NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
364 reports63,000 miles · Sep 26, 2008
Exterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD TURN; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO MAKE A BUZZING SOUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD TURN; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO MAKE A BUZZING SOUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA ODI #10243552
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE:ENGINE COOLING COOLANT LEAKS WHEN CAR IS IDLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239715
72,000 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
CAR SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. A FEW TIMES THIS HAPPENED IN LEFT LANE AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. MECHANIC REPLACED SENSORS (CAM) AFTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT CAR FAILED AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. DIAGNOSTIC POINTED TO ANOTHER SENSOR BUT THE CAR FAILED AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. MECHANI…
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CAR SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. A FEW TIMES THIS HAPPENED IN LEFT LANE AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. MECHANIC REPLACED SENSORS (CAM) AFTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT CAR FAILED AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. DIAGNOSTIC POINTED TO ANOTHER SENSOR BUT THE CAR FAILED AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. MECHANIC SUGGESTS REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238967
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT WONT START UNTIL CRANKED ON FOR A MINUTE OR MORE. HAZARD RELAY CLICKS REPEATEDLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232118
140,000 miles · Jun 9, 2008
Electrical System
SECURITY SENSOR FAILS. CAR WILL RUN FINE ONE MINUTE AND NOT AT ALL THE NEXT MINUTE. HAVE READ OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH THE CAR--IS ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT??? NOW, RESETTING THE SENSOR (THE WHOLE KEEP THE KEY IN THE 'ON' POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES TRICK) DOESN'T WORK. WHERE DO…
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SECURITY SENSOR FAILS. CAR WILL RUN FINE ONE MINUTE AND NOT AT ALL THE NEXT MINUTE. HAVE READ OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH THE CAR--IS ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT??? NOW, RESETTING THE SENSOR (THE WHOLE KEEP THE KEY IN THE 'ON' POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES TRICK) DOESN'T WORK. WHERE DOES THIS END??? I KNOW THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BY THIS BUT IF IT IS A WIRING ISSUE, IT'S ONLY TIME BEFORE SOMEONE COULD BE. ALSO, IF I GET STRANDED WITH MY CHILDREN SOMEWHERE, THAT WOULD BE REALLY BAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10230292
48,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
HORN OF THE CAR DID NOT WORK AFTER SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF FLASHER UNIT. NO TRAUMA OR INJURY TO CAR. INSPECTION OF CAR, IT WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED STEERING WHEEL AT THE BASE AND IT DAMAGED THE HORN RING. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FIXED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN 1 OT…
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HORN OF THE CAR DID NOT WORK AFTER SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF FLASHER UNIT. NO TRAUMA OR INJURY TO CAR. INSPECTION OF CAR, IT WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED STEERING WHEEL AT THE BASE AND IT DAMAGED THE HORN RING. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FIXED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN 1 OTHER SUCH CASE IN 37 YEARS OF SERVICE. CAR MUST HAVE HAD A DEFECTIVE STEERING WHEEL WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228247
72,000 miles · Apr 29, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
I HAVE A 2001 OLDS ALERO....FOR TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SENSOR ON MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE SENSOR CAUSED MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO FAIL. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET FIXED IT SEEMS THAT MY BEARING WAS BAD. ON THE DAY THAT I GOT MY CAR FIXED 5 CARS BETWEEN 2 DEALERS WERE GETTING THE SAME PROBLEM…
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I HAVE A 2001 OLDS ALERO....FOR TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SENSOR ON MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE SENSOR CAUSED MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO FAIL. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET FIXED IT SEEMS THAT MY BEARING WAS BAD. ON THE DAY THAT I GOT MY CAR FIXED 5 CARS BETWEEN 2 DEALERS WERE GETTING THE SAME PROBLEM FIXED. THEY WERE ALL GM CARS.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226072
105,000 miles · Mar 13, 2008
Visibility
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
NHTSA ODI #10220998
90,000 miles · Mar 5, 2008
Exterior Lighting
ANYTIME THE CAR IS ON, A CLICKING SOUNDS COME FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AS IF THE TURN SIGNAL IS ON. $200 FOR THE PART AND LABOR TO CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, ITS A 2001. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220165
89,000 miles · Feb 14, 2008
Exterior LightingInterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE INTERIOR, HAZARD, AND FOG LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH) BECAUSE THE SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER THE SAME RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE INTERIOR, HAZARD, AND FOG LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH) BECAUSE THE SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER THE SAME RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10218059
Official recalls
4Jul 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.
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.
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.
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
Illustration