← New search

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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

75 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE A PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2001 V6 AND IT HAS 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS 52,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS/BREAKS TWICE ALREADY. WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY PULSATE AND DRAG THE CAR TO A STOP. BEST OF ALL ITS STARTING TO SHUDDER AGAIN WHEN I USE THE BREAKS. SO, SOON TO BE 3 TIMES IN ABOUT 3 YE…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2001 V6 AND IT HAS 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS 52,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS/BREAKS TWICE ALREADY. WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY PULSATE AND DRAG THE CAR TO A STOP. BEST OF ALL ITS STARTING TO SHUDDER AGAIN WHEN I USE THE BREAKS. SO, SOON TO BE 3 TIMES IN ABOUT 3 YEARS. SECOND, THE SPEAKERS HAVE BLOWN 2 TIMES. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY GM WOULD PUT SPEAKERS IN THE CAR THAT CANNOT HANDLE THE POWER FROM THE FACTORY RECIEVER. FINALLY, THE ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM. THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT WOULD TURN ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THEN TURN OFF AFTER 10-30 SECONDS. THIS WENT ON FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT. THEY TOLD ME THE DEX COOL COOLANT ATE THROUGH THE GASKETS, WHICH CAUSED THE LOSS OF COOLANT. ITS $800 TO GET IT FIXED. PLEASE DO SOMETHING, THIS CAR'S DESIGN IS FLAWED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10061809

44,500 miles · Feb 24, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT, 44500 MILES, 38 MONTHS OLD. VEHICLE HAS SLOWLY USED RADIATOR FLUID FOR OVER A YEAR, HOWEVER PASSED ALL PRESSURE TESTS AT DEALER. ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISES WHEN STARTED BUT QUICKLY DISAPPEARS AS ENGINE WARMS. ENGINE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD WITHIN A FEW DAYS AND DEALER STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD …

Read full complaint

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT, 44500 MILES, 38 MONTHS OLD. VEHICLE HAS SLOWLY USED RADIATOR FLUID FOR OVER A YEAR, HOWEVER PASSED ALL PRESSURE TESTS AT DEALER. ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISES WHEN STARTED BUT QUICKLY DISAPPEARS AS ENGINE WARMS. ENGINE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD WITHIN A FEW DAYS AND DEALER STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAS A LEAK WHICH HAS ALSO CUASED DAMAGE TO VALUES AND LIFTERS. REPAIR COST AT $1,600.00 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $300.00 TO FLUSH ENGINE AND RADIATOR. SYSTEMN FLUSH REQUIRED SINCE RADIATOR FLUID MAY HAVE ENTERED ENGINE. ONLY ENGINE PROBLEM PRIOR TO ENGINE NOISE WAS THE OCCASSIONAL LOSS OF ANTI-FREEZE WHICH DID NOT LEAD DEALER TO PROBLEM. ENGINE OIL IS ALWAYS CLEAN WITH NO SIGNS OF EXTERNAL CONTAMINANTS. DEALER HAS STATED THAT A LOT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ARE BEING REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10058905

23,051 miles · Feb 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY CAR IS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. IT HAD 23,051 MILES ON IT WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE PROBLEM WAS THE LOW COOLENT LIGHT WENT ON SO THE INTAKE GASKETS AND NEC PARTS NEEDED REPLACING. A 3 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 23,000 MILES NEEDED $900 WORTH OF REPAIRS WITH NO ACCIDENTS ON IT'S RECORD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10058605

34,000 miles · Jan 12, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSuspensionFire

WATER LEAKED INTO FLOORBOARD FROM AIR-CONDITIONER. GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND BACK WHEELS. TRIM CAME LOOSE FROM BACK BUMPER. REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. HAD NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START (DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM) FRONT DRIVER WINDOW WOULD NOT COME DOWN ON OCCASION. CAR …

Read full complaint

WATER LEAKED INTO FLOORBOARD FROM AIR-CONDITIONER. GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND BACK WHEELS. TRIM CAME LOOSE FROM BACK BUMPER. REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. HAD NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START (DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM) FRONT DRIVER WINDOW WOULD NOT COME DOWN ON OCCASION. CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD WHILE PARKED IN OUR GARAGE. THE FIRE DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE INSPECTOR SENT OUT TO LOOK AT THE CAR (BY GM) SAID THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING WE DID TO THE CAR. THE CAR WAS REPURCHASED BY GM ON JANUARY 7, 2004 AFTER BASICALLY CALLING THEM ON A DAILY BASIS TO GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10052974

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR HAS A VERY SLOW AND HARD START MOST OF THE TIME, AND CRANKING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO START. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE IT HAS BEEN BOUGHT AND NOBODY CAN SEEM TO FIGURE THE PROBLEM OUT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10049718

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, WHILE BRAKING THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. ABS WARNING LIGHT AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10044553

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A 2001 OR 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. 2 WEEKS AGO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BURNED UP. THE DEALER IS TELLING HIM THAT THE PART NEEDS TO BE ORDER IN FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND IN TURN THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY BUILD HIM A NEW ONE. I AM SEARCHING FOR A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE I HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND WHO HAS A 2002 CH…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A 2001 OR 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. 2 WEEKS AGO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BURNED UP. THE DEALER IS TELLING HIM THAT THE PART NEEDS TO BE ORDER IN FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND IN TURN THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY BUILD HIM A NEW ONE. I AM SEARCHING FOR A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE I HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND WHO HAS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10 WHO HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. BOTH CARS HAVE LESS THAT 100 THOUSAND MILES ON THEM AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF GM SHOULD BE COVERING THE COST OF THIS REPAIR AS IT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10037175

6,668 miles · Sep 2, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL PUMP DOES NOT WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE FUEL GAUGE , FUEL INJECTORS, FAN, LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS, COMPUTER CHIP, OIL LEAK, BRAKES, BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. GMAC HAD BEEN NOTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HAD REFUSED TO COOPERATIVE IN FIXING THE DEFECTS. THESE WERE KNOWN DEFECTS. GMAC REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRA…

Read full complaint

FUEL PUMP DOES NOT WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE FUEL GAUGE , FUEL INJECTORS, FAN, LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS, COMPUTER CHIP, OIL LEAK, BRAKES, BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. GMAC HAD BEEN NOTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HAD REFUSED TO COOPERATIVE IN FIXING THE DEFECTS. THESE WERE KNOWN DEFECTS. GMAC REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY AND REFUSED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10024605

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 GRAND AM. LIKE OTHERS MANY TURN SIGNALS FAILED, I HAVE HAD WATER LEAKS, THE DOME LIGHT FELL OUT OF ITS CASING AND WAS DANGLING BY ITS WIRES. IN MAY OF 2003 THE COMPUTER AND ITS WIRING WERE REPLACED (AT ONLY 31000) AFTER AN INCIDENT OF VERY RUFF SHIFTING. A SEPARATE CONSISTANT PROBLEM THA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 GRAND AM. LIKE OTHERS MANY TURN SIGNALS FAILED, I HAVE HAD WATER LEAKS, THE DOME LIGHT FELL OUT OF ITS CASING AND WAS DANGLING BY ITS WIRES. IN MAY OF 2003 THE COMPUTER AND ITS WIRING WERE REPLACED (AT ONLY 31000) AFTER AN INCIDENT OF VERY RUFF SHIFTING. A SEPARATE CONSISTANT PROBLEM THAT REMAINS UNSOLVED IS THE CAR'S OCCASIONAL EPISODES OF NOT WANTING TO START. DURING THESE EPISODES IT SOUNDS AS IF THE STARTER WILL CRACK, BUT IT JUST WILL NOT START. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT STARTED AT THESE TIMES IS TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL! IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO DEALERSHIPS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE REPLACED A FUEL INTAKE VALVE AND PUT NEW PROGRAMMING IN THE COMPUTER. NOTHING THEY EVER DO SOLVES THIS PROBLEM AND USUALLY THEY TELL ME THAT THEY CAN NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THEREFORE CAN NOT FIX IT. EVEN AFTER HAVING A NEW COMPUTER THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10021329

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 2000 OR JANUARY OF 2001. NEVERTHELESS, I HAVE 26K MILES ON MY CAR AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TWICE FOR MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WAS APPROXIMATELY 8-9 MONTHS AGO WHEN MY ENGINE WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY AND GRINDING DURING ACCELERATION. IN AD…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 2000 OR JANUARY OF 2001. NEVERTHELESS, I HAVE 26K MILES ON MY CAR AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TWICE FOR MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WAS APPROXIMATELY 8-9 MONTHS AGO WHEN MY ENGINE WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY AND GRINDING DURING ACCELERATION. IN ADDITION IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR KICK INTO OVERDRIVE IT JUST GRINDED. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO GAY PONTIAC IN DICKINSON TX WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED BY GMC TO REPLACE MY ENGINE BUT TO REPLACE CERTAIN PORTIONS OF MY ENGINE I.E. RODS AND MAIN BEARING. LAST FRIDAY ON APRIL 25TH MY ENGINE BEGAN TO DO THE EXACT SAME THING AS I WAS DRIVING HOME. I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR STARTED GRINDING EVERY TIME THE RPM METER REACHED 2200 RPM. I TEND TO ACCELERATE FAST WHEN I DRIVE HOWEVER I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS GROUNDS FOR THE DAMAGE THAT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT ADDED ANY COMPONENTS TO MY VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASING IT. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP, AND THIS TIME THEY CALLED OUT A GMC REP WHO SUGGESTED AGAIN THAT ONLY CERTAIN PARTS OF MY ENGINE ARE REPLACED. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET THIS CHANGED. I BELIEVE AT THIS POINT PARTS THAT WERE NOT ORIGINALLY REPAIRED OR REPLACED HAVE SINCE SUSTAINED ADDITIONAL DAMAGE AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM OUTSIDE OF MY ENGINE THAT IS CALLING FOR THE ENGINE TO SUSTAIN THIS DAMAGE. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT MY VEHICLE IS A LEMON AND THE FAILURE OF GMC TO INVESTIGATE AND REPAIR MY VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ME ADDITIONAL HARM. I WOULD HATE TO BE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND HAVE AN ENGINE FAILURE OR BE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE TO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #10016882

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

There is no summary currently available