Illustration2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT WONT START. TURN THE KEY TO START AND NOTHING. AFTER A DAY THEN THE CAR WILL START... WHEN THE CAR START YOU CAN HEAR THE GAS PUMP TURN ON... WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTS THERE IS NOTHING. *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
What owners actually said
538 reportsCOOLANT LEVEL WAS GOING DOWN ON CAR AND LIGHT WAS COMING ON, TOOK CAR FOR CHECKUP AND INTAKE GASKET CRACKED AND COOLANT MIXED WITH OIL, HAD GASKET REPAIRED , BUT WHILE DRIVING GASKET BLEW AGAIN AND POWERSTEERING FUNCTIONS OF CAR DID NOT WORK AND COOLANT LEAKED ALL OVER GROUND , HARD TO CONTROL CAR AND SINCE IN TRAFFIC ALMOST WA…
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COOLANT LEVEL WAS GOING DOWN ON CAR AND LIGHT WAS COMING ON, TOOK CAR FOR CHECKUP AND INTAKE GASKET CRACKED AND COOLANT MIXED WITH OIL, HAD GASKET REPAIRED , BUT WHILE DRIVING GASKET BLEW AGAIN AND POWERSTEERING FUNCTIONS OF CAR DID NOT WORK AND COOLANT LEAKED ALL OVER GROUND , HARD TO CONTROL CAR AND SINCE IN TRAFFIC ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT < PONTIAC KNOWS ABOUT ISSUES WITH PONTIAC GARND AM SE 2001 AND ALSO WITH SIGNAL TURN PROBLEM SINCE SIGNALS STOP WORKING,NOW CAR NEEDS NEW MOTOR SINCE GASKET REPLACED ABOUT 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME IT BLEW AFTER TAKING OUT OF REPAIR SHOP AND WHILE DRIVING.WHEN SOMEONE IS HURT IS THAT WHAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR SO THAT THES CARS WILL BE RECALLED? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE SECURITY LOCK ENGAGED AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID ON COMING TRAFFIC AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT LOOKED ONLINE TO FIND A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE SECURITY LOCK ENGAGED AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID ON COMING TRAFFIC AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT LOOKED ONLINE TO FIND A SOLUTION TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH STATED TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES. THE ONLINE REMEDY CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT NEEDED A JUMP START. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE SECURITY LOCK ENGAGED AGAIN AND SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND THEY STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,600.
POWER STEERING RACK SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME DUE TO CORROSION
3RD TIME PONTIAC GRAND AM PASSLOCK FAILURE. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH NO GUARANTEE THIS WON'T CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE WEB SITES AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A RAMPANT PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT TO ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS REPEATED PROBLEM. *TR
WE HAD A FLAT IN OUR DRIVEWAY ON ONE OF A SET OF GOODYEAR GT HR TIRES WHICH WERE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2007. UPON CHANGING THE TIRE AND INSPECTING IT, THE TIRE HAD LARGE CRACKS ALL AROUND THE PERIMETER ON THE INTERIOR SIDE. WE CHECKED THE OTHER TIRES AND SAW SIMILAR CRACKS. WE TOOK IT TO THE GOODYEAR DEALER WHERE THEY WERE PURC…
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WE HAD A FLAT IN OUR DRIVEWAY ON ONE OF A SET OF GOODYEAR GT HR TIRES WHICH WERE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2007. UPON CHANGING THE TIRE AND INSPECTING IT, THE TIRE HAD LARGE CRACKS ALL AROUND THE PERIMETER ON THE INTERIOR SIDE. WE CHECKED THE OTHER TIRES AND SAW SIMILAR CRACKS. WE TOOK IT TO THE GOODYEAR DEALER WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED AND THE OWNER FOUND IT LEAKING AT ONE OF THESE CRACKS. I COMMENTED THAT I WAS DISMAYED THAT THESE TIRES DRY ROTTED AT ONLY THREE YEARS, TO WHICH HE STATED THAT, "THEY AREN'T DRY ROTTED; THESE ARE STRESS FRACTURES". I ASKED WHY THEY WOULD HAVE THESE FRACTURES AFTER ONLY THREE YEARS AND WHAT CAUSED THEM,AND HE GAVE ME NO ANSWER. THE DEALER SEEMED TO HAVE NO CONCERN THAT THESE TIRES ARE FAILING IN THIS WAY IN ONLY THREE YEARS AND ONLY WANTED ME TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENTS, OFFERING A VERY SMALL DISCOUNT, TO WHICH WE DECLINED. WE WILL BE REPLACING THESE TIRES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND ARE AWARE OF THE TREAD WEAR AND MILES THEY HAVE ON THEM, BUT WE ARE CONCERNED THAT OTHERS ARE DRIVING ON TIRES THAT THEY THINK ARE FINE BECAUSE THEY AREN'T VERY OLD. THEY SHOULDN'T BE CRACKING LIKE THIS AS WE'VE HAD MANY SETS OF TIRES AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. HAD THAT TIRE GONE OUT ANY OTHER PLACE THAN IN MY DRIVE, I AM AFRAID TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. WE STILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON, WHICH I GREATLY FEAR. THIS TIRE WAS DATED 0907. *TR
SOMETIMES WHEN I START MY CAR THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE LIGHT TO COME OFF. I HAVE YET TO FIND ONE MECHANIC THAT KNOWS THE SOLUTION. IT HAS OCCURRED AT THE MOST RANDOM TIMES AND SOMETIMES THE WORST. AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO REPLACE OR FIX.…
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SOMETIMES WHEN I START MY CAR THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE LIGHT TO COME OFF. I HAVE YET TO FIND ONE MECHANIC THAT KNOWS THE SOLUTION. IT HAS OCCURRED AT THE MOST RANDOM TIMES AND SOMETIMES THE WORST. AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO REPLACE OR FIX. IF I KNEW I WOULD ASAP. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE MONTHS LATER; THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED AFTER IT WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE MONTHS LATER; THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED AFTER IT WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. SECURITY COMPUTER CODE INSIDE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER PREVENTS VEHICLE FROM STARTING FOR TWENTY MINUTES TO OVER AN HOUR WITH ORIGINAL KEY TO VEHICLE. EVERY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM OWNER IN THE AREA IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. NATIONAL RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MICROCODE AND/OR IGNITION SWITCH SHOU…
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2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. SECURITY COMPUTER CODE INSIDE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER PREVENTS VEHICLE FROM STARTING FOR TWENTY MINUTES TO OVER AN HOUR WITH ORIGINAL KEY TO VEHICLE. EVERY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM OWNER IN THE AREA IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. NATIONAL RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MICROCODE AND/OR IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD BE MADE.I AM DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE LEFT ME STRANDED FOR OVER THREE HOURS TODAY UNTIL I FOUND A RIDE HOME. CARS SHOULD NOT HAVE COMPUTER MICROCODE THAT PREVENTS STARTING VEHICLE.THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. VIN NUMBER [XXX] 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM WOULD NOT RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM WOULD NOT RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
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