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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

What owners actually said

721 reports
87,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Electrical SystemSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO DITCH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE FOREHEAD AND IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE M…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO DITCH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE FOREHEAD AND IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V400 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #10633108

127,980 miles · Sep 14, 2014
Tires

I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN TREAD SEPARATION ON A GOODRICH PASSENGER TIRE, LEADING TO IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE TIRE DEFLATION. LUCKILY, I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND WAS TRAVELING <5MPH. ON INSPECTION, THE OTHER 3 TIRES SHOWED INITIAL SIGNES OF SIMILAR FAILURE, AND ALL HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633081

68,000 miles · Sep 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS CAR FROM STARTING. FALSELY DETECTS THAT IGNITION KEY IS NOT THE CORRECT KEY FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE, EVEN THOU THIS KEY HAS BEEN USED TO START THE CAR THOUSANDS OF TIMES. TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM DRIVER MUST TURN OFF IGNITION, TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FOR THE COMPUTER TO REG…

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ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS CAR FROM STARTING. FALSELY DETECTS THAT IGNITION KEY IS NOT THE CORRECT KEY FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE, EVEN THOU THIS KEY HAS BEEN USED TO START THE CAR THOUSANDS OF TIMES. TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM DRIVER MUST TURN OFF IGNITION, TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FOR THE COMPUTER TO REGISTER THE KEY AS BEING CORRECT, TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF AND THEN TURN IT TO START TO GET THE CAR STARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US AT LEAST 100 TIMES DURING THE PAST 6 YEARS. GM SERVICE SAYS THE REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT A COST OF $400.00. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF GM 1998 THRU 2006 AUTOMOBILE OWNERS. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED FOR FREE BY GM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND TRUCKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632585

87,708 miles · Aug 27, 2014
Electrical System

I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT MY 2001 CHEVY MALIBU WAS INVOLVED IN ANY RECALL. STARTING NOV. 11, 2013, THE IGNITION SYSTEM WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN DRIVING. MY MECHANIC REPLACED A RELAY AND CHECKED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $297.46 INCLUDING TOWING. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SO ON 12/24/13 WITH ELECTRICAL DI…

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I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT MY 2001 CHEVY MALIBU WAS INVOLVED IN ANY RECALL. STARTING NOV. 11, 2013, THE IGNITION SYSTEM WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN DRIVING. MY MECHANIC REPLACED A RELAY AND CHECKED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $297.46 INCLUDING TOWING. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SO ON 12/24/13 WITH ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, I INCURRED A CHARGE OF $813.20. WITH THE TWO CHARGES TOTALING $1,110.20 I FEEL NOW RELATED TO THE KEY SET ISSUE. FORTUNATELY I JUST USE THE CAR IN TOWN AND HAVE NOT DRIVEN ON FREEWAYS AT HIGHER SPEEDS BECAUSE I RECOGNIZED THE POTENTIAL EXISTED FOR SOME KIND OF HAZARDOUS CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628818

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10626696

89,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

WHILE WAITING IN THE TURNING LANE AT A STOP LIGHT, I SUFFERED MULTIPLE INJURIES WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED BY AN SUV TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I HIT MY THROAT AND CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE DUE TO THE IMPACT. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR WAS I RESTRAINED BY THE SEATBELT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621725

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2014
Electrical System

2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS AND REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON MAY 8, 2008, AT A COST OF $ 343.06. ON MARCH 26, 2009, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. APRIL 14, 2009, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AGAIN, AT A COST OF $ 315.86. ON SEPTEMBER…

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2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS AND REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON MAY 8, 2008, AT A COST OF $ 343.06. ON MARCH 26, 2009, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. APRIL 14, 2009, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AGAIN, AT A COST OF $ 315.86. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2010, THE IGNITION LOCK AND CYLINDER WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 457.07. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10619620

50,000 miles · Jul 17, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 11/28/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10611208

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

2001 CHEVY MALIBU. FLASHERS DO NOT WORK, TURN SIGNAL FAILS, ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENT, MOST ALL THE TIME DOES NOT WORK. I TRIED TO GET THE RECALL AND DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS ALREADY REPAIRED FROM PREVIOUS OWNER. TURN SIGNALS NEVER WORKED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. AND THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ON SIDES OF CAR HAVE NOT…

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2001 CHEVY MALIBU. FLASHERS DO NOT WORK, TURN SIGNAL FAILS, ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENT, MOST ALL THE TIME DOES NOT WORK. I TRIED TO GET THE RECALL AND DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS ALREADY REPAIRED FROM PREVIOUS OWNER. TURN SIGNALS NEVER WORKED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. AND THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ON SIDES OF CAR HAVE NOT WORKED AT ALL TO KNOWLEDGE. THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT. IF IT WAS REPAIRED PROPERLY, THEN I SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM.CONTINUES TO BE A CRASH/ SAFETY RISK! THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607803

145,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine

ONE DAY OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE IN PARK AND IDLING CAR JUST DIED, RESTARTED FINE, THEN A COUPLE DAYS LATER AT A STOPLIGHT DIED AGAIN, WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE ON, BUT THIS CONTINUED FROM THEN ON EVERYTIME IT WAS STOPPED AND RUNNING WOULD JUST DIE COULD RESTART WHEN READY TO DRIVE OFF AND IT WOULD GO FINE, UNTIL THE LAST TIME I…

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ONE DAY OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE IN PARK AND IDLING CAR JUST DIED, RESTARTED FINE, THEN A COUPLE DAYS LATER AT A STOPLIGHT DIED AGAIN, WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE ON, BUT THIS CONTINUED FROM THEN ON EVERYTIME IT WAS STOPPED AND RUNNING WOULD JUST DIE COULD RESTART WHEN READY TO DRIVE OFF AND IT WOULD GO FINE, UNTIL THE LAST TIME IT DIED WHILE GOING 35 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO STEER OUT OF TRAFFIC AND ALMOST COULDN'T STOP, BUT WOULDN'T RESTART ANYMORE, AND STILL WON'T START. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE IGNITION CAUSED THE ANTI THEFT TO ENGAGE AND TURN OFF COMPONENTS IN MOTOR, I'VE READ I OTHERS HAVING SAME PROBLEM IN THIS SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL JUST WONDERING WHY IT HASN'T BEEN RECALLED ALONG WITH ALL THE REST OF CHEVY' SCARS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, OBVIOUSLY IT'S A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN JUST A COUPLE AND THE LAST TIME IT DIED ON ME I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET HIT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607725

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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