IllustrationI WENT OUT TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AGAIN. THE SAME THING HAPPENED BACK IN APRIL OF 2005 AND THE WHOLE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS $300.00. THEY ARE HAVING TO REPLACING THE WHOLE SYSTEM AGAIN FOR $500.00. *NM
2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
430–25K
7125–50K
11850–75K
7675–100K
101100–150K
36150K+
445 reports with mileage · 276 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 285 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 108 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
36 crash reports1 fire reports22 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
285 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. WHILE DRIVING THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. IT HAD TO BE PULLED ONTO THE EMERGENCY SHOULDER AND TO SIT FOR TEN MINUTES. THEN, THE KEY WAS TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION FOR TEN MORE MINUTES. AFTER THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. WHILE DRIVING THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. IT HAD TO BE PULLED ONTO THE EMERGENCY SHOULDER AND TO SIT FOR TEN MINUTES. THEN, THE KEY WAS TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION FOR TEN MORE MINUTES. AFTER THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM RESET BY ITSELF THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER UNDER CASE FILE # 1-384-309-432. *AK UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2001 CHEVY MALIBU FOR TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD LIGHT DEFECT. I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY INDICATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE RECALL AND THEREFORE WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF HAVING MY TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LIGHTS REPAIRED.…
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THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2001 CHEVY MALIBU FOR TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD LIGHT DEFECT. I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY INDICATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE RECALL AND THEREFORE WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF HAVING MY TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LIGHTS REPAIRED. *NM
DT: THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN FIVE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN APRIL OF 2003. THE CONTACT HAD IT TOWED ITO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THE SECOND WAS IN JUN…
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DT: THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN FIVE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN APRIL OF 2003. THE CONTACT HAD IT TOWED ITO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THE SECOND WAS IN JUNE 2004. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN IT SHUT DOWN. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE THIRD TIME WAS IN JULY, 2004 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED. THE FOURTH OCCASION HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 25, 2004. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON, AND SHE TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS OCTOBER 4, 2005. SHE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER AGAIN. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THAT THE PART WAS KNOWN TO GO OUT BUT, NOT AS OFTEN AS ON CONTACT'S VEHICLE. *AK.
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH STALLS BEFORE ROLLING UP. TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. INTERNAL FAN SWITCH ONLY WORKS ON 5. IF I TURN THE FAN SWITCH ON OR OFF, TURN SIGNALS WILL START WORKING INSTANTLY. TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM STARTED RIGHT AFTER THE BLOWER WENT OUT. I CANNOT LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND RUN THE REAR DEFROSTER AT T…
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DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH STALLS BEFORE ROLLING UP. TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. INTERNAL FAN SWITCH ONLY WORKS ON 5. IF I TURN THE FAN SWITCH ON OR OFF, TURN SIGNALS WILL START WORKING INSTANTLY. TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM STARTED RIGHT AFTER THE BLOWER WENT OUT. I CANNOT LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND RUN THE REAR DEFROSTER AT THE SAME TIME. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE ALL THE TIME WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT ON. THE CAR HAS DIED AS I TRIED TO TURN LEFT AT A STOP LIGHT. THIS WAS A USED CAR WITH LESS THAN 30K MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN MARCH 2005, NO PROBLEMS UNTIL ABOUT MAY. NOW A PROBLEM A DAY SEEMS TO APPEAR. THE CAR NOW HAS 39K MILES ON IT AND MY HUSBAND WANTS ME TO TRADE IT IN ALREADY BECAUSE HE SAYS IT IS GOING TO "NICKEL AND DIME US TO DEATH". I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF THESE PROBLEMS ON RECALL SITES, BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
1. NORMAL DRIVING 2. TURN SIGNALS FAILED 3. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON OTHER VINS THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL RECALL #03V327000. *NM
YES I HAVE A CHEVORLET MALIBU 2001 .I TOOK IT BOB RICHARD CHERVOLET BECAUSE SOMETHING WAS ALWAYS WRONG WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND EVERY TIME THEY FIX IT THEY SAID IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN . IT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME IT HAPPEN . HOW I KNOW IT IS THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN FOUR TIME …
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YES I HAVE A CHEVORLET MALIBU 2001 .I TOOK IT BOB RICHARD CHERVOLET BECAUSE SOMETHING WAS ALWAYS WRONG WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND EVERY TIME THEY FIX IT THEY SAID IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN . IT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME IT HAPPEN . HOW I KNOW IT IS THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN FOUR TIME ALREADY. FIRST OF ALL I'M PAYING CLOSE TO 23,000 FOR THIS CAR THE CAR WAS 14,700 BUT WITH THE FINANCE CHARGES IT COSTING ME 23,000 I AM READY TO GIVE THIS CAR UP BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM . I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO PLEASE HELP. *JB
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN 90+ DEGREE HEAT MY CAR OVERHEATED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANICS THAT MY COOLANT HAD BEEN LEAKING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO OVER HEAT THERE BLOWING THE HEAD GASKET AND CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PAY $1200.00+ TO HAVE ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IT. I HAVE HEARD THIS I…
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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN 90+ DEGREE HEAT MY CAR OVERHEATED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANICS THAT MY COOLANT HAD BEEN LEAKING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO OVER HEAT THERE BLOWING THE HEAD GASKET AND CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PAY $1200.00+ TO HAVE ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IT. I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMOM WITH THE 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBUS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE REPAIR SHOP DONE WITH THE OLD MOTOR, BUT IT WAS FRIED.
CAR WOULD TURN OVER ONCE AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. ANT-THEFT LIGHT WOULD BE ON. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO GARAGE. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED AND RESET ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND RELEASED THE CAR. ALL AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $200. THIS IS 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST INCIDENT COST $100. IT IS FRUSTRA…
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CAR WOULD TURN OVER ONCE AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. ANT-THEFT LIGHT WOULD BE ON. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO GARAGE. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED AND RESET ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND RELEASED THE CAR. ALL AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $200. THIS IS 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST INCIDENT COST $100. IT IS FRUSTRATING BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER PREDICT WHEN/WHERE IT WILL HAPPEN. FROM RESEARCH I HAVE DONE IT SEEMS THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM AND REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH/ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM DOES NOT HELP EITHER. HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN MY CAR!
THE TURN SIGNALS WORK OFF AND ON ,I NEVER KNOW IF THEY WILL WORK OR NOT .IF THEY DON'T WORK I FOUND IF YOU PUSH ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITH THEY MIGHT COME ON. THIS CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER SAYS IT DOESN'T INCLUDE MY CARS VIN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS 03V327000
Official recalls
214V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
03V327000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
Aug 28, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA02037 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Dec 23, 2002 · Closed Sep 5, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
EA02028 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Sep 30, 2002 · Closed Dec 30, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE02064 · Turn Signal Failure
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 23, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
SQ01002 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Jan 26, 2001 · Closed Sep 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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