NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
26 reportsClear category filter135,000 miles · Oct 31, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TURNING THE CAR ON AND THE ENGINE REVS WITH HIGH RPM. CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE ON OWN. THIS CAN ALSO HAPPEN RANDOMLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHEN DRIVING, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE SPEED WILL INCREASE FROM 20 MPH UP TO 55 OR 60 MPH RIDING THE BRAKES AND GETTING TO A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN TURN THE CAR OFF H…
Read full complaint
TURNING THE CAR ON AND THE ENGINE REVS WITH HIGH RPM. CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE ON OWN. THIS CAN ALSO HAPPEN RANDOMLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHEN DRIVING, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE SPEED WILL INCREASE FROM 20 MPH UP TO 55 OR 60 MPH RIDING THE BRAKES AND GETTING TO A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN TURN THE CAR OFF HELPS, SOMETIMES. THIS IS FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10651553
211,329 miles · Oct 2, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
APPROACHED INTERSECTION IN TURNING LANE TO MAKE LEFT TURN. UPON MAKING SUCH TURN, VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AS FAST AS IT SHOULD. WAS TOLD SECOND DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH MY VEHICLE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I REMEMBER HEARING THE CRASH AND THE CAR S…
Read full complaint
APPROACHED INTERSECTION IN TURNING LANE TO MAKE LEFT TURN. UPON MAKING SUCH TURN, VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AS FAST AS IT SHOULD. WAS TOLD SECOND DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH MY VEHICLE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I REMEMBER HEARING THE CRASH AND THE CAR SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. BOTH AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, AS I WAS FLOATING OVER THE GEAR SHIFT. WAS TOLD AT THE SCENE LEFT LEG WAS BROKEN AT THE ANKLE PER PARAMEDIC. RIGHT LEG WAS CONFIRMED BROKEN AT THE ANKLE AT THE HOSPITAL. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT, I HAD A BURN MARK THAT LASTED ALMOST SIX MONTHS. I SPENT 22 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL, I STARTED AS ORTHO-TRAUMA, WENT TO SURGERY THE NEXT DAY TO REPAIR MY LEFT LEG WITH 1 PLATE AND 8 SCREWS. THREE DAYS LATER, I HAD COMPLICATIONS FROM MY INJURIES. I WENT TO PULMONARY ICU (PICU). TWO DAYS AFTER BEING STABILIZED, I WENT BACK TO SURGERY TO REPAIR MY RIGHT LEG WITH 2 PLATES AND 10 SCREWS. IT TOOK 10 MONTHS TO BE ABLE TO WALK AGAIN, WITH A CANE AND A LIMP... RIGHT LEG IS NOTICEABLY SHORTER THAN MY LEFT IT TOOK A YEAR TO HAVE FEELING TO THE TOP OF MY RIGHT FOOT AT MY BIG TOE. I HAVE LOST MY NURSING CAREER DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO DO MY JOB. WALKING AND STANDING, LIFTING, BENDING OR PUSHING A MEDICINE CART FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME IS IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE BEEN DECLARED DIS-ABLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10640873
43,000 miles · Sep 16, 2014
EngineEquipment Adaptive/mobilityPower TrainCrashInjury
CAR WAS FORCED OFF ROAD THEN ROLLED OVER INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633566
68,000 miles · Sep 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS CAR FROM STARTING. FALSELY DETECTS THAT IGNITION KEY IS NOT THE CORRECT KEY FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE, EVEN THOU THIS KEY HAS BEEN USED TO START THE CAR THOUSANDS OF TIMES. TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM DRIVER MUST TURN OFF IGNITION, TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FOR THE COMPUTER TO REG…
Read full complaint
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS CAR FROM STARTING. FALSELY DETECTS THAT IGNITION KEY IS NOT THE CORRECT KEY FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE, EVEN THOU THIS KEY HAS BEEN USED TO START THE CAR THOUSANDS OF TIMES. TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM DRIVER MUST TURN OFF IGNITION, TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES FOR THE COMPUTER TO REGISTER THE KEY AS BEING CORRECT, TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF AND THEN TURN IT TO START TO GET THE CAR STARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US AT LEAST 100 TIMES DURING THE PAST 6 YEARS. GM SERVICE SAYS THE REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT A COST OF $400.00. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF GM 1998 THRU 2006 AUTOMOBILE OWNERS. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED FOR FREE BY GM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND TRUCKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632585
145,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine
ONE DAY OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE IN PARK AND IDLING CAR JUST DIED, RESTARTED FINE, THEN A COUPLE DAYS LATER AT A STOPLIGHT DIED AGAIN, WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE ON, BUT THIS CONTINUED FROM THEN ON EVERYTIME IT WAS STOPPED AND RUNNING WOULD JUST DIE COULD RESTART WHEN READY TO DRIVE OFF AND IT WOULD GO FINE, UNTIL THE LAST TIME I…
Read full complaint
ONE DAY OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE IN PARK AND IDLING CAR JUST DIED, RESTARTED FINE, THEN A COUPLE DAYS LATER AT A STOPLIGHT DIED AGAIN, WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE ON, BUT THIS CONTINUED FROM THEN ON EVERYTIME IT WAS STOPPED AND RUNNING WOULD JUST DIE COULD RESTART WHEN READY TO DRIVE OFF AND IT WOULD GO FINE, UNTIL THE LAST TIME IT DIED WHILE GOING 35 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO STEER OUT OF TRAFFIC AND ALMOST COULDN'T STOP, BUT WOULDN'T RESTART ANYMORE, AND STILL WON'T START. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE IGNITION CAUSED THE ANTI THEFT TO ENGAGE AND TURN OFF COMPONENTS IN MOTOR, I'VE READ I OTHERS HAVING SAME PROBLEM IN THIS SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL JUST WONDERING WHY IT HASN'T BEEN RECALLED ALONG WITH ALL THE REST OF CHEVY' SCARS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, OBVIOUSLY IT'S A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN JUST A COUPLE AND THE LAST TIME IT DIED ON ME I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET HIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607725
60,700 miles · Jun 19, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,700. UPDATED 08/28/14*LJ UPDATED 09/4/2014 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10604513
160,000 miles · May 21, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control
DRIVING CAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WILL ACCELERATE BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING RPM >2000 WHEN PUT IN PARK RPM >2500. WHEN BRAKE FOR LIGHT AND TAKE FOOT OFF BRAKE CAR WILL ACCELERATE BY IT SELF I LET IT GO UP TO 45 MPH THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, I TURN ENGINE OFF AND TURN BACK ON IT WILL IDLE NORMALLY 1000 OR LESS. NO PANEL WAR…
Read full complaint
DRIVING CAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WILL ACCELERATE BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING RPM >2000 WHEN PUT IN PARK RPM >2500. WHEN BRAKE FOR LIGHT AND TAKE FOOT OFF BRAKE CAR WILL ACCELERATE BY IT SELF I LET IT GO UP TO 45 MPH THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, I TURN ENGINE OFF AND TURN BACK ON IT WILL IDLE NORMALLY 1000 OR LESS. NO PANEL WARNING LIGHTS POP UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593120
45,000 miles · May 13, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VISIBLE ANTIFREEZE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VISIBLE ANTIFREEZE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10588184
66,237 miles · Nov 5, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
HI, IT'S ME.... AGAIN. IMAGINE THAT WITH MY CHEVY MALIBU. I WENT TO START THE CAR THIS MORNING. HOWEVER, IT WOULDN'T. I COULD HEAR THE FUEL PUMP RUN FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN TURN OFF. THE ENGINE WOULD FIRE BRIEFLY, AND THEN STOP. THE STARTER IS WORKING GREAT. SO I TURNED TO GOOGLE. I FOUND, LIKE SO MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON…
Read full complaint
HI, IT'S ME.... AGAIN. IMAGINE THAT WITH MY CHEVY MALIBU. I WENT TO START THE CAR THIS MORNING. HOWEVER, IT WOULDN'T. I COULD HEAR THE FUEL PUMP RUN FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN TURN OFF. THE ENGINE WOULD FIRE BRIEFLY, AND THEN STOP. THE STARTER IS WORKING GREAT. SO I TURNED TO GOOGLE. I FOUND, LIKE SO MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON HERE THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IS TO BLAME. IT LIKES TO RANDOM TURN ON, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. I CALLED THE DEALER TO ASK WHAT CHEVY WAS GOING TO DO TO FIX CHEVY'S BUSTED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD TO TURN THE KEY TO THE "ON" POSITION FOR 10 MIN. THE ANTI-THEFT WOULD RESET, AND THEN I COULD START ME CAR. THEY FORGOT TO TELL ME THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO THIS UNTIL I SPEND $500 OF MY OWN MONEY TO FIX A PROBLEM CHEVY KNOWS ABOUT. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING ON CHEVY'S PART? OH WHAT.... CORPORATE AMERICA SAYS SO. THEY ARE BIGGER THAN ME, AND THEREFORE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PUTTING OUT A RELIABLE PRODUCT TO CONSUMERS. CHEVY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A CORPORATE GREED MANAGER. JUST MAN UP AND FIX YOUR CRAPPY CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550970
98,000 miles · Oct 15, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA ODI #10548003
Official recalls
2Jul 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.
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
There is no summary currently available
Illustration