IllustrationWHILE 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
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
What owners actually said
364 reportsI JUST RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM OLDSMOBILE LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE IS A CURRENT OPEN RECALL ON HAZARD / TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLIANT ABOUT MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS NOT WORK, BUT MY CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY KICKS OFF BY ITSELF ALL THE TIME, I HAVE…
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I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM OLDSMOBILE LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE IS A CURRENT OPEN RECALL ON HAZARD / TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLIANT ABOUT MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS NOT WORK, BUT MY CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY KICKS OFF BY ITSELF ALL THE TIME, I HAVE A LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT THAT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, AND MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK HALF THE TIME. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT IN THE WIRES OF MY CAR. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT THE SAME TIME MY TURN SIGNALS / HAZARDS STOP WORKING ALSO. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER LETS ME KNOW IF I REALLY MAY HAVE A LOW TIRE (WHICH COULD RESULT IN A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING, ETC.) ALTHOUGH, I'VE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES CURRENTLY BUT, I AM WONDERING SINCE THE LIGHT IS ON AND THE TIRE MAY REALLY BE LOW AND I HAVE A BLOWOUT, IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE SAME WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. IF A VEHICLE IS FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE, AND THE CRUISE KICKS OFF, THEN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE MAY BUMP INTO MY REAR OF MY CAR. I WOULD LIKE THIS LOOKED INTO IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *AK
PARKING BRAKE CEASED TO FUNCTION. WHEN ENGAGING PARKING BREAK, IT DOES NOT 'STAY' IN POSITION. WHEN ENGAGED AND HELD UP MANUALLY, THE PARKING BREAK WORKS, HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT STAY IN POSITION. NOTHING AS OF YET HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE (2001 GX MODEL, 5-SPEED).*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
PASSENGER WINDOW MADE A SCREECHING SOUND AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP. WHEN WINDOW DID ROLL UP IT DROPPED DOWN INSIDE THE DOOR. REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE WINDOW WAS SCRATCHED.*AK
BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE, THEY FEEL LIKE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER STATES THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THE DEFECT. THE PADS AND ROTORS COST $500.00 TO REPAIR. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY GM THAT HE DID NOT DRIVE VEHICLE ENOUGH SO ROTORS RUSTED. *TC
I HAVE A 2001 ALERO. IT HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING INTERMITTENTLY. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STEERING FLUID GELLING. IT FIXED MY STEERING BUT STILL WHINED A LITTLE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE NIGHT STATED BELOW. I WAS TURNING TO THE ON-RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE AND MY STEERING COMPLETELY FAI…
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I HAVE A 2001 ALERO. IT HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING INTERMITTENTLY. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STEERING FLUID GELLING. IT FIXED MY STEERING BUT STILL WHINED A LITTLE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE NIGHT STATED BELOW. I WAS TURNING TO THE ON-RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE AND MY STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND PROBABLY 20-25MPH AS I WAS SENT INTO THE CURB. THE WHEEL THAT HIT THE CURB FOLDED UNDER THE CAR AS THE SPINDLE BROKE. I WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT AND THERE WERE NO ADVERSE CONDITIONS. I WOULDN'T HAVE HIT THE CURB IF THE STEERING HADN'T GONE OUT AND EVEN SO, I DON'T THINK THAT AT THAT SPEED THAT MUCH DAMAGE SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T GO OFF. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE (WHERE I WAS HEADING) I WOULD HAVE ENDED UP GOING INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPING. *AK
ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SECURITY LIGHT REMAINS ON DURING THE DURATION OF DRIVING. WHEN WE TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND THE CAR WON'T START. OLDSMOBILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RECOMENDS LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING, TAKING THE KEY OUT FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THE…
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ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SECURITY LIGHT REMAINS ON DURING THE DURATION OF DRIVING. WHEN WE TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND THE CAR WON'T START. OLDSMOBILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RECOMENDS LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING, TAKING THE KEY OUT FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THEN TRYING TO START IT AGAIN. THIS NORMALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR, IT BECOMES A REAL HAZARD TO BE WAITING FOR YOUR VEHICLE TO START. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.*AK
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 $600.00 TO HAVE THEM FIXED BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME PIECE THAT WAS SHATTERED. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL WRECK-REPAIR SHOP AND THE GUY FIXED IT FREE OF CHARGE. HE SAID THERE WAS ONLY A PIECE THAT HAD CAME UNGLUED AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DIDN'T EVEN NEED ANY REPAIRS AT ALL. I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE MOST PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR'S WINDOWS. *JB
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 ENGINES 2.4L ON MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. MY LAST ENGINE LASTED 32 DAYS AFTER I SPENT 1200$ AND NOW I NEED TO HAVE WORK DONE TO IT AGAIN. *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