← New search

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
29,117 miles · Aug 12, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WITH ENGINE STALLING SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WAS REPLACED.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WITH ENGINE STALLING SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WAS REPLACED. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. MOST RECENTLY, THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,117.

NHTSA ODI #10419229

121,000 miles · Aug 8, 2011
Exterior Lighting

I OWN A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU LS 6 CYL. THIS YEAR HAS 670,000+ CARS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING AND THE EXACT SAME YEAR. YET BECAUSE MY VIN ISNT INCLUDED OR ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH MY VIN HAVE NOT REPORTED THE PROBLEM..I AM EXCLUDED FROM HAVING THEM FIX THIS FOR ME. MY TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT WORKING, THEY WILL NOT FLAS…

Read full complaint

I OWN A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU LS 6 CYL. THIS YEAR HAS 670,000+ CARS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING AND THE EXACT SAME YEAR. YET BECAUSE MY VIN ISNT INCLUDED OR ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH MY VIN HAVE NOT REPORTED THE PROBLEM..I AM EXCLUDED FROM HAVING THEM FIX THIS FOR ME. MY TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT WORKING, THEY WILL NOT FLASH, CLICK OR GO ON AS OF RECENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT GM DID RECALL FOR MY CAR YEAR AND TYPE, YET I AM EXCLUDED BECAUSE OF MY VIN, SO MY LIFE..DOES NOT MATTER? BECAUSE...MAYBE ONLY A FEW HUNDRED HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM? THIS IS A KNOWN RECALL WITH MY TYPE OF CAR, AND I AM IN DANGER HERE...I CALLED GM 2 TIMES 8/8/2011 I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME, SIMPLY BECAUSE OF MY VIN...UMMMMM HOW ABOUT INCLUDE MY VIN!!! MY LIFE MATTERS JUST AS MUCH AS ANOTHER OTHERS AND IF I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND REPORTING IT, THEN INCLUDE THE VIN..FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS WELL!!! HALF A MILLION MALIBUS FROM 2001 WERE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL...WHAT MAKES THEM THINK MINE WASN'T?! PLEASE HELP..I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND I AM DRIVING A CAR WITH NO TURN SIGNALS AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR TEXT BOOKS AND NOW DEALING WITH A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE GM DOES NOT WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE RECALL. PLEASE HELP...! IS YOUR FILE NUMBER, WHERE YOU GUYS HAVE THE RECALL POSTED: 03V327000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418067

77,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
SteeringStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND VEERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE RIGH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND VEERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE RIGHT SIDE K-FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 77,000. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE HIT A POTHOLE, SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE CRADLE, STEERING RACK AND INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/27/11

NHTSA ODI #10413723

83,000 miles · Jul 11, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL SYSTEM WITHOUT REASON. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME, HE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FIFTEEN MINUTES FOR THE ALARM SYSTEM TO DEACTIVE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL SYSTEM WITHOUT REASON. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME, HE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FIFTEEN MINUTES FOR THE ALARM SYSTEM TO DEACTIVE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,200.

NHTSA ODI #10411887

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2011
Electrical System

CHEVY MALIBU, 2001. THE THEFT SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS! I'M NOT TRYING TO STEAL MY OWN CAR, AND WOULD RATHER HAVE IT STOLEN THAN SIT IN A SCARY DARK PARKING LOT ALL ALONE WAITING FOR IT TO START BACK UP. ALSO, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM SUCKS. NOONE AROUND WHERE I LIVE EVEN DEALS WITH IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10410634

22,000 miles · Jul 5, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED AT THE TIME OF …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

NHTSA ODI #10410573

103,000 miles · Jun 29, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START SPORADICALLY, AS A RESULT OF THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SYSTEM AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START SPORADICALLY, AS A RESULT OF THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SYSTEM AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

NHTSA ODI #10409394

115,000 miles · Jun 28, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

JUST BOUGHT 2001 CHEVY MALIBU, ITS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING TO THE POINT OF SMOKE. SO THE GASKET IS SHOT, I'VE TAKEN THIS CAR IN BEFORE OVER THIS PROBLEM BUT STILL SEEMS TO COME BACK TO THE CAR OVERHEATING AND SMOKE. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS ONE GUY TOLD ME TO JUST GET A NEW ENGINE, THE COOLANT D…

Read full complaint

JUST BOUGHT 2001 CHEVY MALIBU, ITS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING TO THE POINT OF SMOKE. SO THE GASKET IS SHOT, I'VE TAKEN THIS CAR IN BEFORE OVER THIS PROBLEM BUT STILL SEEMS TO COME BACK TO THE CAR OVERHEATING AND SMOKE. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS ONE GUY TOLD ME TO JUST GET A NEW ENGINE, THE COOLANT DIAGNOSTIC DIDN'T HELP AND ALL OF MY COOLANT CAN'T SEEM TO STAY IN THERE IT JUST LEAKS AS SOON AS IT'S IN, SO NOW WHAT??? THERE SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS CONSIDERING MY ENGINE WAS TESTED AND REFURBISHED BY CHEVY NO MORE THAN 8 MONTHS AGO AT THE DEALER. THIS CAR FINALLY STALLED OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST KILLED ME, THERE IS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE ONES I MENTIONED ABOVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10409277

106,789 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Electrical System

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PASSLOCK RANDOMLY ACTIVATES AND PREVENTS STARTING OF CAR -- MUST LEAVE KEY IN CAR FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTS. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. DID INTERNET SEARCH REGARDING MALIBU STARTING PROBLEMS AND SAW LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE BUT WHEN THE CARS ARE TAKEN IN THEY ARE TOLD THEY NEED IGNITION SWITCH…

Read full complaint

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PASSLOCK RANDOMLY ACTIVATES AND PREVENTS STARTING OF CAR -- MUST LEAVE KEY IN CAR FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTS. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. DID INTERNET SEARCH REGARDING MALIBU STARTING PROBLEMS AND SAW LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE BUT WHEN THE CARS ARE TAKEN IN THEY ARE TOLD THEY NEED IGNITION SWITCH OR SOME OTHER THING BUT AFTER REPLACEMENT STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET EXPRESSED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AGREE -- HAVING A CAR THAT MAY OR MAY NOT START AT ANY GIVEN TIME IS NOT SAFE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT IF ENGINES CUTS OFF OR IS TURNED OFF AND CAR NEEDS TO BE MOVED FOR AN EMERGENCY OR SAFETY REASON BUT WONT START FOR 10-15 MINUTES?! HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 12 TIMES OVER THE 10 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED IT. LOST COUNT. BOUGHT IT NEW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406903

106,000 miles · Jun 12, 2011
Electrical System

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PASSLOCK RANDOMLY ACTIVATES AND PREVENTS STARTING OF CAR -- MUST LEAVE KEY IN CAR FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTS. FIGURED OUT IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE HAD JUST GOTTEN A NEW ONE WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. DID INTERNET SEARCH REGARDING MALIBU STARTING PROBLEMS AND SAW LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM I…

Read full complaint

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PASSLOCK RANDOMLY ACTIVATES AND PREVENTS STARTING OF CAR -- MUST LEAVE KEY IN CAR FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTS. FIGURED OUT IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE HAD JUST GOTTEN A NEW ONE WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. DID INTERNET SEARCH REGARDING MALIBU STARTING PROBLEMS AND SAW LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE BUT WHEN THE CARS ARE TAKEN IN THEY ARE TOLD THEY NEED IGNITION SWITCH OR SOME OTHER THING BUT AFTER REPLACEMENT STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET EXPRESSED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AGREE -- HAVING A CAR THAT MAY OR MAY NOT START AT ANY GIVEN TIME IS NOT SAFE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT IF ENGINES CUTS OFF OR IS TURNED OFF AND CAR NEEDS TO BE MOVED FOR AN EMERGENCY OR SAFETY REASON BUT WON'T START FOR 10-15 MINUTES?! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406043

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

There is no summary currently available