NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V036000; PONTIAC ISSUED AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLE'S THAT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK AND 2700 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. …
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NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V036000; PONTIAC ISSUED AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLE'S THAT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK AND 2700 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10101792
64,000 miles · Sep 29, 2004
Electrical System
CONTINUATION OF ODI 10093259: REPEATED INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF PASS LOCK 2 ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE PASS LOCK ACTIVATES WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN STRANDING OF MOTORIST. GM DENIES DEFECT IN PASS LOCK. HOWEVER, DEALER SERVICE MANAGER STATES THAT, "I KNOW THAT IT WILL HAPPEN SOMEDAY, THAT I'LL GO TO START MY (GM PRODUCT) A…
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CONTINUATION OF ODI 10093259: REPEATED INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF PASS LOCK 2 ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE PASS LOCK ACTIVATES WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN STRANDING OF MOTORIST. GM DENIES DEFECT IN PASS LOCK. HOWEVER, DEALER SERVICE MANAGER STATES THAT, "I KNOW THAT IT WILL HAPPEN SOMEDAY, THAT I'LL GO TO START MY (GM PRODUCT) AND THE PASSLOCK WON'T LET ME." THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT "IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF, IT'S A MATTER OF WHEN" (THE DEFECT OCCURS). THE DLR REFERS TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM AS "AN ACCEPTABLE PRICE TO PAY FOR HAVING A THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM. INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN INCIDENTAL INJURIES TO STRANDED MOTORISTS IF THE INCIDENT OCCURS IN A HIGH CRIME AREA. OWNERS OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSLOCK HAVE NO WARNING OF PENDING FAILURES WHICH ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. IF THE DEFECT OCCURS WHILE TRAVELING FAR FROM ONE'S HOME, THE MOTORIST WOULD BE STRANDED, QUITE POSSIBLY WITHOUT THE MEANS TO OBTAIN REPAIRS TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY. GM SERVICE REPS BLAME THE FAILURES ON "WEAR AND TEAR" OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR OVERVOLTAGE DAMAGE TO THE SWITCH. SUCH OVERVOLTAGES ARE ALSO LIKELY TO DAMAGE COMPONENTS OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM (I.E. THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR) WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10093286
64,000 miles · Sep 28, 2004
Electrical System
LOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY DISABLES CAR. SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM WILL RESET ITSELF. THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT RESET.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10093259
30,000 miles · Jul 28, 2004
Electrical System
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10083692
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2003
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
UPON PULLING HOOD RELEASE LATCH INSIDE THE VEHICLE THE HOOD FAILED TO OPEN TO SECONDARY LATCH. THE MECHANISM WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO BATTERY ACID LEAKING ONTO HOOD RELEASE CABLE, CORRODING IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10046542
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2003
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10014141
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2002
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE IN MOTION, THE REAR BRAKES WILL LOCK UP. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO AN UNCONTROLLABLE SKID SIDEWAYS. *JG *TS
NHTSA ODI #567748
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2002
Electrical System
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY TURNED TURN SIGNAL ON AND HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8016245
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2002
Electrical SystemFire
AFTER BEING DRIVEN, VEHICLE WILL SMELL LIKE RUBBER BURNING ON OUTSIDE. WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #8003427
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2002
Electrical SystemFire
PRIOR TO INCIDENT BEING REPORTED, A BURNING RUBBER ODOR COULD BE DETECTED WHILE STANDING BESIDE VEHICLE AFTER NORMAL OPERATION. THEN, ON 04-JAN-2002, VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES WHEN A NEIGHBOR INFORMED OWNER THERE WAS A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. OWNER STARTED VEHICLE AND MOVED VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE FIR…
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PRIOR TO INCIDENT BEING REPORTED, A BURNING RUBBER ODOR COULD BE DETECTED WHILE STANDING BESIDE VEHICLE AFTER NORMAL OPERATION. THEN, ON 04-JAN-2002, VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES WHEN A NEIGHBOR INFORMED OWNER THERE WAS A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. OWNER STARTED VEHICLE AND MOVED VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE FIRE, LEAVES WERE BURNING. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT A LONG CABLE ATTACHED TO FRONT-AXLE WAS DANGLING FROM UNDERCARRIAGE, AND WAS CHARRED IN MIDDLE FROM THE FIRE. AN INSPECTOR FROM MANUFACTURER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND INFORMED CONSUMER THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH CAR. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. *AK
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
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
2
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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