NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
538 reports95,534 miles · Jul 4, 2006
Electrical System
FOR ABOUT A YEAR THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT (PASSLOCK) SYSTEM, RENDERING IT DISABLED UNTIL THE IGNITION KEY IS LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. IT CAN THEN BE STARTED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS IT IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE WRIT…
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FOR ABOUT A YEAR THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT (PASSLOCK) SYSTEM, RENDERING IT DISABLED UNTIL THE IGNITION KEY IS LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. IT CAN THEN BE STARTED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS IT IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE WRITER AT MY PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE MY IGNITION SWITCH, BUT SHE HAD NO DEFINITE ANSWER TO MY PROBLEM. ALSO, REPLACING THE SWITCH WOULD COST ME ABOUT $400.00. WE NEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF THESE CARS ARE PROBLEMATIC IN THIS AREA! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10161358
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2006
Exterior Lighting
THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT WORK 99% OF THE TIME. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT FOR ME. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HAVE HAD SEVERAL TICKETS DUE TO NOT PROPERLY USING MY TURN SIGNALS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10161234
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2006
Electrical System
SECURITY SYSTEMS KEEPS LOCKING MY CAR AND IT WON'T START. THEY SAY ITS THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND I LOVE PONTIACS, BUT I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE IF THIS PROBLEMS ISN'T RESOLVED. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. NO KEYLESS REMOTES CAME WITH THE …
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SECURITY SYSTEMS KEEPS LOCKING MY CAR AND IT WON'T START. THEY SAY ITS THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND I LOVE PONTIACS, BUT I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE IF THIS PROBLEMS ISN'T RESOLVED. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. NO KEYLESS REMOTES CAME WITH THE CAR SO I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS IS BEGINNING TO GET REALLY FRUSTRATING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10161069
169,000 miles · Jun 20, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
FOR THE SECOND TIME I AM REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. MY MECHANIC, ALSO THE PLACE THAT CHANGES MY OIL, AS WELL AS MY GM DEALER HAVE ALL NOTED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE GASKET IN IT'S RELATION TO THE DEX-COOL COOLANT (THE COOLANT IS ACIDIC AND EATS AWAY AT THE GASKET WHICH LEADS…
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FOR THE SECOND TIME I AM REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. MY MECHANIC, ALSO THE PLACE THAT CHANGES MY OIL, AS WELL AS MY GM DEALER HAVE ALL NOTED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE GASKET IN IT'S RELATION TO THE DEX-COOL COOLANT (THE COOLANT IS ACIDIC AND EATS AWAY AT THE GASKET WHICH LEADS TO COOLANT GETTING INTO ENGINE OR OIL GETTING INTO COOLANT). MECHANIC SAYS HE SEES AT LEAST ONE OF THESE A WEEK (VERY SMALL TOWN, LOW POPULATION, HIGH INCIDENCE -- IS RELATED TO THE ENGINE THAT GM USED FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL (AND OTHERS AS WELL).. MINE HAPPENS TO BE THE 3.4 LITRE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10160253
65,000 miles · Jun 2, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE HAD A FAILURE WITH MY MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CAUSING MY TURN SIGNAL SOUND TO CONSTANTLY BE GOING OFF. A COUPLE OF TIMES, MY STEERING COLUMN HAS STARTED SMOKING FROM THIS. IT IS ALSO A DISTRACTION FROM PAYING ATTENTION TO DRIVING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158839
116,000 miles · May 30, 2006
Electrical System
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE ENGINE CRANKS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE I'M OUT OF GAS, AND WON'T START. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) SYSTEM HAS A DEFECT IN IT THAT CAUSES CAR NOT TO START. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS. AS FOR A FIX, THE EXPERTS ARE HONESTLY NOT SURE. …
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2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE ENGINE CRANKS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE I'M OUT OF GAS, AND WON'T START. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) SYSTEM HAS A DEFECT IN IT THAT CAUSES CAR NOT TO START. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS. AS FOR A FIX, THE EXPERTS ARE HONESTLY NOT SURE. THE MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT AND THE ONLY FIX THAT SEEMS TO WORK IS ONE FOUND ON A DISCUSSION THREAD: TO RESET THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM, PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION AND LEAVE IT IN 'ON' POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. THEN TURN IT OFF, AND TRY - IT SHOULD START THEN. WARNING: CONTINUED RESETTING OF THE COMPUTER THIS WAY WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE COMPUTER AND WILL COST LOTS TO REPLACE/FIX. IS PONTIAC GOING TO REPLACE OR FIX MY COMPUTER WHEN I GET IT MESSED UP BY RESETTING IT LIKE I DESCRIBED ABOVE? SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158544
37,000 miles · May 19, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND THE BRAKES VIBRATED. THIS OCCURRED AT ALL SPEEDS ON NORMAL ROADS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THE OCCUPANT TO ALERT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHA…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND THE BRAKES VIBRATED. THIS OCCURRED AT ALL SPEEDS ON NORMAL ROADS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THE OCCUPANT TO ALERT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO GET THE THRID SET OF ROTORS AND BRAKES INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED *JB
NHTSA ODI #10157884
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2006
Exterior Lighting
BRAKE LIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE DEFECTIVE WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BOTH LIGHTS. BULBS WERE REPLACED. CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED, AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BOTH LIGHTS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157825
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2006
Exterior Lighting
IT STARTED WITH A VERY ANNOYING FAST CLICKING NOISE. IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE! THEN, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD THE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS MY MULTIFUCTION SWITCH, IT SHORTED OUT THE HAZARD SWITCH, WHICH I ALREADY HAD REPLACED. N…
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IT STARTED WITH A VERY ANNOYING FAST CLICKING NOISE. IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE! THEN, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD THE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS MY MULTIFUCTION SWITCH, IT SHORTED OUT THE HAZARD SWITCH, WHICH I ALREADY HAD REPLACED. NOW, I AM GETTING CHARGED 315.00 TO GET IT FIXED! I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON MANY YEARS OF THE GRAND AM. YOU WOULD FIGURE THAT IF THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT IT, THEN THEY WOULD TAKE THE TIME AND MONEY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE RIGHT WAY. I HAVE TOLD EVERYONE THAT I KNOW ABOUT THIS, AND NOT TO EVER BUY A PONTIAC THEY DON'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR CONSUMERS!! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157712
103,000 miles · May 9, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE, AND THREE TIMES LAST YEAR (2005), AND CURRENTLY (09 MAY 2006), MY CAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DREADED PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THIEVES FROM STEALING MY CAR. ALL IT HAS DONE IS PREVENT ME FROM DRIVING IT. MULTIPLE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO SIT FOR 10+ MINUTES WAITING…
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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE, AND THREE TIMES LAST YEAR (2005), AND CURRENTLY (09 MAY 2006), MY CAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DREADED PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THIEVES FROM STEALING MY CAR. ALL IT HAS DONE IS PREVENT ME FROM DRIVING IT. MULTIPLE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO SIT FOR 10+ MINUTES WAITING FOR THE SYSTEM TO RESET IN ORDER TO DRIVE. ONCE, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHED ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THIS IS GETTING TO BE A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE CAR LOSES POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, LEAVING ME IN A PERILOUS POSITION SHOULD THE FAULT CONTINUE TO OCCUR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157083
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
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