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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
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86,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Electrical System

[NOTE THAT I LIVED IN ONTARIO, CANADA] I STOPPED MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT, BUT THEN COULD NOT GET STARTED. I CALLED THE GM DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR 20 MIN WHILE LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION. IT WORKED. BUT WHEN I CHECKED THE INTERNET (HTTP://WWW.CAR-FORUMS.COM/S9/T1545.HTML) AND FOUND THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON.…

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[NOTE THAT I LIVED IN ONTARIO, CANADA] I STOPPED MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT, BUT THEN COULD NOT GET STARTED. I CALLED THE GM DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR 20 MIN WHILE LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION. IT WORKED. BUT WHEN I CHECKED THE INTERNET (HTTP://WWW.CAR-FORUMS.COM/S9/T1545.HTML) AND FOUND THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. FOR EXAMPLE, 1) I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT SYSTEM DEFECTS. PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO THE NHTS ABOUT THIS MATTER. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/IVOQ/ GM DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANYMORE OF YOUR MONEY. THEY WILL NOT RECALL THIS PROBLEM. WITH ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTS THE GOVERNMENT WILL RECALL THIS PRODUCT AND MAKE GM FIX AT THEIR EXPENSE 2) I AM THE NOT TO PROUD OWNER OF A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. MY LASTEST REPAIR IS THE PASSLOCK SENSOR..........A WHOLE WHOPPIN $500 PLUS THE COST OF MY RENTAL CAR AND TOW BILL. THIS LOVELY GM PRODUCT HAS BEEN THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!! I THINK BY THE TIME IT IS PAID OFF IN ANOTHER YEAR ALMOST EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WILL HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I WILL NEVER AGAIN OWN A GM HUNK OF JUNK.......THERE IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT OWNING A FOREIGN CAR.....I GUESS YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! THE AMERICAN CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THE QUALITY OF PRODUCT THAT IS BEING BUILT!! I AM PROUD TO BE AMERICAN BUT WILL NEVER AGAIN BE THE OWNER OF AN AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE 3) ..HI THERE, I'M A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT WITH A 1997 CHEV MALIBU THAT HAS THAT :CUSSING: PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THAT THING DRIVES ME INSANE AND THERE IS MANY A TIME THAT I AM STUCK SITTING IN MY CAR FOR 10 MINUTES IN A DARK PARKING LOT AWAY FROM MY SCHOOL WHILE IT DOES ITS THING. I PERSONALLY FIND THAT MORE DANGEROUS THAN MY CAR BEING STOLEN

NHTSA ODI #10366348

65,000 miles · Oct 6, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10359446

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2010
Electrical System

WHEN I GO TO START MY CAR-2001 CHEVY MALIBU THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR AMONTH AND CHEVY WILL NOT FIX. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND CHEVY WILL NOT FIX OR RECALL. PLEASE HELP. I AM A SR CITIZEN WITH A SEVERELY DISABLED HUSBAND. TH…

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WHEN I GO TO START MY CAR-2001 CHEVY MALIBU THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR AMONTH AND CHEVY WILL NOT FIX. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND CHEVY WILL NOT FIX OR RECALL. PLEASE HELP. I AM A SR CITIZEN WITH A SEVERELY DISABLED HUSBAND. THIS HAPPENS DAILY. I HAD IT TOWED AND THE GARAGE SAID A BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SO IT WAS AND IT STILL DOES IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10358786

70,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED. AFTER WAITING FOR ONE HOUR, THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM WAS RESET AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO RESUME PROPER OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED. AFTER WAITING FOR ONE HOUR, THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM WAS RESET AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO RESUME PROPER OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10358390

168,000 miles · Sep 1, 2010
Electrical System

SEVERAL TIMES MY 2001 CHEVY MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON,AND WHEN I TURN MY CAR OFF THEN TRY TO CRANK IT BACK UP IT WANT CRANK HAD TO GET IT RESET TWICE. I'M STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353401

62,000 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Electrical System

RECALL ON EMERGENCY FLASHER DONE UNDER RECALL. CONTACTED CHEVROLET C.S. AND THEY CONFIRMED RECALL DONE,PART REPLACED. WITHIN THE LAST YEAR THE FLASHER WILL START CLICKING WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED. NEITHER THE EMERGENCY FLASHER OR TURN SIGNAL FLASH ON AND OFF,BUT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR MAKES THE CLICKING NOISE. THIS INTERMITTEN…

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RECALL ON EMERGENCY FLASHER DONE UNDER RECALL. CONTACTED CHEVROLET C.S. AND THEY CONFIRMED RECALL DONE,PART REPLACED. WITHIN THE LAST YEAR THE FLASHER WILL START CLICKING WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED. NEITHER THE EMERGENCY FLASHER OR TURN SIGNAL FLASH ON AND OFF,BUT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR MAKES THE CLICKING NOISE. THIS INTERMITTENT SOUND HAS NO PATTERN,AND LASTS FOR VARIOUS LENGTHS OF TIME,AGAIN WITH NO INPUT FROM THE TURN SIGNAL STALK OR EMERGENCY BUTTON BEING PUSHED. IT CAN BE SILENCED BY PUSHING IN ON THE EMERGENCY BUTTON PARTIALLY UNTIL THE CLICKING NOISE STOPS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349681

100,000 miles · Aug 11, 2010
Electrical System

2001 CHEVY MALIBU THEFT PREVENTION PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. EVERY 5-7 STARTS IT ACTIVATES AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR IT TO RESET BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10348643

140,000 miles · Jul 28, 2010
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND THE AUTO THEFT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR TEN MINUTES. AFTER TEN MINUTES, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND THE AUTO THEFT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR TEN MINUTES. AFTER TEN MINUTES, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10345948

132,000 miles · Jul 22, 2010
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2001 MALIBU I BOUGHT BRAND NEW. IT WENT TO THE POINT WHERE IT JUST WONT START. WHAT'S HAPPENING IS THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. SO I HAVE TO SET 10 MINUTES WITH THE IGNITION LIGHTS ON AND THEN IT WILL START. BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING, I WAS TOLD THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS BY TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE EXPEN…

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I HAVE A 2001 MALIBU I BOUGHT BRAND NEW. IT WENT TO THE POINT WHERE IT JUST WONT START. WHAT'S HAPPENING IS THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. SO I HAVE TO SET 10 MINUTES WITH THE IGNITION LIGHTS ON AND THEN IT WILL START. BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING, I WAS TOLD THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS BY TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE EXPENSIVE WORK DONE ON IT, WHY WOULD CHEVROLET PUT A SYSTEM IN THAT IS THAT FAULTY. I SEEN ON LINE ITS ABOUT THE THEFT PASS OVER SYSTEM. THERE'S ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT, IS THIS WHAT I GET TRUSTING CHEVROLET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344784

131,000 miles · Jul 11, 2010
Electrical System

2001 CHEVY MALIBU - PASSLOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES AT RANDOM TIMES CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START. LEAVING IGNITION KEY IN "ON" POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES WILL ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO START, BUT INCIDENT OCCURS REPEATEDLY. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE, SAYS THIS IS RATHER COMMON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10342522

Official recalls

2

14V400000 · 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

4

EA02037 · 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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