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2001 Pontiac Grand Am

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Am years

Owner complaints for the 2001 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

343 reports with mileage · 195 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 232 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports4 fire reports14 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

232 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Other

I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL ON THE EXTERIOR FLASHERS. HAD TO HAVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FLASHERS CHANGED AT MY EXPENSE. ALSO HAVE HAD ROTORS AND BRAKES CHANGED 6 TIMES IN LAST 1 1/2 YRS. WAS TOLD ITS A PROBLEM BUT NOT ON RECALL LIST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234591

86,000 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Electrical System

IGNITION LOCK/SECURITY WILL NOT ALLOW CAR TO START AND IN RARE CIRCUMSTANCES LEAD TO INSTANT SHUTDOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234323

121,989 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipment

I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NOW FOR THE SECOND TIM IN THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSLOCK SENSOR AND THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THIS FIX HAS COST ME OVER $700.00 EACH TIME NOT INCLUDING THE TOW. I AM A MOTHER OF TWO KIDS THAT WORKS FULL-TIME AND GOES TO SCHOOL…

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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NOW FOR THE SECOND TIM IN THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSLOCK SENSOR AND THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THIS FIX HAS COST ME OVER $700.00 EACH TIME NOT INCLUDING THE TOW. I AM A MOTHER OF TWO KIDS THAT WORKS FULL-TIME AND GOES TO SCHOOL PART TIME, THIS PROBLEM HAS DRAINED ME OF MONEY THAT I USE TO SUPPORT MY CHILDREN. I HAVE MISSED WORK AND SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS THAT I HAVE LOOKED AT AND READ WITH PEOPLE GOING THROUGH THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A GM DEALER AND ALSO A MECHANIC IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE. I COMPARED NOTES. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE HAPPENING AGAIN IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, WHO HAS ALSO HEARD PEOPLE DISCUSSING THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234310

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THE VERY SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES ARE OCCURRING WITH/IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF MY VEHICLE AND HAVE EXPERIENCED EVERY SINGLE ISSUE OTHERS HAVE WROTE ABOUT. FROM THE SECURITY ISSUE TO THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT NOT MOVING AT ALL..... GM REALLY NEEDS TO RESEARCH/INVESTIGATE THESE MATTERS AND PLACE RE-CALLS ON ALL…

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THE VERY SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES ARE OCCURRING WITH/IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF MY VEHICLE AND HAVE EXPERIENCED EVERY SINGLE ISSUE OTHERS HAVE WROTE ABOUT. FROM THE SECURITY ISSUE TO THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT NOT MOVING AT ALL..... GM REALLY NEEDS TO RESEARCH/INVESTIGATE THESE MATTERS AND PLACE RE-CALLS ON ALL OF THEM ASAP. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND APPARENTLY THEY ARE OVERLOOKING THIS COMPLETELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234150

107,000 miles · Jul 7, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. AT LEAST ONCE A DAY THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER AND I MUST RESET BY TURNING TO THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN UNFAMILIAR SITUATIONS WAITING FOR THIS TO RESET. UPON THE FIRST TWO TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING (BEFORE I HAD A REPAIRMAN TELL ME OF THE RESETTING) I HAD TH…

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SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. AT LEAST ONCE A DAY THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER AND I MUST RESET BY TURNING TO THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN UNFAMILIAR SITUATIONS WAITING FOR THIS TO RESET. UPON THE FIRST TWO TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING (BEFORE I HAD A REPAIRMAN TELL ME OF THE RESETTING) I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP AND OVER 400 DOLLARS SPENT ON A FUEL PUMP. THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE THIRD TIME AFTER BEING TOWED IT STARTED AT THE SHOP. THE FOURTH TIME IT HAPPENED AND TOWED TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WERE THE ONES TO TELL ME OF THE RESET PROCEDURES. NOW IT HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233464

85,000 miles · Jul 7, 2008
Electrical SystemInterior Lighting

WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM VACATION, WE HEARD WHAT SEEM TO BE A CLICKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE ONE OF THE TURN SIGNALS WAS ON. THEY WERE BOTH OFF BUT THE CLICKING SOUND KEPT GOING ON AND OFF. ON OUR WAY TO OUR HOUSE, WE PUT THE TURN SIGNAL ON TO TURN AND IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING CO…

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WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM VACATION, WE HEARD WHAT SEEM TO BE A CLICKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE ONE OF THE TURN SIGNALS WAS ON. THEY WERE BOTH OFF BUT THE CLICKING SOUND KEPT GOING ON AND OFF. ON OUR WAY TO OUR HOUSE, WE PUT THE TURN SIGNAL ON TO TURN AND IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN, LIKE IT WAS STARTING A FIRE OR SOMETHING IN THERE. IT GOT HOT SO WE SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN WE TURNED IT BACK ON THE TURN SIGNAL WAS OFF AND THE SMOKE WAS NOT NOTICEABLE. SO WE CONTINUED TO TAKE IT HOME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT IN FEAR THAT IT MIGHT DO IT AGAIN AND CATCH FIRE. PLEASE HELP ME. I SEEN THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE EXTERIOR FLASHER AND TURN SIGNAL PARTS BUT WHAT ABOUT THE INTERIOR ELECTRICAL PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233400

52,217 miles · Jul 4, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WENT BAD. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FROM GM. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL ON THIS SWITCH BECAUSE GM DOESN'T WANT TO PAY THE COSTS. IT COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH TURN SIGNAL BLINKERS POSING A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS. I HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE GARAGE AND PARTS WERE REPLACED FO…

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MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WENT BAD. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FROM GM. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL ON THIS SWITCH BECAUSE GM DOESN'T WANT TO PAY THE COSTS. IT COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH TURN SIGNAL BLINKERS POSING A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS. I HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE GARAGE AND PARTS WERE REPLACED FOR $316.40. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233204

56,000 miles · Jun 10, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

THIS IS MY PROCEDURE OF START ENGINE. TURN ON THE KEY, I CAN SEE THE SIGN OF SECURITY. WAIT 10MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTS OFF. TURN OFF THE KEY AND START THE ENGINE. THAT IS TOO ANNOYING ME. I ALREADY TOWED MY CAR 3 TIMES AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. IT COSTS $500. IS THAT NOT SERIOUS? RECENTLY IT OCCURS TOO OFTEN!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230402

157,000 miles · Jun 2, 2008
Electrical System

ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I GOT THE CAR, WHICH WAS AROUND 3 YEARS AGO, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT & TURNED IT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WHEN I WENT TO START IT AGAIN IT WOULD NOT START. ALSO, THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THAT HAPPENED AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER AND THEN 3 MONTHS AFTER THAT AND THEN EVERY MONTH. THEN ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS AGO …

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ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I GOT THE CAR, WHICH WAS AROUND 3 YEARS AGO, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT & TURNED IT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WHEN I WENT TO START IT AGAIN IT WOULD NOT START. ALSO, THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THAT HAPPENED AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER AND THEN 3 MONTHS AFTER THAT AND THEN EVERY MONTH. THEN ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS AGO THE INTERIOR CHIME AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT IT WOULD DO IF I HAD JUST PUT MY KEY IN AND THE DOOR WAS OPEN. HOWEVER, MY KEY WAS NOT IN AND THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. WE DISCONNECTED A FUSE AND THAT AT LEAST MADE THE NOISE AND LIGHTS GO OFF AND KEPT MY BATTERY FROM DYING. MY RADIO ALSO DIDN'T WORK BUT I COULD LIVE WITH THAT. THEN ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO MY CAR STARTED LOCKING ITSELF EVERY 30 SECONDS AND THE TRUNK OPENED EVERY TIME THE CAR LOCKED. I OPENED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND SMOKE CAME POURING OUT. I CALLED A NEIGHBOR AND HE DISCONNECTED MY BATTERY AND TOOK MY CAR TO HIS HOUSE TO WORK ON IT. HE CALLED ME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND SAID THAT A MODULE UNDERNEATH MY PASSENGER SIDE DASH WAS MISFIRING AND IF WE HAD NOT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY WHEN WE DID THE CAR WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. I SAW THE OLD COMPUTER MODULE. HALF OF THE PLASTIC WAS MELTED AWAY AND THE WIRES WERE BURNT. HE GOT A NEW ONE FROM A JUNK YARD FOR $50 FOR ME AND RESET IT, WITH A MACHINE FROM WORK, TO MY PASSLOCK. THAT SEEMS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM BUT I'VE READ COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF PONTIAC GRAND AMS AND THE SAME THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO THEM. I JUST LISTED A COMPLAINT AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT I DID TO FIX IT BUT IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO THAT MANY PEOPLE SOMEONE COULD GET HURT IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO GET FIXED. MY CAR ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE AND IT WASN'T EVEN ON! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229682

44,000 miles · May 8, 2008
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. OCCASIONALLY, WITHIN A FIVE MINUTE INTERVAL, THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO CORRECT ITSELF. THE FAILURE OCCURS APPROXIMATELY 4…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. OCCASIONALLY, WITHIN A FIVE MINUTE INTERVAL, THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO CORRECT ITSELF. THE FAILURE OCCURS APPROXIMATELY 4-5 TIMES WHILE DRIVING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE EACH TIME. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

NHTSA ODI #10227065

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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