NHTSA Recall 73V013000: Underbody shields (structure)
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 3,707,064 vehicles. It affects 18 models including the Buick Centurion.
| NHTSA campaign | 73V013000 |
|---|---|
| Component | STRUCTURE › FRAME AND MEMBERS › UNDERBODY SHIELDS |
| Report received | January 24, 1973 |
| Owner notification | February 6, 1973 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 73V013000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Buick Centurion | 1971, 1972 |
| Buick Electra | 1971, 1972 |
| Buick Estate Wagon | 1971, 1972 |
| Buick Lesabre | 1971, 1972 |
| Buick Riviera | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Belair | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Biscayne | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Brookwood | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Caprice | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Impala | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Kingswood | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Kingswood Estate | 1971, 1972 |
| Chevrolet Townsman | 1971, 1972 |
| Oldsmobile 88 | 1971, 1972 |
| Oldsmobile 98 | 1971, 1972 |
| Pontiac Bonneville | 1971, 1972 |
| Pontiac Catalina | 1971, 1972 |
| Pontiac Grand Ville | 1971, 1972 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.