NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
17 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Jan 24, 2015
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension
I NOTICED DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 2014 THAT MY TURN SIGNALS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO . I WAS TURNING RIGHT AND MY MOM WAS RIDING WITH ME WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT MY TURN SIGNALS WAS NOT WORKING LEFT OR RIGHT. SO WE MADE IT TO OUR DOCTORS APPOINTMENT AND WHEN WE WERE LEAVING THEY WORKING . IT'S WEIRD BECAUSE BY CHANGING THE B…
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I NOTICED DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 2014 THAT MY TURN SIGNALS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO . I WAS TURNING RIGHT AND MY MOM WAS RIDING WITH ME WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT MY TURN SIGNALS WAS NOT WORKING LEFT OR RIGHT. SO WE MADE IT TO OUR DOCTORS APPOINTMENT AND WHEN WE WERE LEAVING THEY WORKING . IT'S WEIRD BECAUSE BY CHANGING THE BULBS THE TURN SIGNALS ARE STILL GOING IN AND OUT WHEN THEY WANT TOO. AND WE NOTICED LIGHT FLUID LEAKAGE BUT IT WAS NOT LEAKING IN NOVEMBER WHEN I BROUGHT MY VERY OWN FIRST CAR FOR CASH AND I HAD THE OIL CHANGED SO I TOOK IT BACK TO JIFFY LUBES AND THE TECH COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, THIS WEEK JANUARY 21, 2014 MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING THIS STRANGE WHISTLING NOISE WHEN I MAKE A TURN, AND MY SECURITY LIGHT HAS CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. SO I DECIDED TO CHECK THE SAFETY GM RECALL LISTING FOR HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678734
125,000 miles · Sep 19, 2014
Electrical SystemSteeringFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FOLLOWED BY FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE WITH THE BLINKERS, WHICH ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FOLLOWED BY FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE WITH THE BLINKERS, WHICH ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #10637652
136,000 miles · Sep 7, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA ODI #10474204
80,000 miles · Oct 17, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING BRACKETS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WERE FRACTURED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED, BUT THE WHEELS WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE RUST WAS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING BRACKETS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WERE FRACTURED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED, BUT THE WHEELS WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE RUST WAS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/30/11
NHTSA ODI #10430525
110,000 miles · Oct 13, 2011
SteeringStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE SUPPORT HAD CORRODED CAUSING THE STEERING RACK TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 12/28/11*LJ UPDATED 02/29/12
NHTSA ODI #10430055
135,000 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, IT WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. ALSO, THE WHEELS DID NOT MOVE WHEN HE MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE RACK AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, IT WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. ALSO, THE WHEELS DID NOT MOVE WHEN HE MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE RACK AND PINION TOGETHER HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED IT TO FRACTURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10419864
100,052 miles · Oct 2, 2010
Steering
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, STEERING ABILITY HAD SEVERELY REDUCED TO NIL. . THERE WAS NO WARNING IN FEEL, JUST A CLUNK SOUND. AFTER IMMEDIATE STOP, STEERING WAS CHECKED AGAIN BY TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NO RESPONSE IN EITHER DIRECTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM AREA WHICH WAS SEMI BLOCKING TRAFFIC DUE TO THE INABILI…
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WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, STEERING ABILITY HAD SEVERELY REDUCED TO NIL. . THERE WAS NO WARNING IN FEEL, JUST A CLUNK SOUND. AFTER IMMEDIATE STOP, STEERING WAS CHECKED AGAIN BY TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NO RESPONSE IN EITHER DIRECTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM AREA WHICH WAS SEMI BLOCKING TRAFFIC DUE TO THE INABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE. AUTO TECH HAD SAID THE SUB FRAME HOLDING KEY STEERING COMPONENTS WAS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAD JUST READ LOCAL NEWS INVOLVING, A NOW DECEASED WOMAN, HITTING A SCHOOL BUS NEARLY HEAD ON WHILE CHANGING LANES AND FOR SOME REASON CONTINUED INTO OPPOSITE TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358864
48,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
HORN OF THE CAR DID NOT WORK AFTER SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF FLASHER UNIT. NO TRAUMA OR INJURY TO CAR. INSPECTION OF CAR, IT WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED STEERING WHEEL AT THE BASE AND IT DAMAGED THE HORN RING. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FIXED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN 1 OT…
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HORN OF THE CAR DID NOT WORK AFTER SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF FLASHER UNIT. NO TRAUMA OR INJURY TO CAR. INSPECTION OF CAR, IT WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED STEERING WHEEL AT THE BASE AND IT DAMAGED THE HORN RING. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FIXED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN 1 OTHER SUCH CASE IN 37 YEARS OF SERVICE. CAR MUST HAVE HAD A DEFECTIVE STEERING WHEEL WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228247
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO INTAKE MANIFOLD PROBLEM. *BF THE CONSUMER HAD DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK. THE CONSUMER STATED GM ISSUED AN IMPROVED GASKET TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT GM WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHY DID THE EXPENSE HAVE TO FALL ON THE CONSUMER. THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10115151
41,000 miles · Aug 13, 2004
SteeringCrash
I HAVE A 2001 ALERO. IT HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING INTERMITTENTLY. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STEERING FLUID GELLING. IT FIXED MY STEERING BUT STILL WHINED A LITTLE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE NIGHT STATED BELOW. I WAS TURNING TO THE ON-RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE AND MY STEERING COMPLETELY FAI…
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I HAVE A 2001 ALERO. IT HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING INTERMITTENTLY. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STEERING FLUID GELLING. IT FIXED MY STEERING BUT STILL WHINED A LITTLE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE NIGHT STATED BELOW. I WAS TURNING TO THE ON-RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE AND MY STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND PROBABLY 20-25MPH AS I WAS SENT INTO THE CURB. THE WHEEL THAT HIT THE CURB FOLDED UNDER THE CAR AS THE SPINDLE BROKE. I WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT AND THERE WERE NO ADVERSE CONDITIONS. I WOULDN'T HAVE HIT THE CURB IF THE STEERING HADN'T GONE OUT AND EVEN SO, I DON'T THINK THAT AT THAT SPEED THAT MUCH DAMAGE SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T GO OFF. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE (WHERE I WAS HEADING) I WOULD HAVE ENDED UP GOING INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10086786
Official recalls
4Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Aug 28, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
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.
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
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