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1999 Pontiac Grand Am

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Am years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

273 reports with mileage · 576 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.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 203 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

73 crash reports13 fire reports48 injury reports

Equipment complaints

33 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2001
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipment

WHILE DRIVING STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES DID NOT WORK. FRONT BRAKES WENT OUT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THAT PROBLEM. *AK STEERING SQUEAKS DUE TO LOOSE STEERING RACK. CIGARET LIGHTER INOPERATIVE AND WAS REPLACED. HORN WAS STUCK DUE TO HORN RING AND MULFUNCTON SWITCH FAILURE…

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WHILE DRIVING STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES DID NOT WORK. FRONT BRAKES WENT OUT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THAT PROBLEM. *AK STEERING SQUEAKS DUE TO LOOSE STEERING RACK. CIGARET LIGHTER INOPERATIVE AND WAS REPLACED. HORN WAS STUCK DUE TO HORN RING AND MULFUNCTON SWITCH FAILURES. AIR BAG WAS LOOSE AND REPLACED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #881473

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2001
Electrical SystemEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

HORN WAS STUCK, DEALER REPLACED HORN RING AND MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. DEALER REPLACED AIR BAG, IT WAS LOOSE. STEERING RACK SQUEAKED, DEALER REPLACED STEERING RACK AND SET TOE, CONSUMER STATES STEERING RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE HOWEVER NOISE IS STILL THERE AND THERE IS A SMELL. ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. RADIO FAILE…

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HORN WAS STUCK, DEALER REPLACED HORN RING AND MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. DEALER REPLACED AIR BAG, IT WAS LOOSE. STEERING RACK SQUEAKED, DEALER REPLACED STEERING RACK AND SET TOE, CONSUMER STATES STEERING RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE HOWEVER NOISE IS STILL THERE AND THERE IS A SMELL. ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. RADIO FAILED. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #881469

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2001
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipment

HORN WAS ACTIVATED AND DID NOT GO OFF. WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CHECK UP ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND IT WAS REPAIRED. *AK THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND WHERE THE HOREN WAS SHORTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO RADIO MALFUNCTIONING, DOME LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND DAS LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF. STEERIN…

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HORN WAS ACTIVATED AND DID NOT GO OFF. WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CHECK UP ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND IT WAS REPAIRED. *AK THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND WHERE THE HOREN WAS SHORTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO RADIO MALFUNCTIONING, DOME LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND DAS LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF. STEERING SQUEAKS DUE TO LOOSE STEERING RACK. CIGARATE LIGHTER INOPERATIVE AND REPLACED. AIR BAG WAS LOOSE AND REPLACED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #881467

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON FREEWAY VEHICLE STALLED. FINALLY RESTARTED . TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC REPLACED PCM. DROVE FROM FLORIDA TO CALIFORNIA, MADE A STOP IN ARIZONA DUE TO BRAKE ROTORS WARPING. REPLACED AND ADJUSTED ROTORS AND BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. FAILED TO RESTART AFTER BEIN…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON FREEWAY VEHICLE STALLED. FINALLY RESTARTED . TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC REPLACED PCM. DROVE FROM FLORIDA TO CALIFORNIA, MADE A STOP IN ARIZONA DUE TO BRAKE ROTORS WARPING. REPLACED AND ADJUSTED ROTORS AND BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. FAILED TO RESTART AFTER BEING PARKED. BATTERY REPLACED AFTER BEING TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. KEY REFUSED TO BE RELEASED FROM IGNITION. AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR FAN REPLACED. SHIFTER CABLE WAS REPLACED. RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LAMP REPLACED. OIL LIGHT COMES ON BEFORE THE 3000 MILE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE, DEALER FAILED TO SET COMPUTER BUTTON, CONSUMER FEELS THIS MIGHT HAVE HAD TO DO WITH VEHICLE STALLING AND NOT STARTING. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #877582

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

VEHICLE STALLS IN SECOND GEAR. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #785204

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2000
EquipmentFuel System, OtherSteering

PASSENGER SEAT SLIDES AFTER CLICKS IN PLACE, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AND LEFT SCRATCHES ON GLASS, RADIO LCD GOES "WACKO" CAR RECENTLY WOULD NOT START (STILL AT DEALERSHIP), RECALL ON CONSOLE, BOTH PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND CD (IF IN CD PLAYER) GET WET WITH USE OF AIR CONDITIONER, SEAT LATCHES ON B…

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PASSENGER SEAT SLIDES AFTER CLICKS IN PLACE, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AND LEFT SCRATCHES ON GLASS, RADIO LCD GOES "WACKO" CAR RECENTLY WOULD NOT START (STILL AT DEALERSHIP), RECALL ON CONSOLE, BOTH PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND CD (IF IN CD PLAYER) GET WET WITH USE OF AIR CONDITIONER, SEAT LATCHES ON BACKS OF BOTH SEATS ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO LIFT, CLIP FOR MOON ROOF SWITCH BROKEN, GAS GAUGE SOMETIMES MOVES UP OR DOWN SLIGHTLY IN SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, FRONT CLIP OF CAR SHATTERED IN COLD WEATHER AFTER GOING THROUGH UNPLOWED STREET AT 20 MPH, REAR REVERSE LIGHT BROKEN AFTER ICE CLUNG TO CABLE (WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY TIED BACK), EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE ON HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN ON HIGHWAY (55-65 MPH), LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. (TIRESIZE: P255/50R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/50R16 )

NHTSA ODI #733501

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2000
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR A YEAR NOW AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 10 -12 TIMES FOR VARIOUS THINGS 3PAINT JOBS 2 TRUNK LEAKS RADIO POWER WINDOW DOOR MOLDING AND 3 BRAKE JOBS AIR COND. AND MY BRAKES STILL MAKE A NOISE BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR THESE TYPE OF BRAKES TO DO THIS CAN YOU HELP ME THE DEALERSHIP WANT WORK ON …

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I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR A YEAR NOW AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 10 -12 TIMES FOR VARIOUS THINGS 3PAINT JOBS 2 TRUNK LEAKS RADIO POWER WINDOW DOOR MOLDING AND 3 BRAKE JOBS AIR COND. AND MY BRAKES STILL MAKE A NOISE BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR THESE TYPE OF BRAKES TO DO THIS CAN YOU HELP ME THE DEALERSHIP WANT WORK ON MY CAR NO MORE BUT I AM TAKING IT TO ANOTHER DEALER MONDAY

NHTSA ODI #732904

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2000
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

1) ROTORS VERY BADLY WARPED. HEAVY VIBRATION THROUGH STEERING COLUMN AND BRAKE PEDAL UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS. DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE DURING HARD BRAKING. 2) LCD DISPLAY ON CD PLAYER FUNCTIONS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. NORMAL OPERATION GIVES GARBLED CHARACTERS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #731359

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2000
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting

CONSUMER HAS HAD THE STEERING PUMP REPLACED 4 TIMES. RACK WAS LEAKING, AND ANOTHER LEAK WAS FOUND. DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, AND THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE REPAIRED THE PROBLEMS, …

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CONSUMER HAS HAD THE STEERING PUMP REPLACED 4 TIMES. RACK WAS LEAKING, AND ANOTHER LEAK WAS FOUND. DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, AND THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE REPAIRED THE PROBLEMS, BUT THE PROBLEMS KEEP REOCCURRING. *AK THE HORN MALFUNCTIONS AFTER BEING REPAIRED TWICE. THE FOG LIGHTS ARE HOLDING MOISTURE. SPEAKER ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILED. RADIO SISPLAY IS SCRAMBLED DUE TO INTERNAL SHORT. RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO SWITCH FAILURE. TRUNK RELEASE INOPERATIVE DUE TO CHAFFED WIRE. TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING DUE TO AXLE SEAL FAILURE. *YH

NHTSA ODI #868240

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2000
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

AIR CONDITIONER WILLNOT BLOW ANY AIR ON LEVEL 1 , 2 OR 3, NECESSARY IN FLORIDA, CAR PULSATES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, HAS DEALER LOOK AT IT AND REPLACED BRAKES, PADS AND ROTORS, HAVE HAD POWER WINDOWS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO SCRATCHES INSIDE AND OUT, VENDOR WILL NOT TINT WINDOWS UNTIL PROBLEM IS RESOLVED, GLOVE BOX OPENS EVEN WHEN LOC…

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AIR CONDITIONER WILLNOT BLOW ANY AIR ON LEVEL 1 , 2 OR 3, NECESSARY IN FLORIDA, CAR PULSATES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, HAS DEALER LOOK AT IT AND REPLACED BRAKES, PADS AND ROTORS, HAVE HAD POWER WINDOWS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO SCRATCHES INSIDE AND OUT, VENDOR WILL NOT TINT WINDOWS UNTIL PROBLEM IS RESOLVED, GLOVE BOX OPENS EVEN WHEN LOCKED, HAVE HAD CONSOLE SECURE CLIP REPLACED DUE TO RECENT RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #725294

Official recalls

3

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.

00V140000 · Structure:body

May 18, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.

98V320000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Dec 15, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.

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

RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

EA03021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Nov 4, 2003 · Closed Oct 19, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Suspension:front

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Suspension

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

PE03031 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Jul 14, 2003 · Closed Nov 4, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.