IllustrationVEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT START ON FIRST ATTEMPT, ESPECIALLY AFTER CAR IS WARMED UP. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM. HAPPENS AT LEAST 5 TIMES A WEEK. *JB
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Alero 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
220–25K
4625–50K
5650–75K
2475–100K
45100–150K
21150K+
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 reportsIN FEB. 2003 I HAD SURGERY AND DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK. WHEN I FINALLY DROVE MY CAR, MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER IT STARTED WORKING AND NOW HAS A GRINDING NOISE TO IT. RECENTLY MY HORN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH AND IT STILL WILL NOT WORK. NOW, MY…
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IN FEB. 2003 I HAD SURGERY AND DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK. WHEN I FINALLY DROVE MY CAR, MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER IT STARTED WORKING AND NOW HAS A GRINDING NOISE TO IT. RECENTLY MY HORN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH AND IT STILL WILL NOT WORK. NOW, MY TURN SIGNALS WORK WHENEVER THEY WANT TO. THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET THEM TO WORK IS TO PRESS MY HAZARD SWITCH AND NOW IT IS GETTING TO WHERE IT WILL NOT WORK. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST MY AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT BLOWING PROPERLY. ON THE 2 FIRST SETTINGS IT BARELY BLOWS, IF I PRESS ON MY BRAKES IT FEELS AS IF IT COMPLETELY QUITS. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN I ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL DIM AND THE CAR ENGINE POWER WILL DECLINE. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 1 YR. I PURCHASED IT USED WITH LESS THAN 25,000 MILES. I FEEL THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE THEY CAN LEAD TO SAFETY ISSUES. I WAS CHANGING LANES AND MY BLINKERS FAILED AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR, AT THAT TIME AND STILL DO NOT HAVE A HORN TO BLOW TO WARN THEM THAT I WAS CHANGING LANES ALSO. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THINKS THAT I AM CRAZY. THAT I AM A HYPOCONDRIAC. THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE AND BASICALLY REFUSE TO HELP ME. I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT APPARENTLY A LOT OF ALERO OWNERS ARE GOING THROUGH. *JB
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, MY ALERO HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS GOING 55 MPH IN TRAFFIC. THE POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN AND IT WAS HARD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IF IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE, YOU MAY AS WELL JUST PARK IT. IT WILL NOT CRANK EASILY AND IT ACTS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT TO RU…
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ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, MY ALERO HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS GOING 55 MPH IN TRAFFIC. THE POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN AND IT WAS HARD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IF IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE, YOU MAY AS WELL JUST PARK IT. IT WILL NOT CRANK EASILY AND IT ACTS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT TO RUN ONCE YOU GET IT TO START. OF COURSE, WHEN YOU TAKE IT TO THE SHOP THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. MY DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT GOES OFF EVERY OTHER DAY, EVEN THOUGH THE AIR PRESSURE IS FINE AND THE INTERIOR DOORS LOOK AWFUL BECAUSE THE TRIM HAS COME UNGLUED. THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS CAR REPAIRED OR REPLACED.
(1)MY CAR REFUSED TO START ONE FRIDAY WHILE I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK. EVERYTHING WORKED (LIGHTS, RADIO), BUT THE ENGINE WOULDN'T "TURN OVER." COULDN'T START SATURDAY, TOW-TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T START MONDAY. CALL FROM SERVICE CENTER TUESDAY, CAR STARTED WHEN TECH TRIED, PUT THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, NOTHING FOUND WRONG. THREE W…
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(1)MY CAR REFUSED TO START ONE FRIDAY WHILE I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK. EVERYTHING WORKED (LIGHTS, RADIO), BUT THE ENGINE WOULDN'T "TURN OVER." COULDN'T START SATURDAY, TOW-TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T START MONDAY. CALL FROM SERVICE CENTER TUESDAY, CAR STARTED WHEN TECH TRIED, PUT THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, NOTHING FOUND WRONG. THREE WEEKS LATER, SAME THING HAPPENED. CAR STARTS AGAIN AT SERVICE CENTER. TECHNICIAN TELLS ME THE THEFT DETERRENT MODULE NEEDS REPLACING. CAR "THINKS" ITS BEING STOLEN, SO IT CUTS OFF THE FUEL PUMP. MOTION OF BEING PUT ON TOW TRUCK PROBABLY CAUSES SHORTAGE. COST $400+ (2)SIGNAL LIGHTS SOME TIMES STOP WORKING FOR SEVERAL HOURS. *JB
WHEN I BRAKE THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE GOING ON UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. HAPPENS WHEN I BRAKE GOING DOWN HILL, OR WHEN I HAVE TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. WHEN I BRAKE NORMALLY, THERE IS THIS SHAKING THAT IS GOING ON. I THOUGHT I NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. ALSO, MY SUNVISOR FALLS OFF VERY FREQUENT…
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WHEN I BRAKE THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE GOING ON UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. HAPPENS WHEN I BRAKE GOING DOWN HILL, OR WHEN I HAVE TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. WHEN I BRAKE NORMALLY, THERE IS THIS SHAKING THAT IS GOING ON. I THOUGHT I NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. ALSO, MY SUNVISOR FALLS OFF VERY FREQUENTLY HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. AND MY DRIVER SIDE MIRROR SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHILE IM DRIVING. AND MY TIRES LOOSE PRESSURE CONSTANTLY AND SOMETIMES THE LIGHT EVEN COMES ON WHEN MY TIRES ARENT LOW.
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE DUE TO THE ENGINE THROWING COOLANT OUT OF THE COOLANT RESEVOIR, THIS RESULTS IN AN ENGINE THAT WAS HEAVING AND VIBRATING/KNOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING MOST OF ITS ANTI-FREEZE DURING THE OPERATION. ON ONE OCCASION THEY FOUND A LEAKY IN…
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THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE DUE TO THE ENGINE THROWING COOLANT OUT OF THE COOLANT RESEVOIR, THIS RESULTS IN AN ENGINE THAT WAS HEAVING AND VIBRATING/KNOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING MOST OF ITS ANTI-FREEZE DURING THE OPERATION. ON ONE OCCASION THEY FOUND A LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HE'D TAKE THE VEHICLE TO GET REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FOUND OR THERE WAS AN IMPRESSION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OKAY. ALSO, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED IN A WAY THAT AIR BUBBLES CANNOT BE BLED OUT AND WOULD LIKE HIS MONEY BACK. *SCC
TURNING SIGNAL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.ALSO, WHEN PUTTING KEY INTO IGNITION AND THEN TAKING THE KEY BACK OUT KEY WILL BE REALLY HOT. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
ALTERNATOR FAILED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE ALTERNATOR WAS LOCATED ABOVE ENGINE. *AK BRAKES MAKE NOISE DUE TO ROTOR AND PAD FAILURE. AIR PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON DUE TO FRONT TIRE AIR LEAK. *YH
CONSUMER STATED THE ABS ROTORS WERE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE ALTHOUGH ROTORS AND THE PADS WERE STILL NEW, DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND PADS, BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE. *AK ALSO THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT, WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE AIR PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, A FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFOR…
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CONSUMER STATED THE ABS ROTORS WERE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE ALTHOUGH ROTORS AND THE PADS WERE STILL NEW, DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND PADS, BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE. *AK ALSO THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT, WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE AIR PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, A FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BATTERY LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT WAS COMING ON.*SLC
MY CAR WOULD LEAVE ME STRANDED, WOULDN'T START AFTER GETTING WET FROM EITHER RAIN OR WASHING IT AT THE CAR WASH. ALL GAUGES, A/C SPEEDOMETER,ETC... FAILED. I HAVE HAD IT SERVICED 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FROM 7/2/2002 TO PRESENT. NOW MY POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE HAS STOPPED WORKING. AND THE VINYL TRIM ON MY DOORS BELOW …
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MY CAR WOULD LEAVE ME STRANDED, WOULDN'T START AFTER GETTING WET FROM EITHER RAIN OR WASHING IT AT THE CAR WASH. ALL GAUGES, A/C SPEEDOMETER,ETC... FAILED. I HAVE HAD IT SERVICED 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FROM 7/2/2002 TO PRESENT. NOW MY POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE HAS STOPPED WORKING. AND THE VINYL TRIM ON MY DOORS BELOW MY WINDOWS IS ALL BUBBLED AND COMING UNGLUED. IN MY OPINION I WAS SOLD A "LEMON" AND I WANT TO FIND OUT HOW TO FILE A CLAIM.*AK
Official recalls
414V400000 · 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
3EA02037 · 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
There is no summary currently available