Illustration2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER STATES TWO KEYS ARE BEING USED. ONE FOR THE DOORS AND TRUNK, AND ANOTHER FOR THE IGNITION AFTER IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. ALSO, THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED. *JB
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
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
24 reportsI WAS TRAVELING AT 60 AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF GAS TO DECELERATE AND CAR WOULDN'T GO LESS THAN 50. ENGINE RPM'S WOULDN'T GO BELOW 2500. I COULD STILL STOP CAR WITH BRAKES BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A CONSTANT PROBLEM AND NOT INTERMITTENT LIKE THE PERSON REPORTED A FEW DAYS AGO. I CHECKED THE THROTTLE LINKAGE BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE NON…
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I WAS TRAVELING AT 60 AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF GAS TO DECELERATE AND CAR WOULDN'T GO LESS THAN 50. ENGINE RPM'S WOULDN'T GO BELOW 2500. I COULD STILL STOP CAR WITH BRAKES BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A CONSTANT PROBLEM AND NOT INTERMITTENT LIKE THE PERSON REPORTED A FEW DAYS AGO. I CHECKED THE THROTTLE LINKAGE BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE NON FUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL COULD BE AFFECTING ENGINE SPEED BUT NEITHER CABLE KEPT THE FLAP FROM BOTTOMING OUT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE POPPING NOISE HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE POPPING NOISE HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,455. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO THE POORLY DESIGNED GM PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT ERRONEOUSLY ENTERS ANTI-THEFT MODE AND DISABLES THE FUEL INJECTORS. GM SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL THIS PASSLOCK SYSTEM '' IT IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE TO STRAND MOTORISTS BECAUSE OF AN INCOMPETENTLY DESIGNED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH THE …
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THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO THE POORLY DESIGNED GM PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT ERRONEOUSLY ENTERS ANTI-THEFT MODE AND DISABLES THE FUEL INJECTORS. GM SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL THIS PASSLOCK SYSTEM '' IT IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE TO STRAND MOTORISTS BECAUSE OF AN INCOMPETENTLY DESIGNED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP AND TWO IGNITION MODULES (AT AN EXPENSE OF THREE TOWING BILL PLUS $1000+ IN REPAIR COSTS), ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WAS MISREADING MY IGNITION KEY AND DISABLING THE INJECTORS. SEVERAL INTERNET FORUMS THAT I FOUND AFTER THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS DESCRIBE HOW TO RESET THIS ERRONEOUS SIGNAL AFTER HAVING TO WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM TO CLEAR. I HAVE PERSONALLY READ HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR HORROR STORIES IN ONLINE FORUMS, AND THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS DEFECTIVE SYSTEM, AND THAT DEALERSHIPS AND MECHANICS MAKE HUGE PROFITS REPLACING FUEL PUMPS AND IGNITION MODULES UNNECESSARILY. BY THE WAY, AFTER EACH OF THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS I MENTIONED WERE DONE, THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE REPAIRS. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE RECURRED 4 TIMES. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WOULD BE REPLACED. THE FAILU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE RECURRED 4 TIMES. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WOULD BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 150,000 WAS AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. FUEL REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES. A FUEL PUMP WAS PURCHASED 300$ TO REPLACE OLD ONE. THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT HAS BEEN BOGGING ON AND OFF ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN SELL THIS VEHICLE OR GET WHAT I…
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THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. FUEL REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES. A FUEL PUMP WAS PURCHASED 300$ TO REPLACE OLD ONE. THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT HAS BEEN BOGGING ON AND OFF ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN SELL THIS VEHICLE OR GET WHAT I PAID FOR IT ATLEAST? I SHALL TAKE FURTHER LEGAL ACTION UNTIL SOMETHING IS DONE. *TR
THE CAR WILL START FINE, BUT ONCE YOU TURN IT OFF AND GO TO START AGAIN IT WILL JUST CRANK. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE SECOND TIME I REPACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. THE THIRD TIME I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO CHANGE AND A FRIEND SAID TO TRY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINS. I DID AND IT STARTED RIGHT…
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THE CAR WILL START FINE, BUT ONCE YOU TURN IT OFF AND GO TO START AGAIN IT WILL JUST CRANK. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE SECOND TIME I REPACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. THE THIRD TIME I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO CHANGE AND A FRIEND SAID TO TRY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINS. I DID AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. IT TURNS OUT THE ANT-THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS LOCKING ME OUT ABOUT EVERY MONTH. IT IS A MAJOR PAIN TO HAVE TO BE SOMEWHERE AND NOT KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL START OR NOT, AND THEN SIT THERE FOR TEN MINS TO RESET IT. *TR
2001 MALIBU WITH 50,525 MILES WITH FIRST OCCURRENCE 12/07/06. PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE AND CAR WILL NOT START (NEW FUEL PUMP). ANTI THEFT LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND CAR WON'T START CONTINUES ALMOST MONTHLY. MALIBU HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALER 7 TIMES SINCE DEC 06. FUEL PUMP REPLACED DEC 06 NOT THE PROBLEM. IGINITION CYLINDER NOT T…
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2001 MALIBU WITH 50,525 MILES WITH FIRST OCCURRENCE 12/07/06. PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE AND CAR WILL NOT START (NEW FUEL PUMP). ANTI THEFT LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND CAR WON'T START CONTINUES ALMOST MONTHLY. MALIBU HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALER 7 TIMES SINCE DEC 06. FUEL PUMP REPLACED DEC 06 NOT THE PROBLEM. IGINITION CYLINDER NOT THE PROBLEM. TOWED AGAIN 10/17/07 SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CLIPPED 3 WIRES TO PASSLOCK SYTEM SAID THEY WERE CRIMPED. (THAT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO TECH) HOWEVER, PROBABLY BEEN THAT WAY SINCE CAR PURCHASED IN 2001 NEW. WAIT AND SEE. CALLED GM AT ONE POINT AND THEY COVERED HALF OF A $800 REPAIR BILL. SO FAR OVER $1500.00 IN REPAIRS AND $400.00 PLUS IN TOWING PLUS RENTAL CAR FEES. GM WHY NOT RECALL? TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ON SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE DEALER STA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND DISCOVERED A LEAK IN THE INTAKE GASKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES). AS OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
DT: THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN FIVE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN APRIL OF 2003. THE CONTACT HAD IT TOWED ITO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THE SECOND WAS IN JUN…
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DT: THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN FIVE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN APRIL OF 2003. THE CONTACT HAD IT TOWED ITO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THE SECOND WAS IN JUNE 2004. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN IT SHUT DOWN. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE THIRD TIME WAS IN JULY, 2004 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED. THE FOURTH OCCASION HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 25, 2004. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON, AND SHE TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS OCTOBER 4, 2005. SHE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER AGAIN. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THAT THE PART WAS KNOWN TO GO OUT BUT, NOT AS OFTEN AS ON CONTACT'S VEHICLE. *AK.
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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