WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW WERE BROKE AND BOTH HAVE BROKE INTO SHARDS. WINDSHIELD WAS APPROXIMENTLY 3" IN DIAMETER AND HALF INCH WIDE AND REAR WINDOW WAS APPROXIMENTLY 5" AND QUARTER IN WIDE.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Am 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
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.
Unknown Or Other complaints
33 reportsTO START WITH I READ THE COMPLAINTS AND WAS WONDERING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMETHING TO BE RECALLED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALLS, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS SCRATCHES ON IT FROM I AM GUESSING THE REGULATOR, THE DASH IS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE STRUTS, AND SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, …
Read full complaint
TO START WITH I READ THE COMPLAINTS AND WAS WONDERING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMETHING TO BE RECALLED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALLS, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS SCRATCHES ON IT FROM I AM GUESSING THE REGULATOR, THE DASH IS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE STRUTS, AND SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, THE SUSPENSION FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS FALLING APART THROUGH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP AND POINT DOWN. SIDE MIRROR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE VISITED SEVERAL AUTO YARDS TO TRY TO FIND A DASH AND SIDE MIRROR AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT ALL THE MODELS OF THE GRAND AM WAS MISSING THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WHERE IT HAD BROKE OFF AND ALL OF THEM THE DASH WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. I AM NOT SURE AS TO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE DASH COMES COMPLETELY OFF BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE CAR WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE A CAR THAT HAS THIS MANY ISSUES AND NO ONE IS RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS. NOW THE CV BOOT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I AM SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW SEEING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND ONLY SIX RECALLS THAT IS A PROBLEM. I AM SORRY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT YOU PUT OUT. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING HURT OR KILLED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND I HOPE YA'LL CAN SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT KNOWING ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAVE EXISTED FOR THIS LONG AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY INTO SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
IGNITION FROZEN, UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. NO SHIFT REALEASE, AND UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF ENGINE STALL ON OPEN ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS DEAD ONCE YOU SHIFT INTO PARK TO RESTART.
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSU…
Read full complaint
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSURANCE/TAXES ETC TO KEEP CAR IN DRIVEWAY, MOSTLY INOPERABLE NOW WAITING ON GM TO ADDRESS, THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE PHONE CALLS/E-MAILS NOR WILL THEY TRY AND REACH AN ACCORD IN REGARDS TO A CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM DISABLED AND RELIED ON THIS CAR TO GO TO DOCTOR OFFICES, BEING LEFT STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAITING TO BE TOWED BY AAA WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH YET WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BEING AT LEAST DISABLED, THEY WANTED TO THEN CHARGE A "DIAGNOSIS" FEE ON TOP OF BEING TREATED LIKE DIRT. I SENT THEM A "LIEN" ( I KNOW IT HOLDS THE WEIGHT OF AIR!) TO TRY AND WORK THIS OUT...AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE CAR IS NOW A BRICK IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL, TOTALING 700.00 DOLLARS AND THE TAX BILL AND INSURANCE COST FOR HAVING A VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE THE BILLS AND NO RESOLUTION FOR AN ISSUE I DID NOT CAUSE, GM HID THIS AND THEN DID NOTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK PROBLEMS?
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. UNIT #1 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT #1 LOST CONTROL AND WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD WAY STRIKING A DITCH. UNIT #1 ROLLED OVER, COMING TO FINAL REST ON ITS ROOF. *LN (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASHREPORT#10-0455-91 ) *BF
SECURITY FEATURE COMES ON AND YOU CANT START YOUR CAR FOR UP TO 10 TO 15 MINUTES IT IS THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER THE CONTACTS CORRODE AND MAKES THE SECURITY FEATURE COME ON AFTER 90,000 MILES. *TR
5 SPEED FAN MOTOR RELAY SWITCH FAILED AFTER ONLY 22,000 MILES ON A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE SEDAN. FOUR SPEEDS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. 5TH SPEED WORKS, BUT IS THE HIGHEST SPEED. LOWER SPEEDS ARE NEEDED FOR ADEQUATE VENTILATION OF INTERIOR. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACEMENT/REPAIR OF RELAY WOULD COST $200.00 FOR LABO…
Read full complaint
5 SPEED FAN MOTOR RELAY SWITCH FAILED AFTER ONLY 22,000 MILES ON A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE SEDAN. FOUR SPEEDS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. 5TH SPEED WORKS, BUT IS THE HIGHEST SPEED. LOWER SPEEDS ARE NEEDED FOR ADEQUATE VENTILATION OF INTERIOR. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACEMENT/REPAIR OF RELAY WOULD COST $200.00 FOR LABOR AND PARTS. I HAVE READ ONLINE OF SIMILAR FAILURE OF THIS PART FROM READING HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME OCCURRENCE HAPPENING TO THEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE 5TH SPEED OF THIS RELAY WAS "THE ONLY ONE HOT WIRED", AND THAT THE OTHERS WERE NOT, SO THAT THE FAN WILL FAIL EVENTUALLY, NO MATTER IF IT IS TURNED ON OR NOT. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT THE FAN SWITCH QUIT WORKING, EVER. I THINK THIS CONSTITUTES A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM AS A SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
IGNITION SHORTING OUT CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH OTHER ELECTRIC PARTS NOT WORKING OR WORKING WHEN SHOULDN'T BE WHEN CALL TO ORDER SWITCH TOLD BY REP THAT ITS PROBABLY THE CYLINDER NOT SWITCH DUE TO MANY COMPLAINTS IT NOT WORKING AND CAUSING THINGS TO SHORT OUT. *TR
I BOUGHT A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM IN SEPTEMBER 2000. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM EVER SINCE. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T START, LEAVING ME STRANDED. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIMES AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STILL COMES ON. IN THE LAST 8 YEARS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER (WHO SCATCHES THER…
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM IN SEPTEMBER 2000. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM EVER SINCE. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T START, LEAVING ME STRANDED. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIMES AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STILL COMES ON. IN THE LAST 8 YEARS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER (WHO SCATCHES THERE HEAD) AND CHARGES ME FOR THINGS THE CAR DOESN'T NEED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO INDEPENDENT CAR REPAIR SHOPS WHO ALSO CHARGE ME FOR THINGS THAT DOES NOT FIX THE CAR. I WORK 4 MILES FROM MY HOUSE AND STILL HAVE NOT EVEN PUT 30,000 MILES ON MY CAR IN THE LAST 8 YEARS. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING ANY CAR TROUBLE. IF YOU GOOGLE PONTIAC GRAND AM PASS LOCK SYSTEM YOU WILL FIND IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND PONTIAC WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I CAN NOT GIVE A INCIDENT DATE BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS BUT SINCE THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST MONTH, I WILL GIVE TODAYS DATE. I JUST WANT IT FIXED AND NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT, INCLUDING THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?
I HAVE OWNED MY 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM FOR OVER 3 YRS AND I AM GOING ON MY THIRD BCM BODY CONTROL MODULE I FIND IT VERY UNFAIR THAT THIS RUNS ME $450 EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS I UNDERSTAND THAT I BOUGHT A USED CAR AND IT IS MY PROPERTY AND I HAVE TO MAINTAIN IT BUT IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GRAND AM I THINK SOME ACTION S…
Read full complaint
I HAVE OWNED MY 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM FOR OVER 3 YRS AND I AM GOING ON MY THIRD BCM BODY CONTROL MODULE I FIND IT VERY UNFAIR THAT THIS RUNS ME $450 EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS I UNDERSTAND THAT I BOUGHT A USED CAR AND IT IS MY PROPERTY AND I HAVE TO MAINTAIN IT BUT IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GRAND AM I THINK SOME ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN.. AT LEAST A SOLUTION TO PREVENT THIS PART FROM BREAKING.. *JB
Official recalls
314V400000 · 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
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.
Illustration