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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
58 miles · May 5, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD, MY 2001 CHEV. MALIBU HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH MY TWO CHILDREN. I HAD TO HAVE A WRECKER PICK IT UP BOTH TIMES, AND BOTH TIMES I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT IS OUT OF GAS. IT WAS SHOWING HAVING PLENTY OF GAS. THE MECHANIC AT THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS…

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IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD, MY 2001 CHEV. MALIBU HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH MY TWO CHILDREN. I HAD TO HAVE A WRECKER PICK IT UP BOTH TIMES, AND BOTH TIMES I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT IS OUT OF GAS. IT WAS SHOWING HAVING PLENTY OF GAS. THE MECHANIC AT THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS THE 15TH ONE IN TWO WEEKS TIME. HE STATED THAT IT IS THE FUEL SENSOR MODULE.!!!!! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10017060

48,000 miles · Apr 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10016350

2,800 miles · Apr 17, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP THE IT STALLED. THE DEALER CHANGED THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. *NLM WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP THE IT STALLED. THE DEALER CHANGED THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. *MR

NHTSA ODI #10016125

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2003
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND WHEN ROAD CONDITION VARIES (SUCH AS A BUMP IN THE ROAD), VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AS IF DEACTIVATING THE CAR, E.G. CAR DOORS UNLOCK, NO RPM, GAS NEEDLE IMMEDIATELY DESCENDS TO E, IMMEDIATE DECELERATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014518

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSeats

AFTER RESEARCHING THE SERVICE BULLETINS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED/HAD SERVICED ABOUT 85% OF THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT ARE LISTED ON YOUR DATABASE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW, FROM EVERETT CHEVROLET, WA IN 2000. SINCE THE PURCHASE. DATE, I HAD CHEVY DO THE FOLLOWING: NEW BRAKES (ALL THE W…

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AFTER RESEARCHING THE SERVICE BULLETINS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED/HAD SERVICED ABOUT 85% OF THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT ARE LISTED ON YOUR DATABASE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW, FROM EVERETT CHEVROLET, WA IN 2000. SINCE THE PURCHASE. DATE, I HAD CHEVY DO THE FOLLOWING: NEW BRAKES (ALL THE WAY AROUND - ONCE, FRONT ROTORS/PADS - TWICE), ALL NEW PISTONS, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, MISS ON #1 CYLINDER - REPLACED 1 FAILED SPARK PLUG, LEFT REAR DOOR SQUEAKS WHEN OPEN/SHUT - LUBED (HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW), FRONT LEFT NOISE FROM STRUTS/BRAKES - NOT ABLE TO VERIFY AS OF YET (POSSIBLE STRUT PROBLEM/LUBE), FAN IN DASHBOARD HAS A SOUND IN THE MIDDLE (JUST ABOVE THE CD PLAYER/RADIO) LIKE THERE IS A PIECE OF PAPER CAUGHT IN THE HOUSING (CONFIRMED AFTER 4 COMPLAINTS, FAULTY FAN MOTOR), PASSENGER FRONT SEAT SQUEAKS WHEN OCCUPIED (DEALERSHIPS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE./FIX), REARVIEW MIRROR RATTLES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (TIGHTENED, STILL DOES IT IN HOT WEATHER). BOTTOM LINE, THIS IS MY FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE AND I AM HAVING SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT KEEPING THE CAR - AS IT ONLY HAS 21,405 MILES ON IT. WITH THE 3/30 WARRANTY. COMING UP IN OCT. 2003, I AM VERY MUCH AFRAID THAT I HAVE PURCHASED A LEMON AND NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING ANYMORE TIME/$$$ ON THIS VEHICLE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014436

6,047 miles · Apr 10, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES PADS WERE REPLACED 4 TIMES, HOWEVER THEY CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCED UNEVEN WEAR. *JB ON FOUR OCCASIONS THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE MACHINED, AND ON TWO OCCASIONS THEY WERE CLEANED, LUBED, AND CALIPER SLID. SCC

NHTSA ODI #10015630

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS DESIGNED, THE CALIPER PISTON OVER HEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE PISTON TO EXPAND. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10015146

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

EXCESSIVE BRAKE REPAIR:FRONT AND REAR SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 9/12/01 TO 3/31/03: BRAKES SERVICED ON 12/14/01-MACHINE FRONT ROTORS AND REAR DRUMS, 3/14/02-REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS MACHINE REAR DRUMS, 8/12/02 R&R REAR DRUMS & MACHINE R&R REAR BRAKE SHOES & LUBE BACKING PLATE, 3/31/03 FRONT BRAKES NEEDED CLEAN AN…

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EXCESSIVE BRAKE REPAIR:FRONT AND REAR SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 9/12/01 TO 3/31/03: BRAKES SERVICED ON 12/14/01-MACHINE FRONT ROTORS AND REAR DRUMS, 3/14/02-REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS MACHINE REAR DRUMS, 8/12/02 R&R REAR DRUMS & MACHINE R&R REAR BRAKE SHOES & LUBE BACKING PLATE, 3/31/03 FRONT BRAKES NEEDED CLEAN AND ADJUST REAR BRAKES. MILEAGE WAS RESPECTIVELY: 5836, 12450, 21975, 33533. ALL BRAKE WORK DONE BY DEALER. INDEPENDENT BRAKE INSPECTION ON 4/3/03 SHOWS FRONT BRAKES NEEDED AND 20/1000THS LEFT ON REAR DRUMS. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD SET OF BRAKES PUT ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY EXPIRES. ALSO REAR DRUMS ARE WITHIN 20/1000THS OF DRUM SPEC DISCARD PRIOR TO MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY EXPIRATION.

NHTSA ODI #10013939

7,000 miles · Mar 26, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. WITH LESS THAN 16000 MILES THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURE AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED AND CHANGED THE PADS AND ROTORS ONE TIME FOR FREE BUT THE OTHER TWO TIMES THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10012499

17,000 miles · Mar 21, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

IN 2001 WE PURCHASED A NEW CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER JUST 17,000 MILES WE WERE INFORMED IT WOULD NOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION BECAUSE THE BRAKES HAD WORN OUT. GM REPLACED THE BRAKES FOR US. 13,000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING AND LETTER WRITING, GM REPLACED THE BRAKES AGAIN. I INSPECTED THE BRAK…

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IN 2001 WE PURCHASED A NEW CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER JUST 17,000 MILES WE WERE INFORMED IT WOULD NOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION BECAUSE THE BRAKES HAD WORN OUT. GM REPLACED THE BRAKES FOR US. 13,000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING AND LETTER WRITING, GM REPLACED THE BRAKES AGAIN. I INSPECTED THE BRAKES IN BOTH INSTANCES AND NOTICED THAT ONLY THE INNER BRAKE PAD WAS WORN, THE OUTER PAD LOOKED BRAND NEW. THE CALIPER IS CAST ALUMINUM AND IT BENDS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED MUCH LIKE A CHEAP "C" CLAMP THAT YOU MIGHT FIND IN A DOLLAR STORE. THERE ARE TWO MAJOR CONCERNS I HAVE ABOUT THIS CONDITION. FIRST AND FOREMOST IS THE SAFETY OF THIS SYSTEM. WITH THE CONSTANT FLEXING I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CALIPER MAY FRACTURE AT SOME POINT DOWN THE ROAD. IN ADDITION TO THE FLEXING, I BELIEVE THE INNER PAD IS OVERHEATING, SINCE IT IS DOING ALL OF THE WORK, AND THIS COULD CAUSE BRAKE FADE. THE CALIPER ALSO APPEARS TO BIND ON THE GUIDE PINS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. WHEN THE CASTING BENDS, IT CAUSES A MISALIGNMENT OF THE GUIDE PINS AND CONSEQUENTLY THE CALIPER THEN BINDS. THE SECOND ISSUE I HAVE IS WITH THE LIFE OF THE BRAKES. GM SAYS THE BRAKES SHOULD ONLY LAST BETWEEN 8,000 AND 12,000 MILES. IF THE CALIPER DIDN'T FLEX AS MUCH AND THE PADS WERE WEARING EVENLY THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE BRAKES WOULD GO UP SIGNIFICANTLY. IN EITHER CASE GM BLEW IT WITH THEIR CHOICE OF THESE CALIPERS ON THIS VEHICLE. AT THE VERY WORST, THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK. I WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THESE VEHICLES COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE BRAKES, AND ARE PEOPLE EVEN LOOKING AT THE BRAKES AS A CAUSE? AT BEST, GM IS SHAFTING THEIR CUSTOMERS. PEOPLE ARE PAYING NEEDLESSLY FOR SERVICE WORK THEY DON'T NEED. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY RESULTING FROM THIS. IT ALSO SPEAKS TO GM'S INTEGRITY AND ETHICS, ALLOWING AN INFERIOR BRAKE SYSTEM TO BE USED ON ITS VEHICLES. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10010850

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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