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2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 279.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

214 reports with mileage · 150 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 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports5 fire reports13 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

130 reports
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90,000 miles · Mar 7, 2005
Electrical System

THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, IT WILL NOT CONTINUE TO RUN. THE IGNITION SWITCH/THEFT DETERRENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, PER THE DEALER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113600

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2004
Electrical System

I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM OLDSMOBILE LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE IS A CURRENT OPEN RECALL ON HAZARD / TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLIANT ABOUT MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS NOT WORK, BUT MY CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY KICKS OFF BY ITSELF ALL THE TIME, I HAVE…

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I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM OLDSMOBILE LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE IS A CURRENT OPEN RECALL ON HAZARD / TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLIANT ABOUT MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS NOT WORK, BUT MY CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY KICKS OFF BY ITSELF ALL THE TIME, I HAVE A LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT THAT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, AND MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK HALF THE TIME. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT IN THE WIRES OF MY CAR. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT THE SAME TIME MY TURN SIGNALS / HAZARDS STOP WORKING ALSO. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER LETS ME KNOW IF I REALLY MAY HAVE A LOW TIRE (WHICH COULD RESULT IN A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING, ETC.) ALTHOUGH, I'VE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES CURRENTLY BUT, I AM WONDERING SINCE THE LIGHT IS ON AND THE TIRE MAY REALLY BE LOW AND I HAVE A BLOWOUT, IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE SAME WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. IF A VEHICLE IS FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE, AND THE CRUISE KICKS OFF, THEN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE MAY BUMP INTO MY REAR OF MY CAR. I WOULD LIKE THIS LOOKED INTO IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10098141

46,642 miles · Sep 28, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WILL NOT SUSTAIN. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD AIR DAILY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO COOPERATE. *AK THE LEFT FRONT DOOR BODY SIDE WAS FALLING, THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH MAY CRACK, THE COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THERE WAS A…

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THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WILL NOT SUSTAIN. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD AIR DAILY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO COOPERATE. *AK THE LEFT FRONT DOOR BODY SIDE WAS FALLING, THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH MAY CRACK, THE COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THERE WAS AN ERRATIC SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION WAS FIRST TURNED ON, THE DRIVER WINDOW HAD A WATER LEAK, THE LEFT POWER WINDOW WON'T SEAL, THE REGULATOR WAS BROKEN, AND THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO BINDING CYLINDER LOCK. SC

NHTSA ODI #10090196

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2004
Electrical System

ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SECURITY LIGHT REMAINS ON DURING THE DURATION OF DRIVING. WHEN WE TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND THE CAR WON'T START. OLDSMOBILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RECOMENDS LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING, TAKING THE KEY OUT FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THE…

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ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SECURITY LIGHT REMAINS ON DURING THE DURATION OF DRIVING. WHEN WE TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND THE CAR WON'T START. OLDSMOBILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RECOMENDS LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING, TAKING THE KEY OUT FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THEN TRYING TO START IT AGAIN. THIS NORMALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR, IT BECOMES A REAL HAZARD TO BE WAITING FOR YOUR VEHICLE TO START. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082964

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY. THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL TRIES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEVER "CRANK OVER." THE ENGINE VIBRATED WHEN THE A/C WAS USED,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, THE …

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THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY. THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL TRIES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEVER "CRANK OVER." THE ENGINE VIBRATED WHEN THE A/C WAS USED,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, THE FRONT WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN, THE REAR HANDLES FELT LIKE THEY WERE STICKING, THERE WAS A BURNT OIL SMELL, AND AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD RUN ROUGH. THE MASTER SWITCH, A/C COMPRESSOR, CRANK SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL TANK, HAZARD SWITCH, AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANICS REPOSITIONED A WIRE HARNESS FROM THE CRANK SENSOR AND REPLACED THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID. THE TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING IN TRAFFIC IN WHICH THERE WAS ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. THE ANTENNA WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE RADIO SIGNAL WOULD GO OUT EVERY TIME THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS USED (THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM). THE BACK WINDOW HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED TO SOLVE THE ANTENNA PROBLEM. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE SEAL FOR THE COOLANT LEAKED. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10074104

42,785 miles · Mar 26, 2004
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

DEFECTIVE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND DEFECTIVE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND DEFECTIVE WINDOW POWER SWITCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10063961

63,100 miles · Mar 21, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel System, OtherCrashInjury

WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 3/5/03 AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I WAS TRAVELING 40-45 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON SCOTTSDALE RD WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT BENT THE IMPACT BARS, MOVED MY COMPRESSOR TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HOOD, BUMPER, FENDER DAMAGE, THE PR…

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WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 3/5/03 AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I WAS TRAVELING 40-45 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON SCOTTSDALE RD WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT BENT THE IMPACT BARS, MOVED MY COMPRESSOR TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HOOD, BUMPER, FENDER DAMAGE, THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE WITHOUT DOING A TEAR DOWN IS AT $5000.00. I HAVE SUFFERED NECK, SHOULDER AND LEG INJURIES. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID A CERTIFIED GM REP WILL GO LOOK AT THE CAR AND TAKE PICTURES AND WILL CONTACT ME ON THE 29TH. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A MAN WHO DID NOT IDENTIFY HIMSELF AT THE DEALER SHIP AND SAID HE WAS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR GM AND DOWN LOADED THE INFO OFF THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR AND THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OFF, AND TOLD ME I NEED TO HAVE THEM START REPAIRING THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. YET IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IT STATES THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IN A NEAR FRONTAL OR FRONTAL IMPACT AND THAT THEY CAN ONLY ACCESS THIS COMPUTER IN THE CAR WITH THE OWNERS CONSENT WHICH I DID NOT GIVE. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM ELECTRICAL ENGINE WORK, THE FUEL SENSOR SHOWING ME I HAD GAS WHEN I DON'T, SCRATCHED ROTORS, AND THE HAZARDS AND BLINKERS WORKING AND NOT WORKING WHICH STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP. EVEN THE POLICE OFFERS DID NOT WANT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF AND THEY WHERE CONCERNED THAT IT DID NOT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10062758

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2004
Electrical SystemPower Train

CONSUMER CAN PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN FOWARD GEAR, THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF REVERSE , THEN SHIFT IT BACK INTO REVERSE IN ORDER TO BACK OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10057901

58,000 miles · Feb 12, 2004
Electrical System

INTERMITTENTLY CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN/START THE VEHICLE DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10058021

30,000 miles · Feb 7, 2004
Electrical SystemPower Train

MY CAR IS A 2001, IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN , LUCKILY THE BLINKER, FLASHER ISSUE IS BEING RECALLED. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO. WHEN I TRY TO ROLL IT DOWN, IT WILL PULL DOWN THE ENGINE AND MY LIGH…

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MY CAR IS A 2001, IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN , LUCKILY THE BLINKER, FLASHER ISSUE IS BEING RECALLED. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO. WHEN I TRY TO ROLL IT DOWN, IT WILL PULL DOWN THE ENGINE AND MY LIGHTS WILL DIM VERY LOW.( EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS.) MY BACK SPEAKERS ALSO WORK WHENEVER THEY WANT TO. I AM NOT ONE TO LISTEN TO LOUD MUSIC, BUT IT'S PRETTY BAD WHEN ONLY THE FRONT SPEAKERS WORK. I BELIEVE THESE CARS NEED TO BE REWIRED. THE LATEST PROBLEM HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BUTTON COMPLETELY BROKE OFF. LUCKILY THE BUTTON IS STILL "LITERALLY" HANGING IN THERE ,BUT IF IT FALLS OUT AND GETS LOST THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO PUT MY CAR INTO GEAR OR OUT OF GEAR FOR THAT MATTER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. THE DEALER WHOM I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IS NOT WILLING TO HELP AT ALL WITH ANY OF THE SITUATIONS WITH MY CAR. HOW CAN CONSUMERS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM COMPANIES WHO DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. WE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR OUR VEHICLES AND THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH. OUR LIVES BEING IN DANGER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10056718

Official recalls

4

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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

00V372000 · Power Train:manual Transmission

Nov 13, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER INDICATES REVERSE GEAR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN A FORWARD GEAR, WHICH IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE 5TH/REVERSE INHIBITOR BY REMOVING A RETAINING PIN AND REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.

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

3

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.

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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