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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

20 reports
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139,000 miles · Nov 27, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

I SAW A RECALL ON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND A RECALL ON SOMETHING ABOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION CAUSING THE CARS ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. MY CAR HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF AND SHORTING SHOWING THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THEM WHEN I TAP THE GAS PEDAL THR GAS GAGE IS A HALF TANK BUT IT GOES AS IF ITS OUT OF GAS AND THE RPMS ONLY GO UP WHEN I AM NOT …

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I SAW A RECALL ON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND A RECALL ON SOMETHING ABOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION CAUSING THE CARS ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. MY CAR HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF AND SHORTING SHOWING THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THEM WHEN I TAP THE GAS PEDAL THR GAS GAGE IS A HALF TANK BUT IT GOES AS IF ITS OUT OF GAS AND THE RPMS ONLY GO UP WHEN I AM NOT DRIVING OR IDLING AND MY ABS LIGHT FOR BRAKES KEEPS TURNING ON BUT NOW DOESNT TURN OFF AND THIS HAS JUST STARTED HAPPENING OH AND THR BATTERY LIGHT NOW HAS SHORTED THE STALK STEREO AND IT ONLY TURNS ON EVERY SO OFTEN.

NHTSA ODI #11048780

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2017
Unknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL. EVERY TIME I GO TO START MY CAR WHEN LEAVING SOMEONE'S HOUSE WHILE MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING THE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATES RANDOMLY AND WONT LET THE CAR START. I HAVE THE PROBLEM LIKE ONCE A WEEK AND I WANT THE SENSOR DISCONNECTED OR SOMETHING.

NHTSA ODI #10990691

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2017
Unknown Or Other

MY MALIBU WAS WORKING JUST FINE UNTIL ONE DAY IT JUST STOPPED STARTING. I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR A WHOLE DAY TO PASS BEFORE IT BEING ABLE TO START. IVE HAD OTHER COMPLAIN IT BEING THE ANTI THEFT OR THE COMPUTER.

NHTSA ODI #10940290

191 miles · Jun 13, 2016
Unknown Or Other

EVERYTIME I GO TO START MY CAR MY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM KICKS ON AND I HAVE TO WAIT 15 XTRA MINS TO GET ANYWHERE

NHTSA ODI #10873830

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2016
Exterior LightingUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS COMING ON CAN'T START CAR COMES ON WHILE I DRIVE, TURN SIGNAL HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO,RPMS GO UP REAL HIGH WHILE I DRIVE AND WHEN IT PARK, TAKE FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL BUT CAR SEEMS TO SPEED UP KIND OF HARD TO STOP A CAR THAT SPEEDS UP WHEN NOT GIVING GAS TO IT, BREAK LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN TUR…

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THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS COMING ON CAN'T START CAR COMES ON WHILE I DRIVE, TURN SIGNAL HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO,RPMS GO UP REAL HIGH WHILE I DRIVE AND WHEN IT PARK, TAKE FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL BUT CAR SEEMS TO SPEED UP KIND OF HARD TO STOP A CAR THAT SPEEDS UP WHEN NOT GIVING GAS TO IT, BREAK LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN TURN SIGNAL DOESN'T WORK ALL THIS HAPPENS AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY TO SMALL CHILDREN AND OF COURSE IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO START AS IT THINKS I'M STEALING MY CAR WITH THE KEY THEFT SYSTEM BREAK LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN TURN SIGNAL WON'T WORK EXCELS IN SPEED ON ITS OWN ALL STARTED IN MARCH 2016 AS I JUST BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY 2016.

NHTSA ODI #10861025

70,000 miles · Mar 14, 2016
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY TURN SIGNALS PERIODICALLY NOT WORKING. SOME DAYS THE SIGNAL WILL NOT WORK ONE TIME AND THEN THE VERY NEXT TIME IT WORKS. OTHER DAYS THE SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL'BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT. I TURN THEM "ON" AND THEY JUST DON'T WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL CLICK A FEW…

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I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY TURN SIGNALS PERIODICALLY NOT WORKING. SOME DAYS THE SIGNAL WILL NOT WORK ONE TIME AND THEN THE VERY NEXT TIME IT WORKS. OTHER DAYS THE SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL'BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT. I TURN THEM "ON" AND THEY JUST DON'T WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL CLICK A FEW TIMES AND THEN TURN OFF. THIS WILL LAST FOR ABOUT A DAY OR SO AND THEN THEY WORK OK FOR ABOUT A MONTH SOMETIMES LONGER. I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A CORRELATION BETWEEN ANYTHING SUCH AS RAIN, USING IT A LOT, ETC. IT CAN'T BE THE BULB OR THE FUSE BECAUSE WHEN THEY DO WORK THEY BLINK AT THE NORMAL SPEED. ALSO THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT THE BLINKER STARTED WORKING AGAIN, SO I CANCELED. I STARTED RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL FOR CARS MANUFACTURED IN 2001 WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, THE RECALL NOTICE SAID THE HAZARD SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS SUGGESTED IN ONE ARTICLE WHEN THE SIGNALS STOP WORKING TO PUSH THE HAZARDS AND THE SIGNAL WILL START WORKING AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED FOR ME. I CAN FIDDLE WITH THE HAZARD AND GET THEM TO START WORKING. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM WITH MY BLINKERS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY VIN NUMBER FALLS OUTSIDE THAT RANGE. THIS IS A TRAVESTY. WHY IS IT ONLY SOME ARE BEING RECALLED AND REPAIRED WITH THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT ALL? HOW IS THIS DECIDED WHICH WILL BE RECALLED AND WHICH WILL NOT? I AM NOT SURE OF THE ACTUAL DATE THIS STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #10849667

97,000 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Unknown Or Other

TURN SIGNAL FLASHER QUITS AFTER FEW SECONDS

NHTSA ODI #10761032

130,000 miles · Jul 3, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

CAR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DON'T WORK WHEN CAR IS STARTED THEN BEGIN WORKING SOMETIME AFTER THE CAR IS RUNNING 5-15 MINUTES. GAUGES, RADIO, AC, FAN, DO NOT WORK AND I AM WORRIED THE AIRBAGS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET (HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/NO-START-DUE-TO-FAILED-PASSLOCK-SENSOR-…

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CAR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DON'T WORK WHEN CAR IS STARTED THEN BEGIN WORKING SOMETIME AFTER THE CAR IS RUNNING 5-15 MINUTES. GAUGES, RADIO, AC, FAN, DO NOT WORK AND I AM WORRIED THE AIRBAGS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET (HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/NO-START-DUE-TO-FAILED-PASSLOCK-SENSOR-300). I SEE THE RECALL FOR REPLACING KEYS BUT THIS IS THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS FAILING.

NHTSA ODI #10731906

119,241 miles · Sep 15, 2014
SteeringUnknown Or OtherWheels

AFTER EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS STEERING LOCK UP AND KEY NOT TURNING IN IGNITION (LOCKED UP) MY MALIBU WOULD NOT BUDGE OUT OF THE LOCK POSITION WHEN INSERTING KEY. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND SINCE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN IGNITION THE MALIBU HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO TOW TRUCK WITH WHEELS LOCKED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AT TH…

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AFTER EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS STEERING LOCK UP AND KEY NOT TURNING IN IGNITION (LOCKED UP) MY MALIBU WOULD NOT BUDGE OUT OF THE LOCK POSITION WHEN INSERTING KEY. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND SINCE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN IGNITION THE MALIBU HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO TOW TRUCK WITH WHEELS LOCKED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AT THE COST OF $70.00. AT THE DEALERSHIP THE MALIBU HAD THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND CASE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED THEFT SYSTEM AT (LABOR) $247.50. THE CYLINDER KIT WAS (PARTS) $225.90 AND SUBL CODE NEW CYLINDER WAS (OTHER) $20.00 FOR A TOTAL OF $493.40. WITH MISC. CHARGES OF $5.00 AND SALES TAX AT $29.90 THE TOTAL WAS $528.30. ADD THE ADDITIONAL $70.00 TOWING EXPENSE AND TOTAL IS $598.30. I BELIEVE I AM ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY EXPENSES AS THIS HAS BEEN A RECALLED VEHICLE. I EXPERIENCED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS A LOCKED IGNITION AND STEERING WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO SIT AND TRY AND TRY TO GET MY KEY TO TURN THE IGNITION. MANY TIMES I WAS LATE FOR WORK/SCHOOL AS I COULD NOT GET THE KEY TO TURN. I HAD TO CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR RIDES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633357

140,000 miles · Dec 14, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

ON AT LEAST 10 OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE ANTI-THEFT PASSLOCK SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, WHICH DISABLES THE ABILITY TO START THE ENGINE BY CUTTING OFF THE FUEL. IF I TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION…

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ON AT LEAST 10 OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE ANTI-THEFT PASSLOCK SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, WHICH DISABLES THE ABILITY TO START THE ENGINE BY CUTTING OFF THE FUEL. IF I TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE IT WILL STARTUP SUCCESSFULLY. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE PARKED IN DARK PARKING LOTS LATE AT NIGHT OR OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN VERY COLD WEATHER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GM OWNERS OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. WHY HASN'T GM BEEN FORCED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10488816

Official recalls

2

14V400000 · 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

4

EA02037 · 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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