IllustrationCARSHALTON OUT AND ALL LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD MINAJ CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY AND WAS NOT ABLE TO OPERATE. *TR
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 →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
320–25K
6525–50K
7750–75K
6375–100K
75100–150K
31150K+
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE IGNITION AND RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON, SECURITY SENSOR, AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR INDICATORS IL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE IGNITION AND RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON, SECURITY SENSOR, AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE RADIO VOLUME COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED, AND THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT 55 AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF . IT DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN FOR A ALMOST 2 YEARS .NOTHING WAS PREDICTABLE AND SOMETIMES MONTHS WOULD PASS AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD HAPPEN WITHIN MILES OF THE LAST OCCURRENCE UNTIL ABOUT JANUARY 2014 I MADE A 50 MILE TRIP AND ON THE RETURN 50 MILES IT WOULD SHUT DOWN EVERY 1 TO 2 MILE…
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I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT 55 AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF . IT DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN FOR A ALMOST 2 YEARS .NOTHING WAS PREDICTABLE AND SOMETIMES MONTHS WOULD PASS AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD HAPPEN WITHIN MILES OF THE LAST OCCURRENCE UNTIL ABOUT JANUARY 2014 I MADE A 50 MILE TRIP AND ON THE RETURN 50 MILES IT WOULD SHUT DOWN EVERY 1 TO 2 MILES WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. I LAST DROVE IT WHEN IT SHUT DOWN AS I WAS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC ACROSS LANES AND IT STALLED LEAVING ME SITTING WITH A FAST APPROACHING CAR ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE . I TOOK IT HOME WHERE IT NOW SITS , MECHANICALLY IN GOOD CONDITION WITH A BAD STARTING SYSTEM THAT SEEMS COMMON ON THE INTERNET ALTHOUGH NO ONE SITE CAN PINPOINT THE CAUSE . *TR
SECURITY PASSLOCK ISSUES. INITIALLY IT STARTED WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING UNLESS I SAT WITH THE KEY TURNED TO THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT GRADUALLY GOT WORSE AND THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START AT ALL. *TR
THE IGNITION SWITCH OF THE NEW CAR SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING ME ACCIDENTS. THE STEERING WHEEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKED-UP BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES FROM 2001, WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, UNTIL 2003 WHEN I SOLD IT T…
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THE IGNITION SWITCH OF THE NEW CAR SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING ME ACCIDENTS. THE STEERING WHEEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKED-UP BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES FROM 2001, WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, UNTIL 2003 WHEN I SOLD IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AT A PERSONAL LOSS OF $5000 DUE TO CONCERNS FOR MY SAFETY. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO THE GM LICENSED PONTIAC DEALER IN ST. PETERSBURG FOR REPAIR OF THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM ON 4 (FOUR) DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FROM 2001 TO 2003 AND THEY DID NOT ADEQUATELY REPAIR THE IGNITION KEY SWITCH OR SOLVE THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. BUT, THE CAR SHUT OFF MANY MORE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. SO, I SOLD THE CAR DUE TO MY CONCERNS FOR SAFETY AND TOOK A SIGNIFICANT LOSS ON THE VALUE OF MY CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE SOLD THE CAR IF THE GM PONTIAC DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE PROPERLY REPAIRED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND SYSTEM OF THE CAR. *TR
EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE DASHBOARD OF ALL 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AMS ARE WORTHLESS. BEFORE I MENTION THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS GO OUT FREQUENTLY, AND THE BLINKER MODULES ARE PURE JUNK CAUSING THE BLINKER TO BLINK AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN TURNING. THEY ALL GO BAD AND MAKE THE CARS LOOK AND SOUND LIKE HELL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FO…
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EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE DASHBOARD OF ALL 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AMS ARE WORTHLESS. BEFORE I MENTION THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS GO OUT FREQUENTLY, AND THE BLINKER MODULES ARE PURE JUNK CAUSING THE BLINKER TO BLINK AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN TURNING. THEY ALL GO BAD AND MAKE THE CARS LOOK AND SOUND LIKE HELL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MANY YEARS LIKE ALL THE OTHERS WRITING IN WITH THE SAME DEMANDS. THERE MUST BE A RECALL AND IF THERE ISN'T ONE, THEN GM IS THE SORRIEST BUNCH OF UNCONCERNED AUTO MANUFACTURERS IN THE BUSINESS. IT MAKES THEM LOOK LIKE THIEVES AND I BELIEVE STRONGLY ABOUT THIS AND AM FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO SEE THAT ALL OF US ARE COMPENSATED. I WILL NOT CEASE TO STOP THIS PURSUIT. AND THIS IS NOT PERSONAL INFORMATION. I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO DAMAGE GM PUBLICLY, SHOULD THIS NOT BE ADDRESSED. ANYONE CAN CALL ME AT [XXX], MY NAME IS [XXX] . I LIVE IN [XXX]AND I'M SICK AND TIRED OF BEING WALKED ALL OVER. JUST READ THE RESPONSES ON-LINE CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. IT SHOULD APPALLED THE ENTIRE WORKING STAFF AT GM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ON MY WAY TO WORK (2ND SHIFT) IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AS I WAS PREPARING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SIMPLY SHUT-OFF BLOCKING TRAFFIC. (I WAS EVENTUALLY - 20 MINUTES - ABLE TO GET HELP TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD.) EVERYTHING SHUT OFF AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART....EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE POWER-STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED …
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ON MY WAY TO WORK (2ND SHIFT) IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AS I WAS PREPARING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SIMPLY SHUT-OFF BLOCKING TRAFFIC. (I WAS EVENTUALLY - 20 MINUTES - ABLE TO GET HELP TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD.) EVERYTHING SHUT OFF AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART....EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE POWER-STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW NOTHING MORE THEN A TWO-TON PAPERWEIGHT IN MY GARAGE - AND ABOUT AS USEFUL. ON A SECOND OCCASION IT CUT-OFF AS I PULLED INTO TRAFFIC AND ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION...FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST FAR ENOUGH TO GET INTO THE TURN LANE AND THEN WHEN TRAFFIC CLEARED TO PUSH IT BACK OFF THE ROAD. AN ONLINE SEARCH TOLD ME THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE SEEMS NO AGREEMENT ON A SOLUTION/FIX. EVIDENTLY THE SECURITY SYSTEM SIMPLY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY (EVEN WHEN IT IS THE CORRECT ONE) AND THINKS THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN AND THUS SHUTS ITSELF OFF. WHAT WOULD/COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS AT SPEED IN TRAFFIC? IF PONTIAC KNOWS ABOUT THIS WHY IS THERE NO RECALL....DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? *TR
MY SECURITY LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME OR CAR WONT START OR SHUTS OFF 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. *TR
FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON THIS CAR. BEFORE WE WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WE HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, IGNITION REPLACED AND SEVERAL DIAGNOSTICS, COSTING US NEARLY $1000 DOLLARS. WHEN WE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE WE REALIZED THERE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WE…
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FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON THIS CAR. BEFORE WE WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WE HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, IGNITION REPLACED AND SEVERAL DIAGNOSTICS, COSTING US NEARLY $1000 DOLLARS. WHEN WE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE WE REALIZED THERE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME CAR. NOT ONLY IS THIS AN UNJUSTIFIED EXPENSE FOR A FAULTY DEVICE, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE A LEGITIMATE SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WHERE THE CAR HAS CUT OUT WHILE ACTUALLY DRIVING. AS I STATED IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS WE HAVE DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM AND IT STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FORCE A RECALL, DOES SOMEONE NEED TO ACTUALLY GET HURT?? *TR
TURN SIGNALS WORK SOMETIMES AND STOP WORKING SOMETIMES,THE FUSES AND BULBS WERE CHECKED,THEY WERE OK. *TR
Official recalls
414V400000 · 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
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