NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
24 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 24, 2017
SteeringUnknown Or Other
MY STEERING COLUMN MAKES A VIBRATING NOISE... THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE RED SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON THE LEFT PART OF THE DASH.... ALSO SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN JULY THERE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE KEY NOT STARTING IT RIGHT AWAY USUALLY HAVE TO WAIT TEN SECONDS OR EVEN UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN START MY VEHICLE. I'M LOOKING TO…
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MY STEERING COLUMN MAKES A VIBRATING NOISE... THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE RED SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON THE LEFT PART OF THE DASH.... ALSO SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN JULY THERE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE KEY NOT STARTING IT RIGHT AWAY USUALLY HAVE TO WAIT TEN SECONDS OR EVEN UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN START MY VEHICLE. I'M LOOKING TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE IT OCCURS. I DO NOT WANT MY CAR LOCKING UP ON ME. I PREFER SAFETY OVER SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #11048301
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringCrashInjury
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AS A PASSENGER ON 10/25/2001 IN WHICH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP ON OUR 2001 GRAND AM AS WE WERE DRIVING CAUSING US TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND FLIP DOWN HILL. MY FATHER AND MY BROTHER WERE FRONT PASSENGERS AND I WAS THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER OF THE CAR AND WAS EJECTED OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW…
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I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AS A PASSENGER ON 10/25/2001 IN WHICH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP ON OUR 2001 GRAND AM AS WE WERE DRIVING CAUSING US TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND FLIP DOWN HILL. MY FATHER AND MY BROTHER WERE FRONT PASSENGERS AND I WAS THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER OF THE CAR AND WAS EJECTED OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM THE REAR WINDOW OF THE CAR I SUFFERED A BROKEN PELVIC BONE, A BLEEDING BRAIN WITH PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE, INTERNAL BRUISES ON MY LUNGS, MY LIVER, AND MY KIDNEYS, AND THE TOP 3 DISCS AND BOTTOM 3 DISCS IN MY BACK POPPED OUT OF PLACE. I HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO SHANDS HOSPITAL IN GAINESVILLE FLORIDA WHERE I REMAINED UNTIL 11/20/2001. DURING THE THE TIME BETWEEN 10/25/2001 AND 11/20/2001 I WAS IN A COMA, HAD TO BE FED INTRAVEINOUSLY, AND WAS PLACED ON LIFE SUPPORT. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO SHANDS REHAB HOSPITAL IN GAINESVILLE FL, ON 11/20/2001 AND WAS RELEASED FROM SHANDS REHAB HOSPITAL 11/30/2015 IN WHEELCHAIR AND BODY BRACE. I HAD TO HAVE OUTPATIENT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION THERPAY DUE TO MY BRAIN INJURIES AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE THAT I WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT HAS BEEN RECALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS DUE TO A FAULTY IGINITION SWITCH THAT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER WHICH CAUSES DRIVERS TO NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE AND AM SUBMITTING THIS CLAIM BECAUSE OF THIS FINDING. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER CLAIMS AGAINS GENERAL MOTOR REGARDING THE SAME VEHICLE MODEL. I HAVE UPLOADED THE FHP REPORT AS WELL AS PICTURES POST ACCIDENT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10788171
70,000 miles · Dec 11, 2014
Service BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS A VIBRATION ON THE PEDALS AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10663712
150,000 miles · Nov 24, 2014
Steering
WHERE THE STEERING PINION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RUSTED OUT AND BROKE MAKING RIGHT TURNS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE PINION MOVING AND THE INNER TIE ROD HITTING THE FRAME. PRETTY MUCH MAKING THE CAR WORTHLESS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10660552
125,000 miles · Nov 3, 2014
EnginePower TrainSteering
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT WOULD SHUT DOWN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK, AND ALL THAT COULD BE DONE IS BRAKE TO A STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652005
120,000 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE IGNITION FAILING TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE IGNITION FAILING TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10617293
118,947 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
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
NHTSA ODI #10542855
108,000 miles · Sep 5, 2012
Service BrakesSteeringWheels
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP MAKING A GRINDING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BRAKE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEELS IT MAKES THIS LOUD GRINDING LIKE METAL ON METAL NOT SURE BECAUSE I HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES ABOUT EVERY 2 - 3 MONTHS AND ROTORS AND CALIPERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10473963
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
WHEN I TRY TO USE MY SIGNALS IT WONT WORK, THEY WONT COME ON, IT ALSO LILE TO HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, WHEN I CRANK THE CAR UP OT MAKES A LOUD NOISE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES, OR SOMETIMES IT WONT START, I HAVE TO WAIT THIRTY MINUTES, BEFORE IT COULD CRANK ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, IT HAS DONE THAT, I ALSO HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING BRAKE…
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WHEN I TRY TO USE MY SIGNALS IT WONT WORK, THEY WONT COME ON, IT ALSO LILE TO HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, WHEN I CRANK THE CAR UP OT MAKES A LOUD NOISE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES, OR SOMETIMES IT WONT START, I HAVE TO WAIT THIRTY MINUTES, BEFORE IT COULD CRANK ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, IT HAS DONE THAT, I ALSO HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING BRAKES FOR THIS CAR, MY COOLANT JUG I HAVE REPLACED THAT MANY OF TIMES AND ITS STILL HAS A LEAK IN IT I HAVE TO PUT COOLANT IN THERE FOUR TIMES A WEEK, AND ALSO IF IM MAKING A LEFT MY STEERING WHEEL IT GETS STUCK SOMETIMES. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10433017
113,520 miles · Jan 6, 2011
SteeringSuspension
POWER STEERING RACK SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME DUE TO CORROSION
NHTSA ODI #10375752
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