NHTSA Service Bulletin 52082: 1996 Buick Grand Am
Official manufacturer communication context for 1996 Buick Grand Am, 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.
RECALL 97V-037 - GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1996 BUICK SKYLARK AND PONTIAC GRAND AM MODEL VEHICLES - THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER PINCH BOLT MAY NOT FHAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFIED TORQUE - AN UNDER-TORQUED PINCH BOLT COULD RESULT IN A RATTLE AND LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN - IF THE PINCH BOLT WERE BACKED OUT OF THE JOINT COMPLETELY, ROTATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT AGAINST THE CONNECTOR IN HIGH EFFORT STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE INCREASING LOOSNESS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING AND A CRASH - TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT FOR CORRECT TORQUE AND IF NECESSARY, TIGHTENTHE BOLT TO SHE SPECIFIC TORQUE - RECALL 97V-037. *TW
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 52082?
RECALL 97V-037 - GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1996 BUICK SKYLARK AND PONTIAC GRAND AM MODEL VEHICLES - THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER PINCH BOLT MAY NOT FHAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFIED TORQUE - AN UNDER-TORQUED PINCH BOLT COULD RESULT IN A RATTLE AND LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN - IF THE PINCH BOLT WERE BACKED OUT OF THE JOINT COMPLETELY, ROTATION.
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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