← New search

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 →

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

20 reports
Clear category filter
93,000 miles · Jan 16, 2011
Unknown Or Other

PASSLOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES RANDOMLY AND CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. WE OFTEN HIKE IN REMOTE AREAS W/OUT CELL SERVICE AND COULD DIE FROM EXPOSURE IF CAR DIDN'T START. YESTERDAY(01/15/2011) WE WENT TO DINNER AT 4PM AND COULD NOT LEAVE AFTER EATING!!! CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER TRYING EVERY 10…

Read full complaint

PASSLOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES RANDOMLY AND CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. WE OFTEN HIKE IN REMOTE AREAS W/OUT CELL SERVICE AND COULD DIE FROM EXPOSURE IF CAR DIDN'T START. YESTERDAY(01/15/2011) WE WENT TO DINNER AT 4PM AND COULD NOT LEAVE AFTER EATING!!! CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER TRYING EVERY 10-15 MINS. FOR 2 HOURS!! WAITED 2 MORE HOURS AND STILL NO START!! FINALLY GOT HOME AT 10AM 01/16/2011. THANK GOD WE WERE OUT TO DINNER AND NOT OUT IN THE WOODS AS IT WAS ABOUT 20 DEGREES HERE. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10376834

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2010
Unknown Or Other

REOCCURING ABS WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME WITH THE ABS LIGHT DISPLAYING. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND PADS, ROTOR AND HUB KIT TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE AND ALSO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. DEALER UNABLE TO DEFINE IF THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE OR TARGET THE…

Read full complaint

REOCCURING ABS WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME WITH THE ABS LIGHT DISPLAYING. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND PADS, ROTOR AND HUB KIT TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE AND ALSO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. DEALER UNABLE TO DEFINE IF THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE OR TARGET THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM OR WHAT THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM COULD BE. GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE EVEN TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE FOR POSSIBLE RECALL. THEY HAVE PLACED THE BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THE OWNER.

NHTSA ODI #10322974

87,000 miles · Jun 27, 2008
Unknown Or Other

THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ON A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS, THE CAR SIMPLY REFUSES TO START BECAUSE DUE TO A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM, MY OWN CAR THINKS I AM TRYING TO STEAL IT. AS THE CAR AGES, THE INCIDENTS GROW MORE AND MORE FREQUENT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THRE TIMES FROM THE DEALERSHIP I PU…

Read full complaint

THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ON A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS, THE CAR SIMPLY REFUSES TO START BECAUSE DUE TO A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM, MY OWN CAR THINKS I AM TRYING TO STEAL IT. AS THE CAR AGES, THE INCIDENTS GROW MORE AND MORE FREQUENT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THRE TIMES FROM THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM(AFTER 3 $75 TOWING FEES) THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THIS AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. I WORK EXTREMELY HARD FOR MY MONEY AND FEEL INCREDIBLY DECEIVED BY GM FOR NOT RECALLING THIS ISSUE AS I CAN READ ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT CONSUMER BLOGS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10232501

18,000 miles · Dec 5, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED TWICE SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2001. I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM BUTLER CHEVROLET FOR THE TURN SIGNAL/FLASHER PROBLEM WHICH WAS LATER RECALLED AND I WAS REIMBURSED. I TOOK IT TO DON DARR CHEVY WHICH FIXED A FAULTY SWITCH OPERATING THE AIR CONDITIONER/SWITCHING TO OUTSIDE AIR. I HAD TH…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED TWICE SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2001. I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM BUTLER CHEVROLET FOR THE TURN SIGNAL/FLASHER PROBLEM WHICH WAS LATER RECALLED AND I WAS REIMBURSED. I TOOK IT TO DON DARR CHEVY WHICH FIXED A FAULTY SWITCH OPERATING THE AIR CONDITIONER/SWITCHING TO OUTSIDE AIR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DOBBS WHEN IT WOULD NOT START, THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND ASSEMBLY MODULE. TODAY,JIM BUTLER CHEVROLET REPLACED THE LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE OF THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT AND THE CAR NOT STARTING.BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS NOT WORKING. OH! BUT THEY NOTICED A RECALL ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND REPLACED IT. THEY WERE THE ONE WHO REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME. I ALSO TOLD THEM OF THE OVER CRANK/GRINDING NOISE AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED, HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE, SO NO REPAIR. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS CAR OR CHEVY BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS AND THE EXPENSE IT HAS CAUSED AND COST ME. I USED TO HOLD CHEVROLET IN HIGH REGARD, BUT CAN NO LONGER RECOMMEND ANYONE OWNING ONE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102163

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004
Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A HOSPITAL PARKING STRUCTURE THE GAS THROTTLE GOT STUCK AND I HIT A BRICK WALL APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MILES IN HOUR. I WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FROM THE WALL SO IT WAS A HARD IMPACT. THE AIRBAGS INFLATED IN I HAD MINOR DAMAGES TO MY FACE AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. AT THE TIME OF THE CRAS…

Read full complaint

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A HOSPITAL PARKING STRUCTURE THE GAS THROTTLE GOT STUCK AND I HIT A BRICK WALL APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MILES IN HOUR. I WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FROM THE WALL SO IT WAS A HARD IMPACT. THE AIRBAGS INFLATED IN I HAD MINOR DAMAGES TO MY FACE AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS APPROXIMATELY GOING 2-3 MILES IN HOUR BECAUSE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND MY HUSBAND AND I ARE NOW IN THE DEFICIT OF $4,000 AFTER THE INSURANCE PAYOFF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10062806

54,925 miles · Sep 10, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

MY UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPAIRED. UNDER CA. EMSSIONS LAW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS COVERED BUT NOT THE COMPONENTS OR PARTS. THE GASKETS SHOULD NOT WEAR OUT THIS FAST ON A NEW CAR THAT HAS BEEN KEEP IN GOOD REPAIR. THESE PARTS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10038646

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2002
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA ODI #769578

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

ENGINE MISS-FIRES AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ON AFTER SERVICE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #761730

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2001
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

THIS CAR HAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS APRIL 25, 01. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT DEAD SOMEONE RAN OVER AND ASSISTED ME IN GETTING THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET. IT WAS TOWED TO CRAIN CHEVROLET. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CAR AND I GOT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY. MAY 4, 01 THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN IN TRAFFIC…

Read full complaint

THIS CAR HAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS APRIL 25, 01. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT DEAD SOMEONE RAN OVER AND ASSISTED ME IN GETTING THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET. IT WAS TOWED TO CRAIN CHEVROLET. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CAR AND I GOT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY. MAY 4, 01 THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN IN TRAFFIC ON A MAIN THOROUGHFARE I PULLED OVER AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTED BACK UP AND IT STOPPED AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED TO GWATNEY CHEV. THEY REPAIRED IT AND I GOT IT BACK ON MAY 10, 01 AND IT STOPPED AGAIN IN TRAFFIC ON A MAIN THOROUGHFARE ON MAY 11, 01. IT IS NOW AT GWATNEY CHEV. I ALSO CONTACTED GM AND INFORMED THEM THAT I AM A RISK TO ME AND TO OTHER MOTORIST. GM CALLED TODAY AND SAID THAT THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND ARE HAVING TO ORDER A PART. IT WILL TAKE A FEW DAYS FOR ME TO GET IT BACK. HAS ANYONE ELSE REPORTED PROBLEM OF THEIR 2001 MALIBU STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. THE MANUFACTURER IS WORKING WITH ME HOWEVER, I THINK THAT OTHERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #745388

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2001
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND TRANSMISSION HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #882547

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

There is no summary currently available