IllustrationCONSUMER STATES: THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY CLICKING EVERYTIME YOU TURN ON THE VEHICLE. PUSHED BUTTON LIGHT AND SOMETHING POPPED OUT AND THE BUTTON WENT DOWN INSIDE. ITS GETTING TO WERE CONSTRATE WHEN DRIVING . *AK
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Alero years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
220–25K
4625–50K
5650–75K
2475–100K
45100–150K
21150K+
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
Exterior Lighting complaints
68 reportsCONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 03V327000 CONCERNING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
RECALL 03V327000 CONCERNING HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT SHE DID NOT RECEIVE THIS RECALL NOTICE.*AK
THE CONSUMER STATES THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENLY. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V327000 *TC
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WERE INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY JENNIFER'S FATHER MICHAEL ZAZZARO. *AK
THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WILL NOT SUSTAIN. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD AIR DAILY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO COOPERATE. *AK THE LEFT FRONT DOOR BODY SIDE WAS FALLING, THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH MAY CRACK, THE COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THERE WAS A…
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THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WILL NOT SUSTAIN. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD AIR DAILY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO COOPERATE. *AK THE LEFT FRONT DOOR BODY SIDE WAS FALLING, THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH MAY CRACK, THE COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THERE WAS AN ERRATIC SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION WAS FIRST TURNED ON, THE DRIVER WINDOW HAD A WATER LEAK, THE LEFT POWER WINDOW WON'T SEAL, THE REGULATOR WAS BROKEN, AND THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO BINDING CYLINDER LOCK. SC
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 24 OCT 02, FROM A SMALL CAR LOT. ON 25 OCT 02, MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK. I TOOK IT IN TO THE CAR LOT AND THEY PUT A FOUR-WAY FLASHER IN IT. ON 26 OCT 02, IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED THE CAR SALESMAN AND HE SAID SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY, THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL MONDAY. AFTER WORKING …
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 24 OCT 02, FROM A SMALL CAR LOT. ON 25 OCT 02, MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK. I TOOK IT IN TO THE CAR LOT AND THEY PUT A FOUR-WAY FLASHER IN IT. ON 26 OCT 02, IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED THE CAR SALESMAN AND HE SAID SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY, THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL MONDAY. AFTER WORKING ON IT FOR SEVERAL HOURS, MY FATHER FINALLY CLEANED OUT THE FUEL LINE AND GOT IT STARTED. ON NOV 6 2002, MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT BACK UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. ON 24 NOV 02, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE DIED AND THE "TRAC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD A ROLL BACK HAUL IT IN TO A MECHANIC. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID MY ONE MONTH/1,000 MI WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THEY WERE NOT GOING TO COVER CHARGES. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF 600.00. IN MAR 03, MY CAR BEGAN VIBRATING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP AND THEY PUT A NEW SET OF ROTORS ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE OLD ONES (FROM THE FACTORY) WERE TOO THIN TO BE RESURFACED. IN JUN 03, I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS CORRECTED IN THE SAME WAY, WITH NEW ROTORS. IN MAY 04, MY WINDOW FELL BACK DOWN INTO MY DOOR. MY FATHER GLUED THE PIECE BACK ON THAT HAD BROKEN LOOSE. ON JUL 8 04, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL OLDSMOBILE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPAIRED. THE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED AND NEW PADS WERE INSTALLED. ALSO, ON 21 JUL 04, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE WINDOWS REPAIRED. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $600.00 TO HAVE THEM FIXED BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME PIECE THAT WAS SHATTERED. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL WRECK-REPAIR SHOP AND THE GUY FIXED IT FREE OF CHARGE. HE SAID THERE WAS ONLY A PIECE THAT HAD CAME UNGLUED AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DIDN'T EVEN NEED ANY REPAIRS AT ALL. I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE MOST PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR'S WINDOWS. *JB
THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY. THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL TRIES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEVER "CRANK OVER." THE ENGINE VIBRATED WHEN THE A/C WAS USED,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, THE …
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THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY. THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL TRIES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEVER "CRANK OVER." THE ENGINE VIBRATED WHEN THE A/C WAS USED,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, THE FRONT WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN, THE REAR HANDLES FELT LIKE THEY WERE STICKING, THERE WAS A BURNT OIL SMELL, AND AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD RUN ROUGH. THE MASTER SWITCH, A/C COMPRESSOR, CRANK SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL TANK, HAZARD SWITCH, AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANICS REPOSITIONED A WIRE HARNESS FROM THE CRANK SENSOR AND REPLACED THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID. THE TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING IN TRAFFIC IN WHICH THERE WAS ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. THE ANTENNA WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE RADIO SIGNAL WOULD GO OUT EVERY TIME THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS USED (THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM). THE BACK WINDOW HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED TO SOLVE THE ANTENNA PROBLEM. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE SEAL FOR THE COOLANT LEAKED. *SC *JB
THIS CAR IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TAKEN TO DEALER AND GARAGE WHO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. OBTAINED INFORMATION TO CORRECTLY REPAIR. TURN SIGNALS WERE REPAIRED IN 2003. IT T…
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THIS CAR IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TAKEN TO DEALER AND GARAGE WHO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. OBTAINED INFORMATION TO CORRECTLY REPAIR. TURN SIGNALS WERE REPAIRED IN 2003. IT TOOK UNTIL MARCH, 2004 TO RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. SINCE REPAIR OF MY TURN SIGNALS, MY FAN DOES NOT WORK ON THE ONE OR TWO MARKING. MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AT RANDOM EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE PRESSURE IS ADEQUATE. BRAKES AND ROTORS REPAIRED EVERY YEAR. MY CAR IS DIFFICULT TO START ON MANY OCCASIONS AND FAILS TO START ON THE FIRST TRY. WHEEL BEARINGS AND SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES. AT TIMES, WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, YOU CAN HEAR A LOW GRINDING NOISE. AIR COMES IN ON THE DRIVER DOOR WHERE THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ARE LOCATED TO OPERATE THE WINDOW. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS AND TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS? GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLE. OUR VAN GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE THAN THIS VEHICLE.*AK
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS SWITCH WORKED INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING, WHICH RESULTED IN OPEN CIRCUIT. RECALL 03V327000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Official recalls
414V400000 · 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
3EA02037 · 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
There is no summary currently available