Illustration2001 CHEVY MALIBU, IGNITION THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS BLINKING AND THE CAR WON'T START. *TR
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 reportsNOT THAT I THINK DOING THIS IS GOING TO MAKE ANY REAL DIFFERENCE BUT I WILL TRY. I OWN A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND BESIDES BEING ONE OF THE WORST CARS MADE I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I SEE THAT THERE IS STILL NOTHING DONE ABOUT …
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NOT THAT I THINK DOING THIS IS GOING TO MAKE ANY REAL DIFFERENCE BUT I WILL TRY. I OWN A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND BESIDES BEING ONE OF THE WORST CARS MADE I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I SEE THAT THERE IS STILL NOTHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IS IT BECAUSE YOUR DO NOT CARE? IS GM LINING YOUR POCKETS AND YOU ARE SWEEPING THIS UNDER THE RUG? WHAT EVER IT IS THE FACT THAT YOU TURN A DEAF EAR AND DO NOT MAKE GM FIX THIS PROBLEM IS WRONG!!!!! IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD SUE ALL OF YOU AND MAKE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM ON ALL OF THE CARS! COME ON THIS IS AMERICA AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BUILD GOOD CARS. GM WILL NEVER OUTSELL THE IMPORTS IN CARS AS LONG AS WE BUILD JUNK!! *TR
THE TURNING SIGNAL ON MY 2001 CHEVY MALIBU WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DOESN'T IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PAST HALLOWEEN I WAS RIDING UP THE MAIN ST. AND COULD NOT SIGNAL TO CARS BEHIND ME (IT WAS DARK) THAT I WAS TURNING. THIS IS VERY SCARY SINCE IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN YOU PUSH THE ARM DOWN. NOTHING. THERE'S NO LI…
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THE TURNING SIGNAL ON MY 2001 CHEVY MALIBU WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DOESN'T IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PAST HALLOWEEN I WAS RIDING UP THE MAIN ST. AND COULD NOT SIGNAL TO CARS BEHIND ME (IT WAS DARK) THAT I WAS TURNING. THIS IS VERY SCARY SINCE IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN YOU PUSH THE ARM DOWN. NOTHING. THERE'S NO LIGHTS ON THE CAR OR FLASHER ON MY DASH. I HAD TO PASS MY TURN & KEEP GOING OUT OF MY DIRECTION SO I COULD SEND A SIGNAL THROUGH BRAKING AND USED MY HAZARD LIGHT TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS TURNING. I LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE I CAN'T JUST HOP ON A BUS OR TRAIN IF MY CAR MALFUNCTIONS. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO GIRLS AND OUR CAR RIDE ENDED UP SCARIER THAN THE HALLOWEEN MASKS. I'M WRITING BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS. ON THE ROADS DOWN HERE IF YOU PUT ON YOUR HAZARDS AND SLOW DOWN, PEOPLE GENERALLY GO AROUND YOU. THIS WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHERE I'M TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN & THEY TRY TO GO AROUND. GM HAD A RECALL IN 2003 FOR THIS ISSUE & WHEN I CALLED 11/2 THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BEFORE I PURCHASED IT IN 2005 FROM CARING AND THAT I'D HAVE TO FIGS THIS GM ISSUE OUT OF POCKET. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. THE VERY REASON FOR THE RECALL IS THE REASON FOR THE ISSUE. THE SOLDERING CRACKS AND AFFECTS THE CIRCUITS. GM KNOWS THIS ISSUE WILL REOCCUR UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS & NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT BEFORE I HAVE TO TRUST A MECHANIC TO HALF FIX THIS GM ISSUE & CHARGE ME AN OBSCENE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE PROCESS. *TR
OWN 2001 MALIBU. BEGAN SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 2 YRS AGO. HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED 2 MOS AGO. ALSO, HORN BEEPS, LOCKS GO OFF AND ON AND HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON CLICKS AS IF THE CAR IS POSSESSED. *TR
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU SHUTS OFF WHILE IN MOTION (MUCH FUN IN WASHINGTON D.C. COMMUTER TRAFFIC) OR PARKED. IT SHUTS OFF LIKE THE KEY IS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION. THE DOORS UNLOCK AND THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. WITHIN SECONDS THE LIGHTS ARE BACK AND A WITH THE CAR COASTING IN NEUTRAL I CAN RESTART. OCCURS WHETHER THE ENGINE IS COL…
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2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU SHUTS OFF WHILE IN MOTION (MUCH FUN IN WASHINGTON D.C. COMMUTER TRAFFIC) OR PARKED. IT SHUTS OFF LIKE THE KEY IS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION. THE DOORS UNLOCK AND THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. WITHIN SECONDS THE LIGHTS ARE BACK AND A WITH THE CAR COASTING IN NEUTRAL I CAN RESTART. OCCURS WHETHER THE ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT. I SEE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I HOPE MY WIFE OR CHILDREN BEING INJURED AREN'T THE CATALYST FOR A SAFETY RECALL OF THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
PURCHASED A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND AFTER A WEEK WORTH OF STARTING THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD "CRANK" BUT NOT TURN OVER. I HAD TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES WITH MY KEY IN THE ACC POSITION THEN RESTART MY CAR. I HAVE NIGHT CLASSES AND IF THIS HAPPENS AT NIGHT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. MY FRIEND ALSO HAS A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND HE HAS THE SAME…
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PURCHASED A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND AFTER A WEEK WORTH OF STARTING THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD "CRANK" BUT NOT TURN OVER. I HAD TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES WITH MY KEY IN THE ACC POSITION THEN RESTART MY CAR. I HAVE NIGHT CLASSES AND IF THIS HAPPENS AT NIGHT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. MY FRIEND ALSO HAS A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I AM HAVING MY ANTI-THEFT PASSLOCK SYSTEM WIRE (YELLOW) DISABLED. HOW IS THE ANTI THEFT LOCK GOING TO LOCK OUT THE OWNER WITH THE ORIGINAL KEY?!?! *TR
I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU THAT IS GIVING ME SAFETY PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE BCM, AND THE PASSCODE THEFT FEATURE. I HAVE HAD 2 DEALER EXPERIENCED MECHANICS TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH OUT SUCCESS. THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN PROHIBITS THE CAR FROM STARTING UNTIL YOU RESET THE CAR BY LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTI…
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I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU THAT IS GIVING ME SAFETY PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE BCM, AND THE PASSCODE THEFT FEATURE. I HAVE HAD 2 DEALER EXPERIENCED MECHANICS TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH OUT SUCCESS. THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN PROHIBITS THE CAR FROM STARTING UNTIL YOU RESET THE CAR BY LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL IT RESETS. NOT SAFE IF SITTING IN A DARK PARKING LOT (THE SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOORS TO LOCK) AND VERY AFRAID THAT IF THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC THIS WOULD TRIGGER AND NOT GOOD TO LEAVE YOUR CAR IN TRAFFIC 1 MIN WHILE IT RESETS. *TR
2001 CHEVY MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM, THIS PROBLEM IS ROBBING PEOPLE AND IT'S JUST NOT FAIR. *TR
I HAVE A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM/PASSLOCK PROBLEM, THAT TURNS THE CAR OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH (OR ANY SPEED FOR THAT MATTER). IN FACT, IT SIMPLY TURNS OFF WHENEVER IT LIKES. THIS MORNING TURNING ONTO A HIGHWAY, IT STALLED AS I TURNED AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRUCK HAD THE TRUCK N…
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I HAVE A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM/PASSLOCK PROBLEM, THAT TURNS THE CAR OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH (OR ANY SPEED FOR THAT MATTER). IN FACT, IT SIMPLY TURNS OFF WHENEVER IT LIKES. THIS MORNING TURNING ONTO A HIGHWAY, IT STALLED AS I TURNED AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRUCK HAD THE TRUCK NOT MOVED OUT OF THE WAY. I COULD NOT MOVE BECAUSE MY POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK DUE TO THE CAR SHUTTING OFF. THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO SAID HE'S REPLACED HUNDREDS ON ALL KINDS OF GM CARS, AND THAT HE WAS SURPRISED IT WAS NOT RECALLED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS, I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF POSTS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE IDENTICAL ISSUE! THIS IS INCREDIBLY FRIGHTENING AND HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON MORE OCCASIONS THAN I CAN COUNT! IT HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY. *TR
BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU IN APRIL WITH 41,000 MILES. RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, BUT THEN WOULDN'T ALWAYS START (HAD TO KEEP TRYING AND TRY EVERY KEY I OWNED). ABOUT 6-10 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO EITHER COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR JAM IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TRY TO RESTART IT. HAZ…
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BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU IN APRIL WITH 41,000 MILES. RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, BUT THEN WOULDN'T ALWAYS START (HAD TO KEEP TRYING AND TRY EVERY KEY I OWNED). ABOUT 6-10 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO EITHER COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR JAM IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TRY TO RESTART IT. HAZARD!!!!!!! HAD IT TO MY MECHANIC 3 TIMES AND IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG WHEN HE HAS IT. JUST GOT IT BACK THIS PAST MONDAY AND IT RAN OK FOR 4 DAYS AND THEN TODAY IT STOPPED 3 TIMES IN 1/2 MILE DRIVE. HELP - I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I FEAR SOMEDAY I WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT JUST STOPS RUNNING. HAVE HAD OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR WITH ME WHEN IT JUST STOPS RUNNING AND SCARED THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. I NEED MY CAR TO GET TO WORK TO MAKE A LIVING. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH SAME COMPLAINTS. WHO CAN I CALL FOR ASSISTANCE WITHOUT IT COSTING A FORTUNE TO FIX. I CAN'T AFFORD HUGE REPAIR BILLS AT THIS TIME AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO GO BUY ANOTHER CAR. I PUT TODAY'S DATE AS THE INCIDENT DATE, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 12-15 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS. SHOULDN'T CHEVROLET FIX THIS FOR FREE?????? IT'S A DEFECT IN THE CAR!! THANK YOU *TR
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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