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2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 279.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

214 reports with mileage · 150 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 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports5 fire reports13 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

46 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 ALERO AND I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY INTAKE GASKET LEAKING, AND CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH MY WHEEL HUB BEARING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10064520

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED A USED 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO IN DECEMBER 2003 WITH 41,805 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF COOLANT UNDER THE CAR, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO IT BEIN…

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I PURCHASED A USED 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO IN DECEMBER 2003 WITH 41,805 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF COOLANT UNDER THE CAR, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO IT BEING A GASKET. I ALSO WAS INFORMED THAT MY WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. I LEARNED THROUGH RESEARCH THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES SO I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (I PURCHASED IT FROM A HONDA DEALER AND GM WOULDN'T TAKE THEIR DIAGNOSIS) TO SEE IF GM WOULD ASSIST IN THE REPAIR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WAS THE LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND WAS TOLD THAT GM WOULD NOT BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT I WOULD OWE THE GM DEALER $30 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST (WHICH GM ALSO DECLINED TO COVER) TO FIND THE PROBLEM; I WAS NEVER TOLD UP FRONT THAT THEY WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE TEST AND BASICALLY THE TEST WAS NOT REQUIRED SINCE I (AND GM) ALREADY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND WAS TOLD BY THEM TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER FOR CONSIDERATION FOR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS (IF NOT THOUSANDS) OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST GM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETINS FROM GM INDICATING THAT THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR (BETWEEN $800 AND $900 DOLLARS) FOR ONLY OWNING THE CAR FOR TWO MONTHS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10061841

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

A DEFECT ON A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10058982

32,000 miles · Feb 18, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLS OUT. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND DID NOT START THE FIRST TIME. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME THE 30,000 MILES SERVICE PACK. I REFUSED TO PAY OVER 300 HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THAT. THEY SAID THEY…

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WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLS OUT. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND DID NOT START THE FIRST TIME. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME THE 30,000 MILES SERVICE PACK. I REFUSED TO PAY OVER 300 HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THAT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CHECK THE CAR AGAIN AND CALLED ME BACK TO LET ME KNOW THAT IT LOOKED LIKE MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE A LITTLE CLOGGED. SO I HAD THE FUEL INJECTION CLEANING DONE. WELL THE CAR STILL RUNS THE SAME, ALMOST STALLING AND IT SEEMS WORSE. I CALLED THE DEALSHIP AND TOLD THEM AND THEY JUST GAVE MEAN ANSWER,"BRING IT IN". SO MY PROBLEM STILL IS NOT RESOLVED. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE CATALYIC CONVERTER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10058404

17,800 miles · Jan 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2003, I HAVE BEEN DISABLED NUMEROUS TIMES. ENGINE JUST QUITS. LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMBER OF TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. I DO PLENTY OF THRUWAY DRIVING AND NOW COASTING OFF TO THE SIDES. ALSO BRAKES GRIND WHEN IT …

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SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2003, I HAVE BEEN DISABLED NUMEROUS TIMES. ENGINE JUST QUITS. LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMBER OF TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. I DO PLENTY OF THRUWAY DRIVING AND NOW COASTING OFF TO THE SIDES. ALSO BRAKES GRIND WHEN IT IS WET OUTSIDE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10054475

24,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSeat Belts

ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER FOR SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE BUTTONS KEEP BREAKING OFF. HAD THE REAR DEFROSTER REPLACED, THE A/C HAD TO BE FIXED, THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE GAS GAUGE CURRENTLY IS NOT WORKING. THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY R…

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ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER FOR SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE BUTTONS KEEP BREAKING OFF. HAD THE REAR DEFROSTER REPLACED, THE A/C HAD TO BE FIXED, THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE GAS GAUGE CURRENTLY IS NOT WORKING. THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE I CAN'T KEEP TRACK ANY MORE. CONTINUE TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SHAKING WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THIS CAR IS MY WORST NIGHTMARE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SO MANY TIMES I LOST COUNT.

NHTSA ODI #10071021

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS MY WIFE AND I ARE HAVING WITH OUR OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WE INITIALLY USED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS'S AUTOLINE ARBITRATION PROCESS AND ALTHOUGH THE ARBITRATOR SAID THAT THE CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE OHIO LEMON LAW, HE THOUGHT THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US AND THE DEALER…

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THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS MY WIFE AND I ARE HAVING WITH OUR OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WE INITIALLY USED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS'S AUTOLINE ARBITRATION PROCESS AND ALTHOUGH THE ARBITRATOR SAID THAT THE CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE OHIO LEMON LAW, HE THOUGHT THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US AND THE DEALER. WHAT A JOKE. IF YOU LISTEN TO THE AUDIO TAPE OF THE HEARING IT IS OBVIOUS THAT GENERAL MOTORS WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FOLLOWING IS PART OF THE INITIAL LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SINCE YOU HAVE A RESTRICTION SET ON HOW MUCH INFO CAN BE SUPPLIED HERE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS PAID FOR. DATE: 08/18/2003 RE: WILLIAM G. MARSH 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO  ODOMETER READING = 9198 POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF THE OHIO LEMON LAW BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (B.B.B.) ARBITRATION OUR 2001 ALERO HAS BEEN IN FOR REPEATED REPAIRS OF SHAKING (LIKE DIESELING) AND STALLING PROBLEMS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS BEING TURNED OFF, AS IT WAS DESIGNED. AUGUST (2002) OF LAST YEAR WHEN WE WERE ON VACATION IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA, THIS PROBLEM BECAME VERY SEVERE. ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGE LIGHT THAT CAME ON (WITHOUT REASON) AT 5,454 MILES, BILL RESET THIS. THE FOLLOWING DAY OUR LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AT 5,580 (WITHOUT REASON). *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051470

41,000 miles · Dec 12, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

FAILURE OF INTAKE MANIFOLD RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE AFTER ONLY 40,000 MILES, I AM FINDING THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OFTEN RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10049646

34,200 miles · Sep 4, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY CAR WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WASN'T GETTING ANY FUEL TO THE ENGINE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE HAD TO BE CODE STORED IN THE COMPUTER, BUT THE DEALER COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. THEY ALSO RAN MY BATTERY DOWN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR THE FIRST TIME AND FIRST DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEAD BATTERY. THE…

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MY CAR WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WASN'T GETTING ANY FUEL TO THE ENGINE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE HAD TO BE CODE STORED IN THE COMPUTER, BUT THE DEALER COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. THEY ALSO RAN MY BATTERY DOWN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR THE FIRST TIME AND FIRST DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEAD BATTERY. THEN THE DEALER "DIAGNOSED" IT AS A PROBLEM WITH THE OE ALARM AND THAT IT NEEDED RESETTING. THEN THREE DAYS AFTER IT WAS "REPAIRED" IT DID THE SAME THING AND YET AGAIN IT WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE SAME WAY AS THE FIRST TIME AGAIN. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT IF IT EVER FAILLED TO RESTART IN AN EMERGENCY OR IN DANGEROUS PLACE, THAT IT COULD CAUSE AND INJURY/DEATH AND SERIOUS DAMAGE. IF THIS PROBLEM JUST NOW HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AND I'VE HAD THE CAR 2.5 YEARS, THEN THAT SHOULD TELL THE DEALER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10037264

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE DUE TO THE ENGINE THROWING COOLANT OUT OF THE COOLANT RESEVOIR, THIS RESULTS IN AN ENGINE THAT WAS HEAVING AND VIBRATING/KNOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING MOST OF ITS ANTI-FREEZE DURING THE OPERATION. ON ONE OCCASION THEY FOUND A LEAKY IN…

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THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE DUE TO THE ENGINE THROWING COOLANT OUT OF THE COOLANT RESEVOIR, THIS RESULTS IN AN ENGINE THAT WAS HEAVING AND VIBRATING/KNOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING MOST OF ITS ANTI-FREEZE DURING THE OPERATION. ON ONE OCCASION THEY FOUND A LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HE'D TAKE THE VEHICLE TO GET REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FOUND OR THERE WAS AN IMPRESSION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OKAY. ALSO, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED IN A WAY THAT AIR BUBBLES CANNOT BE BLED OUT AND WOULD LIKE HIS MONEY BACK. *SCC

NHTSA ODI #567551

Official recalls

4

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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

00V372000 · Power Train:manual Transmission

Nov 13, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER INDICATES REVERSE GEAR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN A FORWARD GEAR, WHICH IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE 5TH/REVERSE INHIBITOR BY REMOVING A RETAINING PIN AND REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.

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

3

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.

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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