AVAILABILITY OF REPLACEMENT SAFETY PARTS? THERE ARE MILLIONS OF THESE GM CARS STILL ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10005627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREADS WERE SEPARATING FROM BODY OF ALL FOUR TIRES, WHILE MUCH OF TREAD REMAINED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: Y7J9PL3146 TIRESIZE: P195/70R14)
NHTSA complaint #748036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CRADLE MOUNTING BOLT AND ATTACHING HARDWARE RUSTED THROUGH AND SHEERED AT BODY FRAME. ATTACHING LOCKING NUT AND REMAINDER OF MOUNTING BOLT STILL INSIDE BODY FRAME. ENGINE SHIFTS AND FRONT CONTROL ARM SHIFT DURING OPERATION. LOSS OF SECOND RIGHT SIDE MOUNTING SUPPORT STRUCTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING AND CRASH. GM REFERRED ME TO LOCAL DEALER, WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED BY THE OWNER, WHICH WOULD INDETAIL CUTTING OPEN THE FRAME AND REPLACING LOCKING NUT AND ASSOCIATED HARDWARE AND REWELDING FRAME. CONTACTED NHTSA WHO ALSO COULD NOT LOCATE A RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THERE ARE SIMILAR RECALLS OUT FOR GM VEHICLES WITH CRADLE PROBLEMS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS ACCIDENT FREE. THE DEFECT TO MY BELIEF IS DESIGN AND WEATHER INDUCED. PROPER HARDWARE AND DESIGN WOULD PREVENT THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #711340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS DO NOT HOLD CAR SEATS EFFICIENTLY, POOR STABILITY.
NHTSA complaint #532691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH CAN BE STARTED WITHOUT KEY, WHEN KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN.
NHTSA complaint #532690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swainsboro, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, DUE TO OVERHEATING.
NHTSA complaint #530670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swainsboro, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINING FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #530670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swainsboro, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
UPPER AND LOWER WATER HOSES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #530670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rensselear, NY
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
HAD STARTED TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. HAD NOTICED PUDDLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN GARAGE. TOOK TO MECHANIC & INFORMED EITHER THE PUMP, RACK & PINION OR STEERING PUMP HOSES HAD BLOWN.
NHTSA complaint #819932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rensselear, NY
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
HAD STARTED TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. HAD NOTICED PUDDLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN GARAGE. TOOK TO MECHANIC & INFORMED EITHER THE PUMP, RACK & PINION OR STEERING PUMP HOSES HAD BLOWN.
NHTSA complaint #819932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rensselear, NY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
HAD STARTED TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. HAD NOTICED PUDDLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN GARAGE. TOOK TO MECHANIC & INFORMED EITHER THE PUMP, RACK & PINION OR STEERING PUMP HOSES HAD BLOWN.
NHTSA complaint #819932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meriden, CT
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
COLD POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #526668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elmwood PA, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
COMPUTER COMMAND FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE STALL.
NHTSA complaint #520355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elmwood PA, NJ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
STEERING RACK LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #520355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Henry, NY2 injured1 killed
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THE ENGINE STOPED, WHEN STARTED AGAIN THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #516953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abington, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WIFE DRIVING HOME, HAD STOPPED AT LIGHT, STARTED TO PULL AWAY, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM DASHBOARD AREA & UNDER HOOD, PULLED VEHICLE OFF ROAD. HAD TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #807984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
STEERING
POWER STEERING FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #807253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
POWER STEERING FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #807253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortlandt Manor, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES HAVE A TENDENCY TO LOCK UP ON WET ROAD SURFACE OR DRY ROAD SURFACE UNDER HARD BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #513197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR WHEN FIRST STARTING, THE STEERING WHEEL HANGS UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN.
NHTSA complaint #802347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
FAILURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN, WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP.
NHTSA complaint #801928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING COLUMN CAME LOOSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #986435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocean Park, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE DISCS WARP, CAUSING BRAKES TO SURGE.
NHTSA complaint #504996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floral PAR, NY
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RACK AND PINION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #480563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BAY Villag, OH
POWER TRAIN
SPEEDOMETER GIVES INACCURATE READINGS.
NHTSA complaint #504777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.