Illustration2001 OLDMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
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
Visibility complaints
34 reportsREAR DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. WENT TO DEALER FOR ANOTHER ISSUE AND DEALER TOLD ME SOMEONE PUT IN AN INADEQUATE WIRE TO MODULE AND CAUSED IT TO MELT. WENT TO 3 JUNKYARDS TODAY AND FOUND 6 ALERO AROUND THE SAME YEAR THAT ALL HAD THE WIRE MELTED TO THE MODULE. FOUND THIS ONLINE SO HERE I AM.. DEALER TRIED TO POINT FINGER AT SOMEO…
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REAR DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. WENT TO DEALER FOR ANOTHER ISSUE AND DEALER TOLD ME SOMEONE PUT IN AN INADEQUATE WIRE TO MODULE AND CAUSED IT TO MELT. WENT TO 3 JUNKYARDS TODAY AND FOUND 6 ALERO AROUND THE SAME YEAR THAT ALL HAD THE WIRE MELTED TO THE MODULE. FOUND THIS ONLINE SO HERE I AM.. DEALER TRIED TO POINT FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE BUT ITS OBVIOUS THIS IS AN ALERO PROBLEM. I'LL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER AGAIN TO SEE WHAT THEY'LL DO ABOUT IT BEFORE IT CAUSES A FIRE. *TR
SEVERAL FAILURES OF EITHER FRONT BRAKES OR REAR BRAKES REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. FAILURE HAPPENS AFTER LESS THAN 20,000 ON EACH SET OF BRAKES. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 3 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON DRIVER SIDE AS WELL AS 2 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH DRIVERS WINDOW AND PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BE…
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SEVERAL FAILURES OF EITHER FRONT BRAKES OR REAR BRAKES REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. FAILURE HAPPENS AFTER LESS THAN 20,000 ON EACH SET OF BRAKES. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 3 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON DRIVER SIDE AS WELL AS 2 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH DRIVERS WINDOW AND PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE.... UPDATED 04/11/13 *BF
JUST BOUGHT MY 2001 ALERO RIGHT OFF THE CAR LOT, BUT NOW THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER MIRROR ISN'T WORKING, LIGHTER ISN'T WORKING, CALLED THE CAR LOT TO TELL THEM THAT AND HE SAID THAT IT COULD BE THE FUSE WAS BAD! SO I BUY A USED CAR FOR THREE GRAND AND MINOR STUFF STARTS HAPPENING TO IT.... HOW MUCH IS A FUSE?? *TR
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WASN'T ROLLING UP AND WE HEARD IT SNAP. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE WINDOW UP AND HAD IT THERE FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS UNTIL THE WINDOW CLIPS BROKE AND THE WHOLE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. WE BOUGHT A NEW WINDOW AND A NEW WINDOW REGULATOR BUT NOW IT'S DOING T…
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ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WASN'T ROLLING UP AND WE HEARD IT SNAP. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE WINDOW UP AND HAD IT THERE FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS UNTIL THE WINDOW CLIPS BROKE AND THE WHOLE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. WE BOUGHT A NEW WINDOW AND A NEW WINDOW REGULATOR BUT NOW IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR? THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN LIVING IN MINNESOTA. IT'S ALMOST WINTER TIME AND WE DON'T HAVE A WORKING WINDOW OR AT LEAST ONE THAT STAYS SHUT AT ALL TIMES. SHOULD OLDSMOBILE HAVE TO RECALL ALL WINDOWS AND REPLACE THEM FOR FREE? PLASTIC CLIPS? HOW WOULD YOU EVER THINK THEY WOULD HOLD UP? I'M VERY UPSET BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY AND THESE WINDOW ISSUES ARE COSTING US A LOT OF MONEY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER, LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE BACK PANEL BY THE REAR WINDOW, BECOMES VERY HOT AND MELTS. IT MELTED THE CONNECTION AND THE BOX THAT CONTAINS THE MODULE. AS A RESULT, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER OR REPA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER, LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE BACK PANEL BY THE REAR WINDOW, BECOMES VERY HOT AND MELTS. IT MELTED THE CONNECTION AND THE BOX THAT CONTAINS THE MODULE. AS A RESULT, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT HAS FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE AND BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, APPROX 105,000 MILES. AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY I WENT OUTSIDE TO WARM UP MY CAR BEFORE WORK AND NOTICED THE HEATER BLOWER WASN'T WORKING. HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS REPLACED SO THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ALSO NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE CAR, AS IF AN ELECTRICAL MOTOR WAS HOT, SO ASSUMED …
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2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, APPROX 105,000 MILES. AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY I WENT OUTSIDE TO WARM UP MY CAR BEFORE WORK AND NOTICED THE HEATER BLOWER WASN'T WORKING. HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS REPLACED SO THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ALSO NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE CAR, AS IF AN ELECTRICAL MOTOR WAS HOT, SO ASSUMED THE BLOWER MOTOR OVERHEATED AND WENT OUT. LATER THAT DAY CHECKED THE FUSE FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR- IT WAS BAD, I CHANGED IT AND THE HEATER WORKED. HOWEVER, STILL NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL SMELL AND FINALLY ASSOCIATED IT WITH THE REAR DEFOGGER. AROUND MARCH 07 THE DEFOGGER QUIT WORKING. NOTICED TODAY ON MY CAR STATS THAT A COMPLAINT WAS FILED IN FEBRUARY WITH A FAIL DATE OF 01/17/08 WHERE THE REAR DEFOGGER FAILED AND THE CAR ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE. MY CAR DID NOT CATCH FIRE, BUT IT IS THE SAME YEAR AND APPROXIMATE MILEAGE AS THE ONE THAT DID. I'M SURE THESE AREN'T THE ONLY TWO. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IF YOU NOTICE AN ELECTRICAL SMELL, GET IT CHECKED OUT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE REAR SEAT WAS DAMAGED AND THE REAR WINDOW WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS ALSO SMOKE DAMAGE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
DRIVER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WHEN THE HOLDING CLIPS INSIDE THE DOOR BROKE OFF THE LIFT MECHANISM. *TR
SINCE FEB. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 05 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WENT ON HOT (AND THE CAR WAS NOT). I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY OF COURSE FOUND NOTHING WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER THEY USE TO DIAG…
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SINCE FEB. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 05 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WENT ON HOT (AND THE CAR WAS NOT). I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY OF COURSE FOUND NOTHING WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER THEY USE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS WASN'T REGISTERING ANYTHING. NOT QUITE A MONTH HAD PASSED WHEN I STARTED TO HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE CAR, A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN A.M. TRAFFIC ON THE FWY. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN, THEY STATED IT WAS CPC COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE IGNITER HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, IT STALLED AGAIN, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AGAIN THE NEXT DAY IT WAS TAKEN IN AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS PASS AND THE SAME PROBLEMS START TO OCCUR, THIS TIME WHEN IT WAS THERE, NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THIS TIME AGAIN DRIVING ON THE FWY. THE CAR STALLED, I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, THE CAR AGAIN AS USUAL WOULD NOT RESTART, NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS I MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY. MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER CURRENTLY AND THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. IN READING OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A PROBLEM. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO KILLED BEFORE GMC DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? *JB
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