NHTSA Service Bulletin 10139321: 2002-2012 Buick 9-7x
Official manufacturer communication context for 2002-2012 Buick 9-7x, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an engine rattle that star after the engine was repaired ant the repair required the crankshaft balancer removal and replacement. When the rattle noise is duplicated without the Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp and Service Information diagnosis does not isolate the cause the crankshaft balancer bolt should be re-torqued per the specifications states in Service Information. When the rattle noise is duplicated with the Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp and Diagnostic Trouble Code P0016 or P0017 and Service Information diagnosis does not isolate the cause the crankshaft balancer bolt should be re-torqued per the specifications states in Service Information. If tightening the bolt repairs the rattle noise but the Diagnostic Trouble Code P0016 or P0017 continue to set technician should follow published Service Information diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code. If Service Information diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code do not lead to a repair for the Diagnostic Trouble Code remove the crankshaft timing sprocket and inspect the crankshaft alignment pin and the related groove of the sprocket for obvious wear. If wear is present replace the sprocket and pin and retest.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10139321?
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an engine rattle that star after the engine was repaired ant the repair required the crankshaft balancer removal and replacement. When the rattle noise is duplicated without the Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp and Service Information diagnosis does not isolate the cause the crankshaft.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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