NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
364 reports63,100 miles · Mar 21, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel System, OtherCrashInjury
WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 3/5/03 AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I WAS TRAVELING 40-45 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON SCOTTSDALE RD WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT BENT THE IMPACT BARS, MOVED MY COMPRESSOR TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HOOD, BUMPER, FENDER DAMAGE, THE PR…
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WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 3/5/03 AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I WAS TRAVELING 40-45 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON SCOTTSDALE RD WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT BENT THE IMPACT BARS, MOVED MY COMPRESSOR TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HOOD, BUMPER, FENDER DAMAGE, THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE WITHOUT DOING A TEAR DOWN IS AT $5000.00. I HAVE SUFFERED NECK, SHOULDER AND LEG INJURIES. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID A CERTIFIED GM REP WILL GO LOOK AT THE CAR AND TAKE PICTURES AND WILL CONTACT ME ON THE 29TH. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A MAN WHO DID NOT IDENTIFY HIMSELF AT THE DEALER SHIP AND SAID HE WAS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR GM AND DOWN LOADED THE INFO OFF THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR AND THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OFF, AND TOLD ME I NEED TO HAVE THEM START REPAIRING THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. YET IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IT STATES THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IN A NEAR FRONTAL OR FRONTAL IMPACT AND THAT THEY CAN ONLY ACCESS THIS COMPUTER IN THE CAR WITH THE OWNERS CONSENT WHICH I DID NOT GIVE. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM ELECTRICAL ENGINE WORK, THE FUEL SENSOR SHOWING ME I HAD GAS WHEN I DON'T, SCRATCHED ROTORS, AND THE HAZARDS AND BLINKERS WORKING AND NOT WORKING WHICH STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP. EVEN THE POLICE OFFERS DID NOT WANT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF AND THEY WHERE CONCERNED THAT IT DID NOT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10062758
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2004
Exterior Lighting
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
NHTSA ODI #10062656
62,370 miles · Mar 12, 2004
Air BagsCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10063135
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED A USED 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO IN DECEMBER 2003 WITH 41,805 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF COOLANT UNDER THE CAR, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO IT BEIN…
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I PURCHASED A USED 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO IN DECEMBER 2003 WITH 41,805 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF COOLANT UNDER THE CAR, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO IT BEING A GASKET. I ALSO WAS INFORMED THAT MY WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. I LEARNED THROUGH RESEARCH THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES SO I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (I PURCHASED IT FROM A HONDA DEALER AND GM WOULDN'T TAKE THEIR DIAGNOSIS) TO SEE IF GM WOULD ASSIST IN THE REPAIR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WAS THE LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND WAS TOLD THAT GM WOULD NOT BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT I WOULD OWE THE GM DEALER $30 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST (WHICH GM ALSO DECLINED TO COVER) TO FIND THE PROBLEM; I WAS NEVER TOLD UP FRONT THAT THEY WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE TEST AND BASICALLY THE TEST WAS NOT REQUIRED SINCE I (AND GM) ALREADY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND WAS TOLD BY THEM TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER FOR CONSIDERATION FOR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS (IF NOT THOUSANDS) OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST GM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETINS FROM GM INDICATING THAT THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR (BETWEEN $800 AND $900 DOLLARS) FOR ONLY OWNING THE CAR FOR TWO MONTHS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10061841
43,822 miles · Mar 6, 2004
Air BagsCrashInjury
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT ABOUT 40 MPH. UPON IMPACT THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF FRONTAL AIRBAGS WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT IN FRONT BY A TOYOTA TRUCK. ALSO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER BEING HIT BY THE TOYOTA TRUCK AND THEN FINALLY HITTING A PARKED FORD MUSTANG HEAD ON. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10060589
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2004
Electrical SystemPower Train
CONSUMER CAN PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN FOWARD GEAR, THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF REVERSE , THEN SHIFT IT BACK INTO REVERSE IN ORDER TO BACK OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10057901
74,000 miles · Mar 2, 2004
Power TrainSteering
THE IGNITION LOCK DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE THE LOCK FUNCTION, AND ALLOWED THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE "PARK" FUNCTION ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10060155
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
A DEFECT ON A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10058982
32,000 miles · Feb 18, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLS OUT. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND DID NOT START THE FIRST TIME. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME THE 30,000 MILES SERVICE PACK. I REFUSED TO PAY OVER 300 HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THAT. THEY SAID THEY…
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WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLS OUT. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND DID NOT START THE FIRST TIME. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME THE 30,000 MILES SERVICE PACK. I REFUSED TO PAY OVER 300 HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THAT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CHECK THE CAR AGAIN AND CALLED ME BACK TO LET ME KNOW THAT IT LOOKED LIKE MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE A LITTLE CLOGGED. SO I HAD THE FUEL INJECTION CLEANING DONE. WELL THE CAR STILL RUNS THE SAME, ALMOST STALLING AND IT SEEMS WORSE. I CALLED THE DEALSHIP AND TOLD THEM AND THEY JUST GAVE MEAN ANSWER,"BRING IT IN". SO MY PROBLEM STILL IS NOT RESOLVED. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE CATALYIC CONVERTER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10058404
58,000 miles · Feb 12, 2004
Electrical System
INTERMITTENTLY CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN/START THE VEHICLE DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10058021
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