NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
70 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 8, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
COOLANT SYSTEM- INTAKE MANIFOLDS. DEALER ADVISED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING. VEHICLE HAS 90K MILES (HIGHWAY). DEALER ADVISED THE COOLANT WILL MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. SEE MANY OTHER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE SAME REPLACEMENT ON 3.4 LITER ENGINES. PREVIOUSLY HAVE REPLACED BOTH R/L HUB BEARING…
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COOLANT SYSTEM- INTAKE MANIFOLDS. DEALER ADVISED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING. VEHICLE HAS 90K MILES (HIGHWAY). DEALER ADVISED THE COOLANT WILL MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. SEE MANY OTHER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE SAME REPLACEMENT ON 3.4 LITER ENGINES. PREVIOUSLY HAVE REPLACED BOTH R/L HUB BEARINGS, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, DRIVEBELT, POWER STEERING PUMP AND RETURN LINE, AND RADIO.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10049402
60,000 miles · Oct 2, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
CONSTANT GRINDING BRAKES, REPLACED AND STILL THE SAME. NOW, AT 60.000 MILES, RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING AND NEEDS REPLACED @ $900. RACK AND PINION STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED TWICE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, AT 44,000 MILES. I AM A VERY DISAPPOINTED GM EMPLOYEE AND CONSIDERING OTHER MAKES NOW.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10041129
Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THIS CAR THREE TIMES. 1999 GRAND AM, PURCHASED NEW, HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN ADDITION, HAVE REPLACED POWER STEERING TWICE AND BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES. REPLACED ALTERNATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, BATTERY, STARTER ON IGNITION, MOLDING DUE TO LEAKS, WIRING ON DASH, AIR CONDITIONING…
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HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THIS CAR THREE TIMES. 1999 GRAND AM, PURCHASED NEW, HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN ADDITION, HAVE REPLACED POWER STEERING TWICE AND BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES. REPLACED ALTERNATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, BATTERY, STARTER ON IGNITION, MOLDING DUE TO LEAKS, WIRING ON DASH, AIR CONDITIONING RESISTORS/CIRCUITS, AND HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10025413
11,000 miles · Jun 25, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM 2.4 L AUTO SEVERE BRAKE FAILURE---REPLACEMENT OF PADS 8 TIMES, ROTORS 3 TIMES AND CALIPERS 2 TIMES IN 80,000 MILES. BRAKES OCCASIONALLY LOCK UP AND MAKE LOUD GRINDING AND SQUEALING NOISES STEERING SHUDDERS AND VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT.. PARTICIPATING PONTIAC DEALER FAILED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE …
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1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM 2.4 L AUTO SEVERE BRAKE FAILURE---REPLACEMENT OF PADS 8 TIMES, ROTORS 3 TIMES AND CALIPERS 2 TIMES IN 80,000 MILES. BRAKES OCCASIONALLY LOCK UP AND MAKE LOUD GRINDING AND SQUEALING NOISES STEERING SHUDDERS AND VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT.. PARTICIPATING PONTIAC DEALER FAILED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE AT 11,000 MILES. UNDER WARRANTY REPLACEMENT IT HAS HAD 6 DOOR PANELS DUE TO PEELING LEATHER ON TOP OF PANEL, 5 GEAR SHIFTERS DUE TO DEALERS IMPROPER INSTALLATION, 2 FACTORY CD/RADIO FAILURES, 1 RACK AND PINION UNIT, 2 FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES DUE TO KNOCKING NOISE FROM FRONT OF CAR (WENT BAD AFTER 10,000 MILES USE), PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AT IDLE-COLD START(UNSUCCESSFULLY DIAGNOSED BY DEALER) CARPET LOOSE IN TRUNK AROUND LATCH ASSEMBLY(TOO SHORT FOR TRUNK AND WAS HOT GLUED TO BACK WALL OF CAR BY DEALER INSTEAD OF REPLACEMENT). TURN SIGNALS STILL OCCASIONALLY FAIL TO WORK(DEALER SAID THEY WORKED JUST FINE) BATTERY CONNECTION IN FACTORY BATTERY BROKE LOOSE SPILLING CORROSIVE BATTERY ACID ALL OVER AROUND BATTERY TRAY AREA. ALL FOUR WHEEL COVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE OF "PIE PAN" NOISE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP (NEW ONES DID NOT FIX PROBLEM). AFTER WARRANTY WAS UP PONTIAC' CARE HOTLINE OR THE DEALER COULD "CARE " LESS THAT AFTER DOZENS OF TRIPS FOR REPAIRS THE DEALER STILL DIDN'T FIX THE CAR WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THEN,BESIDES THE UNREPAIRED ITEMS ON MY CAR, THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD AT 60,000 MILES ($120), GLASS IN INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE WHILE ADJUSTING, BOTH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS HAVE BROKE OFF IN TWO DIFFERENT AUTOMATIC CAR WASHES (HELD INTO DOOR BY A STUD MOUNTED INTO 1/4 INCH OF PLASTIC IN THE MIRROR). AND THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AT 75,000 MILES($300). FOG LIGHTS AND BACKUP LIGHTS HAVE WATER CONDENSATION IN THEM SHORTING OUT BULBS. SURPRISINGLY ,THIS CAR IS "BABIED" ,BUT BY IN MY DESCRIPTION YOU SURE COULDN'T TELL IT. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023794
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2003
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainSeats
'99 GR AM: GRINDING NOISE R FRONT-DEALER: DRILLED OUT RESTRICTOR IN PWR STEERNG HOSE PER BULLETIN 990232002. RUBBING & SQUAWK NOISE TURNING LEFT-DEALER: SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLCD. PASSENGER SEAT STUCK-DEALER: REPLACED SEAT TRACK. CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LATCH ASSMBLY REPLACED PER RECALL. RADIO LCD GARBLED & BLACKING OUT-DEALER: RE…
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'99 GR AM: GRINDING NOISE R FRONT-DEALER: DRILLED OUT RESTRICTOR IN PWR STEERNG HOSE PER BULLETIN 990232002. RUBBING & SQUAWK NOISE TURNING LEFT-DEALER: SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLCD. PASSENGER SEAT STUCK-DEALER: REPLACED SEAT TRACK. CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LATCH ASSMBLY REPLACED PER RECALL. RADIO LCD GARBLED & BLACKING OUT-DEALER: REPLCD RADIO ASSEMBLY. WHINING IN PWR STEERING- DEALER: P/S COOLER LINE LEAKING, REPLCD & BLED SYSTEM. GAS GAUGE BACK & FORTH FROM FULL TO EMPTY-DEALER: TANK SENDING UNIT SHORTED, REPLCD TANK MODULE ASSY. FLUID/OIL LEAK FROM INTAKE GASKET-DEALER: REPLCD GASKETS & REPLCD OIL PUMP DRIVE O-RING. PASSENGER SEAT SQUEAKS-DEALER: SEAT TRACKS LOOSE IN FLOOR PAN HOOK ATTCHMNT OPENINGS. CRUNCH/SQUAWK IN FRONT END ON SPEED BUMPS-DEALER: REPLCD R&R FRONT STRUTS, REPLCD UPPER MOUNTS. BRAKE PULSATION-DEALER: FRONT ROTORS WARPED, BOTH ROTORS WERE MACHINED & PADS REPLACED. OIL/FLUID LEAK RT TRANS. AXLE SEAL, STEERING RACK CENTER SECTION- DEALER: REPLCD SEAL & SLEEVE, REPLCD STEERING RACK. SHIMMY & SHAKE ON HWY- DEALER: COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NO REPAIR. INTERMITTENTLY HESITATES COLD START & ON EXCELLERATION-DEALER: COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NO REPAIR. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW PLASTIC REGULATOR BROKE & WINDOW FELL DOWN-NO LONGER ON WARRANTEE, CONSUMER REPLCD @ APPROX $500.00 OWN EXPENSE. ALL OCCURING AT UNDER 40,000 MILES. AM AFRAID TO TAKE IN FOR NEXT "SCHEDULED" SERVICE FOR FEAR OF WHAT WILL BE FOUND.
NHTSA ODI #10016786
30,000 miles · Feb 24, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
MY CAR IS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I HAVE 55,600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE CAR EVEN HAD 30.000 MILES ON IT, THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD (I WAS INITIALLY TOLD IT WAS A BAD BATTERY, SO IN ADDITION I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY), THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPLACED, AND THE DOME LI…
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MY CAR IS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I HAVE 55,600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE CAR EVEN HAD 30.000 MILES ON IT, THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD (I WAS INITIALLY TOLD IT WAS A BAD BATTERY, SO IN ADDITION I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY), THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPLACED, AND THE DOME LIGHTS WERE REPLACED. BETWEEN 30,000 AND 50,000 MILES, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE REGULATOR WENT BAD, THE ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM CAP LEAKED AND DAMAGED MY BELTS, AND THE INTAKE GASKET IS LEAKING. WITH A NEW CAR, THIS IS AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF DEFECTS AND I NEEDED TO KNOW HOW TO REPORT THIS CAR AS A SERIOUS HAZARD OR AS A SERIOUS LEMON.
NHTSA ODI #10008011
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2003
Steering
I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I HAVE REPLACED 2 POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND A POWER STEERING RACK WITHIN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP GOING OUT, AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT THE PUMP HAD WENT OUT ON THEM, AND ALSO…
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I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I HAVE REPLACED 2 POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND A POWER STEERING RACK WITHIN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP GOING OUT, AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT THE PUMP HAD WENT OUT ON THEM, AND ALSO HAD IT REPLACED. I CONTACTED PONTIAC, AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SAID SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, THE SECOND WAS NOT. THE RACK WAS ALSO NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10007605
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2003
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN.*DT. ALSO THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10006181
32,700 miles · Feb 6, 2003
Steering
THE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKED FLUID. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10006654
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2003
Steering
CONSUMER STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL HAD LOCKED UP. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI #10004445
Official recalls
3Jul 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.
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.
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
3RQ04005 · 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.
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