IllustrationHEAT BLOWER WORKS AT TIMES OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T. WHEN IT COMES ON IT GET REALLY HOT AND THEN IT DOESN'T WORK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THEN THE SAME THING OVER AGAIN. *NM
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
Visibility complaints
32 reportsTL* - THE CONTACT'S 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT'S FAN SPEED SWITCH FOR THE DEFROSTER AND AIR CONDITIONING WASONLY WORKING AT LEVEL 4. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ,AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE SETTING TO 1,2, OR 3. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE PANEL AND OBSERVED THAT ONE…
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
I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OF THE SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES NOTED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS. MY 1 AND 2 FUNCTION ON THE FAN IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE TURN SIGNALS APPEAR TO HAVE A SHORT/WIRING PROBLEM, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR/BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER IS …
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I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OF THE SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES NOTED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS. MY 1 AND 2 FUNCTION ON THE FAN IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE TURN SIGNALS APPEAR TO HAVE A SHORT/WIRING PROBLEM, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR/BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER IS BROKEN, THE(GEAR SHAFT) BUTTON THAT PUTS THE CAR IN GEAR(P,R,N,D) POPS OUT FREQUENTLY, DRIVER FLOOR HAS BEEN SOAK AND WET PERIODICALLY, AND NUMEROUS BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEMS(NEED TO REPLACE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS FREQUENTLY, HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE CALIPERS/HUBS/WHEEL BEARINGS). THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL WAS THE TURNING SWITCH, WHICH THE PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MANUFACTURER COVER THESE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BECOME REPETITIVE IN SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. *JB
WHERE TO START...I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING IT, MY FUEL PUMP & COMPUTER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. NEXT WAS MY WATER PUMP & TIMING CHAIN. THEN WAS THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THEN THE TURN SIGNALS, THEN THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN. AND NOW MY BRAKES ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. …
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WHERE TO START...I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING IT, MY FUEL PUMP & COMPUTER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. NEXT WAS MY WATER PUMP & TIMING CHAIN. THEN WAS THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THEN THE TURN SIGNALS, THEN THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN. AND NOW MY BRAKES ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. THE ONLY THING COVERED BY GM WAS THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. ALL OTHER REPLACEMENTS WERE AT MY EXPENSE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THIS SITE, I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME KIND. I NOTIFIED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP AT ALL. I EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THINGS, IT HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THEY SHRUGGED THAT OFF. THEY FINALLY SENT ME A LETTER STATING THAT THEY WOULD NO LONGER "ENTERTAIN" ANY OF MY COMMENTS OR COMPLAINTS. DO NOT BUY A PONTIAC!!! JUNK CITY!!! *NM
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK WHEN TRYING TO ROLL UP WINDOW USING AUTOMATIC SWITCH. THE REGULATOR, MOTOR AND SASH-FRT. HAD TO BE REPLACED.
DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR MIRROR SUDDENLY DETACHED UPON BEING BUMPED BY A PERSON'S HIP AS SHE WALKED BY MY PARKED CAR. IT WAS A VERY LIGHT BUMP, YET THE LARGE INTERNAL BOLTS HOLDING THE MIRROR IN PLACE SNAPPED CLEANLY IN HALF, LEAVING THE MIRROR DANGLING BY THE POWER CORDS ONLY. THE CAR'S BODY/EXTERIOR IS OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT C…
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DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR MIRROR SUDDENLY DETACHED UPON BEING BUMPED BY A PERSON'S HIP AS SHE WALKED BY MY PARKED CAR. IT WAS A VERY LIGHT BUMP, YET THE LARGE INTERNAL BOLTS HOLDING THE MIRROR IN PLACE SNAPPED CLEANLY IN HALF, LEAVING THE MIRROR DANGLING BY THE POWER CORDS ONLY. THE CAR'S BODY/EXTERIOR IS OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NO PRIOR INJURY/BUMPING TO THE CAR'S MIRROR HAD OCCURRED TO CAUSE OR EXPLAIN ANY SORT OF WEAKENING OF THE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. I HAVE SINCE SPOKEN WITH 2 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN WITH SIMILAR SURPRISINGLY LIGHT CONTACT ON THEIR GRAND AMS. ONE, WHEN SHE WENT THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. THE OTHER, AS SHE WAS MERELY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD (WIND FORCES.) NONE OF THESE VEHICLES HAD BEEN IN ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED WEAKENING OF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE. NOR IS IT A 'WEAR AND TEAR' TYPE ISSUE. YET ONLY VERY MINOR PRESSURE CAUSED THE BOLTS TO BREAK EASILY. THE MIRRORS HAD TO BE HELD ON WITH DUCT TAPE AND/OR CORDS TO KEEP THEM FROM FLOPPING AROUND AND DAMAGING THE CAR'S EXTERIOR UNTIL REPAIR COULD BE SOUGHT. I HAD TO HOLD ON TO IT MANUALLY (IN VERY COLD WEATHER) TO KEEP IT FROM BANGING AROUND ON THE BODY OF MY CAR, UNTIL I COULD SECURE IT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE (WITH MEDICAL IV TUBING, OFF ALL THINGS.) PONTIAC CLAIMS THAT THIS FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORY OF A 'COSMETIC' REPAIR...THAT IT WOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE (?!!)...AND SO REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. THEY INSIST ON CHARGING FULL PRICE. THERE MUST BE SOME SORT OF DEFECT IN THE BOLTS ATTACHING THESE MIRRORS TO ALLOW THEM TO GIVE WAY SO EASILY UNDER SUCH LITTLE FORCE. THIS CREATES A VERY SERIOUS TRAFFIC SAFETY HAZARD, AS IT CAN HAPPEN DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL DRIVING, PUTTING THE DRIVER (AS WELL AS SURROUNDING DRIVERS) AT SERIOUS IMMEDIATE RISK OF AN MVA. I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN REACHING ANYONE IN AUTHORITY AT PONTIAC WILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *NM
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. TOLD BY SERVICES THAT IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR THE MOTOR NEEDED REPLACED ALSO. QUOTED OVER $600 FOR FIX. *NM
THE A/C- HEATER SPEED CONTROL SELECTION 1 AND 2 STOPPED WORKING IN 2002 SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. ON APRIL 10,2006, THE SELECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. THIS IS NOW THE 9TH PROBOLEM I'VE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE. TO INCLUDE BOTH POWER WINDOW BRACKETS BREAKING, MY HAZARD FLASHER, TRANSMISSION, STEERING, AND A/C. I'…
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THE A/C- HEATER SPEED CONTROL SELECTION 1 AND 2 STOPPED WORKING IN 2002 SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. ON APRIL 10,2006, THE SELECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. THIS IS NOW THE 9TH PROBOLEM I'VE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE. TO INCLUDE BOTH POWER WINDOW BRACKETS BREAKING, MY HAZARD FLASHER, TRANSMISSION, STEERING, AND A/C. I'VE UNKNOWINGLY HAD JACKSON AUTO GROUP OF HAWAII DO REPAIRS WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A WORD ABOUT THE RECALLS. WHAT PROACTIVE STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO NOTIFY THE DEALERS ABOUT THE RECALLS AND DEFECTS? *NM
2001 PONTIC GRAND AM SE 4DOOR AUTOMATIC CAR WASH COMPANIES WILL NOT PREMIT THIS VEHCILE TO ENTER INTO THE CAR WASH SINCE THE SIDE MIRROR FALL OFF- AFTER BE TOLD OF THIS DEFECT MINE IS LOOSE SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR SHOULDN'T THIS PROBLEM BE RECALLED?
I WOULD LIKE TO LET NHTSA KNOW THAT I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE HAD TO DO QUITE A BIT OF REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, SUCH THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THE FUEL PUMP. I AM NOT FACING REPAIRS ON THE WATER PUMP BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE AND THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. ALSO WITH MY GRAND AM AND I HA…
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I WOULD LIKE TO LET NHTSA KNOW THAT I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE HAD TO DO QUITE A BIT OF REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, SUCH THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THE FUEL PUMP. I AM NOT FACING REPAIRS ON THE WATER PUMP BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE AND THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. ALSO WITH MY GRAND AM AND I HAVE SEEM OTHERS WITH THE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS. THE MIRRORS JUST FALL OFF AND HAND BY THE CORD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS WE NEED THESE MIRRORS FOR SIDE VIEW VISION. *AK
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
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