NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10157015: 2002-2017 Buick 9-3

Official manufacturer communication context for 2002-2017 Buick 9-3, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10157015 summary graphic for 2002-2017 Buick 9-3
10157015NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
24affected product rows
100/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

This Preliminary Information communication informs dealer technicians of a potential whining noise that can occur after servicing the water pump, water pump chain or cylinder head without use of the water pump sprocket holding tool. Dealers are advised this condition is the result of a water pump chain tensioner ratcheting out. The dealer is directed to follow service information to reset the water pump chain tensioner to correct.

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

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
BuickLacrosse2011-2016Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BuickRegal2011-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BuickVerano2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletC Series2004Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletCaptiva2010-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletCavalier2002-2005Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletCobalt2005-2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletHhr2006-2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletImpala2014Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ChevroletMalibu2004-2014Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
GMCTerrain2010-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
OldsmobileAlero2002-2004Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
PontiacG52007-2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
PontiacG62006-2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
PontiacGrand Am2002-2005Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
PontiacPursuit2005, 2006Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
PontiacSolstice2006-2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10157015?

This Preliminary Information communication informs dealer technicians of a potential whining noise that can occur after servicing the water pump, water pump chain or cylinder head without use of the water pump sprocket holding tool. Dealers are advised this condition is the result of a water pump chain tensioner ratcheting out. The dealer is directed to follow service information to reset the water pump chain.

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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