NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
232 reportsClear category filter76,023 miles · Feb 20, 2006
Electrical System
SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON BUT WENT OFF AFTER NEXT START. NEXT DAY KEY FOBS NOT WORKING. REPROGRAMMED AT DEALER. AFTERWARDS CAR HAD BEEN MAKING BEEPING NOISE CONSTANTLY WHILE ON AND PARKED AND INSIDE LOCK SWITCH NOT WORKING. AFTER DRIVING OVER A CERTAIN SPEED BEEPING NOISE STOPS. CALLED DEALER WAS ADVISED PASSLOCK ISSUE ON THAT MODE…
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SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON BUT WENT OFF AFTER NEXT START. NEXT DAY KEY FOBS NOT WORKING. REPROGRAMMED AT DEALER. AFTERWARDS CAR HAD BEEN MAKING BEEPING NOISE CONSTANTLY WHILE ON AND PARKED AND INSIDE LOCK SWITCH NOT WORKING. AFTER DRIVING OVER A CERTAIN SPEED BEEPING NOISE STOPS. CALLED DEALER WAS ADVISED PASSLOCK ISSUE ON THAT MODEL CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10150672
55,000 miles · Jan 6, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED IT WILL NOT RESTART WITHOUT THE COMPUTER BEING REPROGRAMMED. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE ONLY THING THE DEALER DID WAS RESE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED IT WILL NOT RESTART WITHOUT THE COMPUTER BEING REPROGRAMMED. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE ONLY THING THE DEALER DID WAS RESET THE COMPUTER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM THE CONTACT BEGAN RESETTING THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER SHOWED THE CONTACT HOW TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER BY TURNING THE IGNITION ON, ALLOWING THE SECURITY LIGHT TO FLASH TEN MINUTES, TURN THE IGNITION OFF, AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIR OF THE IGNITION. THE DEALER OFFERED TWO OPTIONS FOR REPAIR, TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM OR JUMP THE SECURITY SYSTEM. IF THE SECURITY SYSTEM WAS BY PASSED IT WILL NO LONGER ACTIVATE. THERE ARE TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) CONCERNING THE IGNITION, TSBS 010849020 AND 020604011. *AK UPDATED 02/27/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10147053
71,000 miles · Dec 5, 2005
Electrical SystemSeat Belts
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON ROUGH ROADS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. ALSO, THE REAR SEAT BELT MATERIAL FELL APART. THIS WAS INSPECTED BY THE DE…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON ROUGH ROADS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. ALSO, THE REAR SEAT BELT MATERIAL FELL APART. THIS WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THEY OFFERED NO FREE REPAIR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10144474
61,000 miles · Nov 4, 2005
Electrical System
FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW,WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING THE TRUNK RELEASE ACTUATOR TO OPERATE BY ITSELF,EVERY TIME THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS PENED. ALSO ,THE "AUTOMATIC-ON "DASH LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, MARKER LIGHTS AND SO-ON- SOMETIMES WILL …
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FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW,WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING THE TRUNK RELEASE ACTUATOR TO OPERATE BY ITSELF,EVERY TIME THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS PENED. ALSO ,THE "AUTOMATIC-ON "DASH LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, MARKER LIGHTS AND SO-ON- SOMETIMES WILL NOT TURN ON IMMEDIATELY,WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS LOWERED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF AN INVESTIGATION COULD BE OPENED FOR THESE PROBLEMS; BECAUSE THEY ARE SAFETY RELATED ISSUES,AND THERE MAY BE MANY OTHER PEOPLE BEING AFFECTED WITH THESE SAME PROBLEMS-WITH THEIR 2001 GRAND AM'S. I BELIEVE PONTIAC SHOULD BE MADE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE ISSUES,SINCE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS TRUSTING THEM TO PROVIDE SAFE CARS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE SOMETHING THAT IS LIMITED TO A WARRANTY, SINCE IT INVOLVES A SAFETY ISSUE, IN WHICH THE LIGHTS COULD STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING OR THE TRUNK COULD RELEASE( BY ITSELF) WHILE DRIVING. THANK YOU. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141753
10,000 miles · Nov 1, 2005
Electrical System
SECURITY LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. CAR WILL BECOME DISABLED AND WILL NOT START UNTIL SYSTEM IS RESET. TOOK CAR IN FOR REPAIR ON THIS PROBLEM ONCE. A YEAR LATER LIGHT STARTED COMING BACK ON. ASK SERVICE PERSONNEL ABOUT THIS SITUATION AND HE SAID IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS CAUSES THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10141401
82,750 miles · Oct 20, 2005
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
THE BODY CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TWO BATTERIES TO FAIL. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED CAUSING CLICKING NOISE IN THE ASH. *TS WHEN THE BCM FAILED THE CONSUMER NOTICED A 1 AMP DRAW. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT REPLACED THE BCM PER THE CONSUMERS REQUEST. THE VEHICLE WAS BUCKING AND FELT AS IF THERE WAS A MA…
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THE BODY CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TWO BATTERIES TO FAIL. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED CAUSING CLICKING NOISE IN THE ASH. *TS WHEN THE BCM FAILED THE CONSUMER NOTICED A 1 AMP DRAW. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT REPLACED THE BCM PER THE CONSUMERS REQUEST. THE VEHICLE WAS BUCKING AND FELT AS IF THERE WAS A MAJOR MISS. THIS WAS DUE TO FAULTY #4 INJECTOR. THE INJECTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141041
85,632 miles · Oct 19, 2005
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR IT WILL NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHT IS LIT. A RESET PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED THAT TAKES OVER 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND MAKES THE VEHICLE USELESS FOR EMERGENCIES. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL FILTER AT QUITE SOME EXPENSE TO ME. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10140184
45,000 miles · Oct 13, 2005
Electrical System
IN THE 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, THE THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEM "PASSLOCK" WILL FAIL AND THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED. I FIST THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY MY CAR. UNTIL I FOUND A WEBSITE AND IT APPEARS THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OVER AND OVER.. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED, BECAUSE IT ACTS AS IF THE OWNER IS TRYING TO ST…
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IN THE 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, THE THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEM "PASSLOCK" WILL FAIL AND THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED. I FIST THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY MY CAR. UNTIL I FOUND A WEBSITE AND IT APPEARS THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OVER AND OVER.. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED, BECAUSE IT ACTS AS IF THE OWNER IS TRYING TO STEAL THE CAR AND WILL NOT START.. HERE IS A COPY OF THE INFO ON A CONSUMER REPORTS SITE>>> BUG IN 2001 GRAND AM WON'T START CAR. A BUG IN 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM'S CAUSES THEM TO SIMPLY NOT START, RIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE. BETTER HOPE YOU'RE NOT IN THE WRONG NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN IT HAPPENS 'CAUSE ALMOST NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THE FIX IS. (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 21, 2005 -- IF YOU OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, YOU'D BETTER HOPE YOU'RE NOT STUCK SOMEWHERE BAD WHEN THIS HITS: YOU GO TO START YOUR CAR, AND THE ENGINE CRANKS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR OUT OF GAS, AND WON'T START. NUMBERS OF PEOPLE THEN HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CAR EASILY STARTS AFTER BEING TOWED, BUT NO CAUSE IS EVER FOUND. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) SYSTEM HAS A DEFECT IN IT THAT CAUSES CAR NOT TO START. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS. AS FOR A FIX, THE EXPERTS ARE HONESTLY NOT SURE. TO RESET THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM, PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION AND LEAVE IT IN 'ON' POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. THEN TURN IT OFF, AND TRY - IT SHOULD START THEN. WARNING: CONTINUED RESETTING OF THE COMPUTER THIS WAY WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE COMPUTER AND WILL COST LOTS TO REPLACE/FIX. AND HERE IS A LINK TO A CAR FORUM WHERE U CAN SEE ITS NOT JUST MY CAR HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EE9E52F/2082
NHTSA ODI #10139538
74,000 miles · Sep 16, 2005
Electrical System
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH 2001 GRAND AM V6. WHEN APPLY BRAKES AT ANY SPEED OVER 35 KM A PULSATING CAN BE FELT. THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY GOES OFF STOPPING ME FROM STARTING MY OWN CAR. HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES 4 TIMES WITHIN LAST YEAR. AS THEY CORRODE AND CAUSE STARTING PROBLEMS (SO SAYS THE MECHANIC)*JB
NHTSA ODI #10136745
66,000 miles · Aug 6, 2005
Electrical System
PASS LOCK SYSTEM A COMPLETE FAILURE. THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WON'T START. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS TO WAIT 10 MINUTES THEN TURN THE KEY OFF AND TRY AGAIN, BUT IT KEEPS DOING IT. CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A RECALL?? PLEASE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10131822
Official recalls
4Jul 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.
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.
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.
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
3EA02037 · 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
There is no summary currently available
Illustration