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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
30,000 miles · Feb 7, 2004
Electrical SystemPower Train

MY CAR IS A 2001, IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN , LUCKILY THE BLINKER, FLASHER ISSUE IS BEING RECALLED. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO. WHEN I TRY TO ROLL IT DOWN, IT WILL PULL DOWN THE ENGINE AND MY LIGH…

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MY CAR IS A 2001, IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN , LUCKILY THE BLINKER, FLASHER ISSUE IS BEING RECALLED. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO. WHEN I TRY TO ROLL IT DOWN, IT WILL PULL DOWN THE ENGINE AND MY LIGHTS WILL DIM VERY LOW.( EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS.) MY BACK SPEAKERS ALSO WORK WHENEVER THEY WANT TO. I AM NOT ONE TO LISTEN TO LOUD MUSIC, BUT IT'S PRETTY BAD WHEN ONLY THE FRONT SPEAKERS WORK. I BELIEVE THESE CARS NEED TO BE REWIRED. THE LATEST PROBLEM HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BUTTON COMPLETELY BROKE OFF. LUCKILY THE BUTTON IS STILL "LITERALLY" HANGING IN THERE ,BUT IF IT FALLS OUT AND GETS LOST THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO PUT MY CAR INTO GEAR OR OUT OF GEAR FOR THAT MATTER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. THE DEALER WHOM I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IS NOT WILLING TO HELP AT ALL WITH ANY OF THE SITUATIONS WITH MY CAR. HOW CAN CONSUMERS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM COMPANIES WHO DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. WE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR OUR VEHICLES AND THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH. OUR LIVES BEING IN DANGER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10056718

44,229 miles · Jan 23, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SHORTED OUT. *PH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SHORTED OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT HUB KIT AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. LESS …

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LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SHORTED OUT. *PH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SHORTED OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT HUB KIT AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SHORTED OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS ONCE AGAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1601.05 FOR BOTH REPAIRS. (NAR)

NHTSA ODI #10057169

17,800 miles · Jan 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2003, I HAVE BEEN DISABLED NUMEROUS TIMES. ENGINE JUST QUITS. LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMBER OF TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. I DO PLENTY OF THRUWAY DRIVING AND NOW COASTING OFF TO THE SIDES. ALSO BRAKES GRIND WHEN IT …

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SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2003, I HAVE BEEN DISABLED NUMEROUS TIMES. ENGINE JUST QUITS. LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMBER OF TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. I DO PLENTY OF THRUWAY DRIVING AND NOW COASTING OFF TO THE SIDES. ALSO BRAKES GRIND WHEN IT IS WET OUTSIDE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10054475

54,530 miles · Jan 16, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP'S MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10055253

24,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSeat Belts

ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER FOR SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE BUTTONS KEEP BREAKING OFF. HAD THE REAR DEFROSTER REPLACED, THE A/C HAD TO BE FIXED, THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE GAS GAUGE CURRENTLY IS NOT WORKING. THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY R…

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ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER FOR SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE BUTTONS KEEP BREAKING OFF. HAD THE REAR DEFROSTER REPLACED, THE A/C HAD TO BE FIXED, THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE GAS GAUGE CURRENTLY IS NOT WORKING. THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE I CAN'T KEEP TRACK ANY MORE. CONTINUE TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SHAKING WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THIS CAR IS MY WORST NIGHTMARE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SO MANY TIMES I LOST COUNT.

NHTSA ODI #10071021

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other

THE ABOVE PROBLEMS ARE FOR THE SAME THING AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE ROTORS ON THE CAR HAVE GONE OUT 3 TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THEY WENT OUT I HAD TO ARGUE WITH OLDSMOBILE TO FIX THEM. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS MY DRIVING MAKING THEM GO BAD. I DRIVE INTERSTATE TO AND FROM WORK - NO HARD STOPS, NO STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC. NOW THEY HAVE …

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THE ABOVE PROBLEMS ARE FOR THE SAME THING AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE ROTORS ON THE CAR HAVE GONE OUT 3 TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THEY WENT OUT I HAD TO ARGUE WITH OLDSMOBILE TO FIX THEM. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS MY DRIVING MAKING THEM GO BAD. I DRIVE INTERSTATE TO AND FROM WORK - NO HARD STOPS, NO STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC. NOW THEY HAVE GONE BAD AGAIN AFTER THE 2ND TIME THEY CHANGED THEM - AFTER ONLY 6K MILES. THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THEM. WHEN WE CALLED CUSTOMER CARE THEY INFORMED US THAT THEY USED A "NEW TOOL" THE LAST TIME THEY "FIXED" MY ROTORS - WHICH OBVIOUSLY DIDN\\'T HELP. I HAD A CAVALIER FOR 6 YEARS AND NEVER ONCE HAD TO CHANGE THE ROTORS!! THIS IS JUST FACTORY DEFECT THEY THEY SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR.

NHTSA ODI #10069735

60,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
WheelsCrash

FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BROKE OFF FROM LUG BOLTS. ALL LUG BOLTS BROKE OFF BEHIND THE WHEEL HUB.

NHTSA ODI #10068721

25,000 miles · Jan 12, 2004
Equipment

THE HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING FAN CONTROL KNOB ONLY WORKS ON THE 3RD OR 4TH SELECTION. IT STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND KEEPS MOVING UP A NOTCH. THIS IS TO BE TRUE ON SEVERAL ALERO'S OF THIS YEAR. WILL THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS? *LA

NHTSA ODI #10052983

61,000 miles · Jan 8, 2004
Exterior Lighting

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

NHTSA ODI #10053645

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS MY WIFE AND I ARE HAVING WITH OUR OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WE INITIALLY USED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS'S AUTOLINE ARBITRATION PROCESS AND ALTHOUGH THE ARBITRATOR SAID THAT THE CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE OHIO LEMON LAW, HE THOUGHT THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US AND THE DEALER…

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THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS MY WIFE AND I ARE HAVING WITH OUR OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WE INITIALLY USED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS'S AUTOLINE ARBITRATION PROCESS AND ALTHOUGH THE ARBITRATOR SAID THAT THE CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE OHIO LEMON LAW, HE THOUGHT THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US AND THE DEALER. WHAT A JOKE. IF YOU LISTEN TO THE AUDIO TAPE OF THE HEARING IT IS OBVIOUS THAT GENERAL MOTORS WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FOLLOWING IS PART OF THE INITIAL LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SINCE YOU HAVE A RESTRICTION SET ON HOW MUCH INFO CAN BE SUPPLIED HERE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS PAID FOR. DATE: 08/18/2003 RE: WILLIAM G. MARSH 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO  ODOMETER READING = 9198 POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF THE OHIO LEMON LAW BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (B.B.B.) ARBITRATION OUR 2001 ALERO HAS BEEN IN FOR REPEATED REPAIRS OF SHAKING (LIKE DIESELING) AND STALLING PROBLEMS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS BEING TURNED OFF, AS IT WAS DESIGNED. AUGUST (2002) OF LAST YEAR WHEN WE WERE ON VACATION IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA, THIS PROBLEM BECAME VERY SEVERE. ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGE LIGHT THAT CAME ON (WITHOUT REASON) AT 5,454 MILES, BILL RESET THIS. THE FOLLOWING DAY OUR LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AT 5,580 (WITHOUT REASON). *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051470

Official recalls

4

14V400000 · 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

3

EA02037 · 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

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