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
What owners actually said
721 reports
43,000 miles · Sep 19, 2009
Electrical System
BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU IN APRIL WITH 41,000 MILES. RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, BUT THEN WOULDN'T ALWAYS START (HAD TO KEEP TRYING AND TRY EVERY KEY I OWNED). ABOUT 6-10 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO EITHER COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR JAM IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TRY TO RESTART IT. HAZ…
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BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU IN APRIL WITH 41,000 MILES. RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, BUT THEN WOULDN'T ALWAYS START (HAD TO KEEP TRYING AND TRY EVERY KEY I OWNED). ABOUT 6-10 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO EITHER COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR JAM IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TRY TO RESTART IT. HAZARD!!!!!!! HAD IT TO MY MECHANIC 3 TIMES AND IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG WHEN HE HAS IT. JUST GOT IT BACK THIS PAST MONDAY AND IT RAN OK FOR 4 DAYS AND THEN TODAY IT STOPPED 3 TIMES IN 1/2 MILE DRIVE. HELP - I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I FEAR SOMEDAY I WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT JUST STOPS RUNNING. HAVE HAD OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR WITH ME WHEN IT JUST STOPS RUNNING AND SCARED THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. I NEED MY CAR TO GET TO WORK TO MAKE A LIVING. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH SAME COMPLAINTS. WHO CAN I CALL FOR ASSISTANCE WITHOUT IT COSTING A FORTUNE TO FIX. I CAN'T AFFORD HUGE REPAIR BILLS AT THIS TIME AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO GO BUY ANOTHER CAR. I PUT TODAY'S DATE AS THE INCIDENT DATE, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 12-15 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS. SHOULDN'T CHEVROLET FIX THIS FOR FREE?????? IT'S A DEFECT IN THE CAR!! THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284634
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2009
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. I HAVE SPENT NUMEROUS HOURS, AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND GET IT FIXED. I KNOW NOW THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND WONDER WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THE SAID PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282908
124,000 miles · Aug 29, 2009
Electrical System
MY CAR IS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. 1. THE CAR FAILED TO START. IT GOT MORE AND MORE FREQUENT, FROM ONCE A DAY TO EVERY START. 2. THE GARAGE DIAGNOSED IT AND SAID THE THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO RECOGNIZE MY KEY. 3. I GET NEW KEYS FROM THE DEALER. 4. THE PROBLEM GETS BETTER AND IT IS STILL THERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282222
66,000 miles · Jul 15, 2009
Electrical System
THEFT SYSTEM ON CAR OCCASIONALLY KICKS IN, PREVENTING STARTING FOR 10 MINUTES OR MORE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I PUT IN KEY QUICKLY TO START CAR. USUALLY I CAN REMEMBER TO INSERT THE KEY, LET IT REGISTER, AND THEN TURN THE IGNITION. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAPPENED I DIDN'T KNOW THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT TOWED. THE DEALER FIXED IT O…
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THEFT SYSTEM ON CAR OCCASIONALLY KICKS IN, PREVENTING STARTING FOR 10 MINUTES OR MORE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I PUT IN KEY QUICKLY TO START CAR. USUALLY I CAN REMEMBER TO INSERT THE KEY, LET IT REGISTER, AND THEN TURN THE IGNITION. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAPPENED I DIDN'T KNOW THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT TOWED. THE DEALER FIXED IT ONCE, SAID IT WAS WARRANTY WORK, THE NEXT TIME A MECHANIC PUT IN A NEW IGNITION SYSTEM WHICH HELPED FOR A WHILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276874
65,000 miles · Jul 15, 2009
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. HE CANNOT USE THE TURN SIGNALS WHILE PREPARING TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH). TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. HE CANNOT USE THE TURN SIGNALS WHILE PREPARING TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #10276848
74,000 miles · May 11, 2009
Electrical System
PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK THEFT SYSTEM. FIRST PROBLEM WITH IT TWO YEARS AGO. NOW, THE PASSLOCK IS NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO START AT LEAST ONCE A DAY. I HAVE TO PUT THE KEY "ON" FOR TEN MINUTES THEN "OFF" BEFORE RESTARTING IT. MY BIGGEST CONCERNS ARE "WHAT IF I WAS RUSHING OUT THE DOOR TO TAKE ONE OF MY CHILDREN TO THE HOSPIT…
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PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK THEFT SYSTEM. FIRST PROBLEM WITH IT TWO YEARS AGO. NOW, THE PASSLOCK IS NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO START AT LEAST ONCE A DAY. I HAVE TO PUT THE KEY "ON" FOR TEN MINUTES THEN "OFF" BEFORE RESTARTING IT. MY BIGGEST CONCERNS ARE "WHAT IF I WAS RUSHING OUT THE DOOR TO TAKE ONE OF MY CHILDREN TO THE HOSPITAL AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES TO START MY CAR". THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I KNOW THIS SYSTEM IS A PROBLEM FOR MANY GM OWNERS (JUST LOOKING IT UP ON THE WEB SHOWS ME ALL THE PROBLEMS). I THINK TOO COMMON OF A FAILURE THAT A RECALL ON THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. DISABLING THIS FEATURE COULD ALSO BE AN AFFORDABLE WAY FOR CONSUMERS TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY US WHO WERE FORCED TO HAVE THE "THEFT DETERRENT" IN OUR CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10268399
94,930 miles · Apr 30, 2009
Electrical System
TWO MONTHS AGO WE BOUGHT A USED 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TWO DAYS AFTER WAS SITTING, STRANDED BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTIONING PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE FIRST TIME IT MALFUNCTIONED I TURNED THE KEY AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT BLINKED SO I WAITED 10 MINUTES AND IT CRANKED AFTER IT RESET. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY REPLACED …
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TWO MONTHS AGO WE BOUGHT A USED 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TWO DAYS AFTER WAS SITTING, STRANDED BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTIONING PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE FIRST TIME IT MALFUNCTIONED I TURNED THE KEY AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT BLINKED SO I WAITED 10 MINUTES AND IT CRANKED AFTER IT RESET. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AT A COST OF $470. THE VERY NEXT DAY I GET STRANDED AT THE GAS PUMP ONLY THIS TIME THE SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON SOLID FOR 5 SECONDS THEN GOES AWAY. NO OTHER LIGHTS ON MY PANEL OTHER THAN THE MILEAGE SHOWS UP. I SAT FOR TWO HOURS WAITING AND TRYING TO CRANK IT BEFORE GETTING A RIDE HOME. WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND IT CRANKED RIGHT UP. YESTERDAY I WAS STRANDED AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME THE THING WENT DEAD. IT CRANKED RIGHT UP AND THEN AFTER A SECOND OR TWO WENT DEAD AGAIN. WENT TO RE-CRANK AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT ONLY COMES ON FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND NO OTHER LIGHTS. I SAT FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS TRYING TO CRANK THAT THING AND FINALLY HAD TO CALL THE POLICE TO GIVE ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN A RIDE HOME. WE WENT BACK THIS MORNING AND THE EVIL THING CRANKED RIGHT UP. WE DROVE IT HOME AND IT'S SITTING IN OUR DRIVE LOOKING INNOCENT AS EVER. IT WILL CRANK 20 OR SO TIMES BEFORE THE PASSLOCK KICKS IN AGAIN. THIS CAR RUNS GREAT AND I HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS OTHER THAN THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM OF THE '!@#$%!!!!
NHTSA ODI #10267329
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2009
Electrical System
MY THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ABOUT A WEEK APART EACH. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND RELEARN. THE REPAIRMAN INDICATED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE ON A NUMBER OF MALIBUS. SOMETIMES USING A DIFFERENT KEY FIXES THE PROBLEM. NOT IN MY CASE. SIMILAR COMPLAI…
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MY THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ABOUT A WEEK APART EACH. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND RELEARN. THE REPAIRMAN INDICATED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE ON A NUMBER OF MALIBUS. SOMETIMES USING A DIFFERENT KEY FIXES THE PROBLEM. NOT IN MY CASE. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ARE LOGGED ON INTERNET CHAT ROOMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266753
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2009
Exterior Lighting
THE HAZARD/SIGNAL LIGHTS ON MY 2001 MALIBU STOPPED WORKING, AND WAS "FIXED" ON A RECALL NOTICE IN 2004. THE SAME ISSUE IS NOW OCCURRING AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN IN A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS WITH MY TODDLER IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266326
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2009
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU USED. THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL NOT START. I COME BACK IN 10-15 MINUTES AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. THIS OCCURS ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY, I ALSO MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
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.
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 ↗
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.
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.
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.
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
2001 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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