Vehicle recall 73V013000 · January 24, 1973

Oldsmobile 88, Oldsmobile 98 and 16 more models

The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds…

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible for one of these stones to lodge between the steering coupling and the frame and cause increased steering effort or interference with steering control of the car when steering wheel is turned to the left.
Consequence: Increased steering effort or interference with steeringcontrol may lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Remedy: Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.
Notes: System: steering.vehicle description: passenger cars.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 73V013000
Reported to NHTSA: January 24, 1973
Filed by: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Owner notification: February 6, 1973
Vehicles potentially affected: 3,707,064
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields

Recall 73V013000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Buick Centurion (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Buick Electra (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Buick Estate Wagon (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Buick LeSabre (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Buick Riviera (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Belair (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Biscayne (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Brookwood (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Caprice (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Impala (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Kingswood (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Kingswood Estate (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Chevrolet Townsman (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Oldsmobile 88 (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Oldsmobile 98 (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Pontiac Bonneville (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Pontiac Catalina (1971-1972): 1972, 1971
Pontiac Grand Ville (1971-1972): 1972, 1971

Has your Buick been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buick dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.