IllustrationTHE BLINKERS RANDOMLY WORK; MOST LIKELY NEEDS A NEW HAZARD SWITCH. THE CAR'S TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD RISE WHEN SITTING IN IDLE; NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT AS OF 11/2020.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu 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
430–25K
7125–50K
11850–75K
7675–100K
101100–150K
36150K+
445 reports with mileage · 276 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 285 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 108 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
36 crash reports1 fire reports22 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
285 reportsWHEN STARTING THE MALIBU THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO START THE CAR THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND THE FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO ZERO OR EMPTY AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND THE IGNITION SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN LEAVING YOU WITH NO STEERING ASSIST AND THE ENGINE IS NOT RU…
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WHEN STARTING THE MALIBU THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO START THE CAR THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND THE FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO ZERO OR EMPTY AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND THE IGNITION SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN LEAVING YOU WITH NO STEERING ASSIST AND THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. SO THIS PROBLEM IS BOTH IN A STANDING START AND WHILE OPERATING THE CAR. I HAD INITIALLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEVAN LOWE GM DEALER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR REPAIRS AND THEY DISCOVERED THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION IS STILL PERSISTING. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS CONDITION FOR THE DRIVER AND OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. I WOULD REQUEST THAT GMC HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEVAN LOWE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PURPOSES IN COORDINATION WITH GM TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT AND REACH A RESOLUTION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL AFFECTED CARS.
VEHICLE STARTS AND FULLY OPERATES PROPERLY FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME, THEN IT STALLS ABRUPTLY (AND AT VERY EMBARRASSING AND PERILOUS TIMES). WHEN IT DOES, ALL THE GAUGES ARE NON-OPERATIONAL, WITH THE FUEL GAGE READING, EMPTY. VEHICLE WILL CRANK BUT WILL NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD (AS LONG AS HALF AN HOUR) THE FUEL G…
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VEHICLE STARTS AND FULLY OPERATES PROPERLY FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME, THEN IT STALLS ABRUPTLY (AND AT VERY EMBARRASSING AND PERILOUS TIMES). WHEN IT DOES, ALL THE GAUGES ARE NON-OPERATIONAL, WITH THE FUEL GAGE READING, EMPTY. VEHICLE WILL CRANK BUT WILL NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD (AS LONG AS HALF AN HOUR) THE FUEL GAGE WILL JUMP TO ITS PROPER LEVEL, AND ONLY THEN WILL THE VEHICLE RESTART AND RUN FOR YET ANOTHER INDETERMINATE PERIOD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR MONTHS, BEFORE I WAS MADE AWARE OF POTENTIAL RE-CALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILED AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM WOULD SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JAMES CHEVROLET OF JOHNST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILED AND SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM WOULD SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JAMES CHEVROLET OF JOHNSTOWN (108 S COMRIE AVE, JOHNSTOWN, NY 12095, 518-762-5555) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FRIENDLY CHEVROLET (7501 HWY 65 NE, FRIDLEY, MN 55432, (612) 276-2955…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FRIENDLY CHEVROLET (7501 HWY 65 NE, FRIDLEY, MN 55432, (612) 276-2955), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK OR NOT WORK. IT CAN HAPPEN ANY PLACE, AND TIME. DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. BELOW DATE IS THE MOST RECENT TIME IT HAPPENED. WILL FOR LONG TIME, THEN OUT OF NO WHERE, TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT WORK. THEN WORK AGAIN, UNTIL IT …
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TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK OR NOT WORK. IT CAN HAPPEN ANY PLACE, AND TIME. DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. BELOW DATE IS THE MOST RECENT TIME IT HAPPENED. WILL FOR LONG TIME, THEN OUT OF NO WHERE, TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT WORK. THEN WORK AGAIN, UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN.
IN NOV 2017 MY 2001 MALIBU WAS STARTING TO OVER HEAT DO I REACHED THE THERMOSTAT I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR GETTING TO HOT I HAVE TO ALWAYS PUT MY HEATER ON DEFROST HOT AND ON AND THE FAN ON WHICH ONLY GOES UP TO NUMBER 3 AND THERE ARE HIGHER SETTINGS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOL…
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IN NOV 2017 MY 2001 MALIBU WAS STARTING TO OVER HEAT DO I REACHED THE THERMOSTAT I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR GETTING TO HOT I HAVE TO ALWAYS PUT MY HEATER ON DEFROST HOT AND ON AND THE FAN ON WHICH ONLY GOES UP TO NUMBER 3 AND THERE ARE HIGHER SETTINGS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD GASKET . AND I'VE BEEN DURING DEXCOOL COOLANT . IS THERE A RECALL YET? IF NOT WHY? I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE THEFT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO HAVE IT PUSHED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING O…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE THEFT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO HAVE IT PUSHED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE FAULTY THEFT SYSTEM WITH THE CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT READ ONLINE TO PLACE THE IGNITION IN THE RUN POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,450.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE THEFT MODE AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE KEY WOULD SOMETIMES BECOME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE THEFT MODE AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE KEY WOULD SOMETIMES BECOME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.
2001 CHEVY MALIBU WON'T START IN AUGUST, 2013 CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TRYING TO TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO DEALER. THEY FOUND PASSLOCK SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED CYLINDER KIT (INCLUDED PASSLOCK SENSOR) AND IGNITION SWITCH. PAID $800. IN OCT. 2, 2017, CAR WOULD NOT START IN PARK…
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2001 CHEVY MALIBU WON'T START IN AUGUST, 2013 CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TRYING TO TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO DEALER. THEY FOUND PASSLOCK SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED CYLINDER KIT (INCLUDED PASSLOCK SENSOR) AND IGNITION SWITCH. PAID $800. IN OCT. 2, 2017, CAR WOULD NOT START IN PARKING LOT. SAME THING HAPPENED. AS BEFORE, BATTERY WAS NOT AN ISSUE. TOWED TO SAME DEALER. THEY SAID SECURITY SYSTEM GOT SET SOME HOW. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE SYSTEM. SAID IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, MAY HAVE TO PUT IN NEW SYSTEM. PAID $125. DEC. 2, 2017 IT HAPPENED AGAIN. CAR WOULD NOT START IN GARAGE. THIS TIME, AFTER FINDING ON-LINE FROM MANY POSTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, FOUND A WAY TO GET THE CAR STARTED (10 MINUTE WAIT FOR THE 'ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM' LIGHT TO GO OUT. -THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE SAME WAY THE DEALER STARTED THE CAR IN OCT.) THIS TIME DEALER SAID NEED PASSLOCK SENSOR REPLACED, AGAIN. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER $500+. SINCE CAR WAS RUNNING, AND AFTER READING WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT ISSUE, DECLINED REPAIR AT THE TIME. HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON NUMEROUS BLOGS AND WEBSITES, INCLUDING NTSHA, ON JUST THIS SPECIFIC CAR AND SPECIFIC ISSUE (2001 MALIBU WON'T START). MANY OF THEM SAYING THE PASSLOCK SENSOR DOES NOT LAST VERY LONG (SOMETIMES FAILS IN 2-4 MONTHS). ALSO SAW SAME PROBLEM ON NUMEROUS OTHER YEARS OF MALIBU, AND OTHER GM CARS. WITH ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF AT LEAST THE PASSLOCK SENSOR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHETHER OR NOT THERE HAVE BEEN ANY INJURIES OR DEATHS. SOMEONE COULD BE FOLLOWED TO THEIR CAR AND/OR ATTACKED LATE AT NIGHT IN A PARKING LOT, OR ALONG A STREET, NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. IT COULD BE VERY SERIOUS. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL.
Official recalls
214V400000 · 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.
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
4EA02037 · 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.
PE02064 · Turn Signal Failure
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 23, 2002
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
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION BASED ON 9 COMPLAINTS OF TURN SIGNALS OPERATING SPORADICALLY ON THE 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL.GM IDENTIFIED THE HAZARD SWITCH AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH.FAILURE OF THE HAZARD SWITCHRESULTS IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS.GM REPORTS 318, 184 AND 201 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE MALIBU, ALERO AND GRAND AM RESPECTIVELY.GM ALSO REPORTS THE FOLLOWING MODELS HAVE THE SAME DESIGN TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH AS THE CHEVROLET MALIBU: CHEVROLET CORVETTE, MONTE CARLO, AND IMPALA; OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND ALERO; AND THE PONTIAC GRAND AM.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THE HIGHEST OCCURANCE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE MY 2000-2001 MALIBU, ALERO, AND GRAND AM.
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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