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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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Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2007
Electrical System

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WERE THE 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU WON'T START AFTER THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER ONCE ,AND I REFUSED TO PAY TO GET THE SAME ITEM FIXED WITHIN A YEAR. GM NEEDED TO DO A RECALL AND HAVE THIS FIXED. THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND SOME…

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I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WERE THE 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU WON'T START AFTER THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER ONCE ,AND I REFUSED TO PAY TO GET THE SAME ITEM FIXED WITHIN A YEAR. GM NEEDED TO DO A RECALL AND HAVE THIS FIXED. THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10186111

107,007 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

VEHICLE WAS FAIRLY COOL HAVING ONLY TRAVELED ABOUT A MILE FROM HOME. AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, MY CAR DIED WHILE ACCELERATING INTO THE INTERSECTION. AFTER I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. HAD THIS BEEN A TIME WHEN MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T…

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VEHICLE WAS FAIRLY COOL HAVING ONLY TRAVELED ABOUT A MILE FROM HOME. AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, MY CAR DIED WHILE ACCELERATING INTO THE INTERSECTION. AFTER I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SWITCHED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. HAD THIS BEEN A TIME WHEN MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T START FOR 10 MINUTES, THIS COULD HAVE CREATED A MAJOR TRAFFIC PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185187

206,998 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE LATER THE SAME DAY AFTER THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT I REPORTED. CAR WAS FAIRLY COOL. AS I APPROACHED A TURN, THE VEHICLE DIED LEAVING ME WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. AFTER I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP AND TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS I WA…

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I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE LATER THE SAME DAY AFTER THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT I REPORTED. CAR WAS FAIRLY COOL. AS I APPROACHED A TURN, THE VEHICLE DIED LEAVING ME WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. AFTER I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP AND TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185185

106,993 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

VEHICLE WAS FAIRLY COLD AS IT HAD ONLY BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES. AS VEHICLE WAS LEAVING THE I64 EASTBOUND AT THE OAKLAND EXIT IN ST. LOUIS IT DIED. CAR LOST POWER STEERING. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES. UNFORTUNATELY, SEVERAL C…

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VEHICLE WAS FAIRLY COLD AS IT HAD ONLY BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES. AS VEHICLE WAS LEAVING THE I64 EASTBOUND AT THE OAKLAND EXIT IN ST. LOUIS IT DIED. CAR LOST POWER STEERING. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES. UNFORTUNATELY, SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME HAD TO WAIT AS I FIXED THE PROBLEM. HAD THE CAR NOT RESTARTED, AS IT DOES REGULARLY, THIS COULD HAVE CREATED A MAJOR PROBLEM ON THE INTERSTATE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10185184

106,902 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

MY WIFE WENT SHOPPING AFTER A LONG TRIP, SO THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN FAIRLY WARM. AFTER SHE FINISHED HER SHOPPING, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START AND THE THEFT LIGHT WAS ON. BECAUSE SHE HAS SEEN ME FIX THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES, SHE KNEW TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION, WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR THE THEFT LIGHT TO GO OUT, TURN THE KE…

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MY WIFE WENT SHOPPING AFTER A LONG TRIP, SO THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN FAIRLY WARM. AFTER SHE FINISHED HER SHOPPING, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START AND THE THEFT LIGHT WAS ON. BECAUSE SHE HAS SEEN ME FIX THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES, SHE KNEW TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION, WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR THE THEFT LIGHT TO GO OUT, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, WAIT A FEW SECONDS, AND RESTART THE CAR. NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185181

104,957 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

A FEW MILES AFTER THE CAR WOULDN'T START, THE CAR DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION DURING ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP. LOST POWER STEERING. VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I GOT THE CAR IN PARK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185180

104,954 miles · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System

LOADED UP THE FAMILY FOR A TRIP AND THE CAR WON'T START. THEFT LIGHT IS ON AND I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM TOO MANY TIMES BEFORE, SO I KNEW WHAT TO DO. TURN THE KEY INTO THE ON POSITION, WAIT TEN MINUTES FOR THE THEFT LIGHT TO TURN OFF, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION FOR A FEW SECONDS AND RESTART. NO ONE WAS INJURED THIS TIME. *J…

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LOADED UP THE FAMILY FOR A TRIP AND THE CAR WON'T START. THEFT LIGHT IS ON AND I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM TOO MANY TIMES BEFORE, SO I KNEW WHAT TO DO. TURN THE KEY INTO THE ON POSITION, WAIT TEN MINUTES FOR THE THEFT LIGHT TO TURN OFF, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION FOR A FEW SECONDS AND RESTART. NO ONE WAS INJURED THIS TIME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185179

48,000 miles · Mar 13, 2007
Electrical System

I UNLOCK MY CAR, GET IN, PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND GO TO START THE CAR, WHICH IT DOESN'T BECAUSE THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. I THEN HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, WAIT FOR THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT TO GO OUT, TURN THE KEY OFF, THEN START THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 20 TIMES. N…

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I UNLOCK MY CAR, GET IN, PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND GO TO START THE CAR, WHICH IT DOESN'T BECAUSE THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. I THEN HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, WAIT FOR THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT TO GO OUT, TURN THE KEY OFF, THEN START THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 20 TIMES. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185004

64,496 miles · Mar 8, 2007
Electrical System

2001 CHEVY MALIBU 70000 MILES.. BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY 06 WAS REPLACED IN MAY OF 2006 THEFT LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING THEN AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THAT CAR WOULDN'T START TOOK TO A CHEVY DEALER AND REPLACED PASSLOCK SENSOR FEW MONTHS LATER 07/06/06 PROBLEM RESTARTED AGAIN DEALER PUT CAR ON COMPUTER CANT FIND PROBLEM NO CODE STORED …

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2001 CHEVY MALIBU 70000 MILES.. BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY 06 WAS REPLACED IN MAY OF 2006 THEFT LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING THEN AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THAT CAR WOULDN'T START TOOK TO A CHEVY DEALER AND REPLACED PASSLOCK SENSOR FEW MONTHS LATER 07/06/06 PROBLEM RESTARTED AGAIN DEALER PUT CAR ON COMPUTER CANT FIND PROBLEM NO CODE STORED NOW LESS THEN A YEAR 03/03/07 CAR IS NOW FLASHING THEFT LIGHT AND CAR WONT START UNTIL I LEAVE IN THE ON POSITION AND WAIT 10 MINS THEN CAR RESETS AGAIN. DEALER WANTS MORE MONEY TO FIND PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER 500 DOLLARS FOR PART I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN I ALREADY DID THAT LESS THEN A YEAR AGO. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ISN'T CHEVY GOING TO FIND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND RECALL IT ..I WONT BUY A CHEVY EVERY AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184556

121,000 miles · Mar 7, 2007
Electrical System

MY 2001 MALIBU SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY CHECKED OUT OKAY, ETC. IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT ALL. MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLES. UPON REPLACING THEM THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. UPON RESETTING THE SYSTEM, THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT WENT OUT AND THE CAR IS RUNNING AGAIN. NOW …

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MY 2001 MALIBU SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY CHECKED OUT OKAY, ETC. IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT ALL. MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLES. UPON REPLACING THEM THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. UPON RESETTING THE SYSTEM, THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT WENT OUT AND THE CAR IS RUNNING AGAIN. NOW I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL STOP AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY INFANT IN THE CAR.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10184410

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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