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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

What owners actually said

364 reports
62,000 miles · Nov 13, 2006
Exterior Lighting

MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS HAVE INTERMITTENTLY BEEN COMPLETELY CEASING TO WORK. THIS COMES AND GOES, BUT SOMETIMES WILL BE TEMPORARILY REMEDIED IF I PUSH THE HAZARD BUTTON AND THEN RELEASE IT. IN RESEARCHING NHTSA, I FOUND NHTSA RECALL 03V327000 WHICH PERFECTLY MIRRORS THE SYMPTOMS I AM HAVING. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN I CO…

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MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS HAVE INTERMITTENTLY BEEN COMPLETELY CEASING TO WORK. THIS COMES AND GOES, BUT SOMETIMES WILL BE TEMPORARILY REMEDIED IF I PUSH THE HAZARD BUTTON AND THEN RELEASE IT. IN RESEARCHING NHTSA, I FOUND NHTSA RECALL 03V327000 WHICH PERFECTLY MIRRORS THE SYMPTOMS I AM HAVING. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN I CONTACTED GM REGARDING THE RECALL, THEY SAID MY VIN DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE RANGE. I FEEL THIS FAILURE IS RELATED. MY VIN IS [XXX]. THE FILE NUMBER WITH [XXX]. AT THIS POINT, THEY SAY THEY CAN'T HELP ME SINCE MY VIN DOESN'T FALL WITHIN THEIR RANGE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10173403

46,900 miles · Oct 30, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline

NO EVENTS LED TO THE FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP FAILED FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. THE CAR WOULD CRANK, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10172148

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY STALLING SINCE APRIL 2006. I HAVE HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED BY 3 MECHANICS ALL OF WHICH CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG VIA THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES. BEFORE TAKING IT TO GM. GM HOOKED THE CAR UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE AND DROVE IT FOR 20 MILES OVERNIGHT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND TH…

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MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY STALLING SINCE APRIL 2006. I HAVE HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED BY 3 MECHANICS ALL OF WHICH CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG VIA THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES. BEFORE TAKING IT TO GM. GM HOOKED THE CAR UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE AND DROVE IT FOR 20 MILES OVERNIGHT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL. UNFORTUNATELY I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY FOR THESE REASONS, IT COULD STALL AND I COULD BE KILLED BY SOMEONE GOING FAST AND RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF ME. I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR LOCALLY IN THE CITY IN WHICH I LIVE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170384

64,000 miles · Sep 14, 2006
Exterior Lighting

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OF THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LIGHTS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND RANDOMLY. A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V327000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE ON 2001 PRIOR TO HIS OWNERSHIP. THE RECALL WAS CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS: SWITCH, HOWEVER TH…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OF THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LIGHTS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND RANDOMLY. A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V327000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE ON 2001 PRIOR TO HIS OWNERSHIP. THE RECALL WAS CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS: SWITCH, HOWEVER THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - THE VEHICLE HAD A THREE YEAR HISTORY OF THE TURN SIGNALS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. WHILE DOING RESEARCH THE CONSUMER FOUND INFORMATION ON THE HAZARD SWITCH RECALL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10168216

61,133 miles · Aug 14, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FILLER NECK WAS CORRODED WHICH ALLOWED GASOLINE TO LEAK OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10165443

124,000 miles · Aug 11, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ON 7-2-06 WHILE GOING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE VEHICLE WAS AIRBORNE AND LANDED INTO A CONCRETE MEDIUM. NEITHER THE DRIVER NOR PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE REAR AND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN.

NHTSA ODI #10165240

129,000 miles · Aug 2, 2006
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WOULD NOT START. THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED THREE WEEKS LATER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WOULD NOT START. THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED THREE WEEKS LATER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED THREE WEEKS LATER AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10164174

51,000 miles · Jul 17, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI- LOCK BRAKE UNIT HAS GONE BAD TWICE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI- LOCK BRAKE UNIT HAS GONE BAD ONCE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. WHEN THE UNIT STARTS TO FAIL THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK OR PULSE MOMENTARILY AND THEN THEY WORK AGAIN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS OF REAR EN…

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THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI- LOCK BRAKE UNIT HAS GONE BAD TWICE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI- LOCK BRAKE UNIT HAS GONE BAD ONCE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. WHEN THE UNIT STARTS TO FAIL THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK OR PULSE MOMENTARILY AND THEN THEY WORK AGAIN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS OF REAR ENDING SOMEONE AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT WHEN I DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND THERE IS NO SLOW DOWN FOR UP TO 2-3 SECONDS UNTIL THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM IS SHUT OFF BUY THE CARS COMPUTER. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE OLDSMOBILE DEALER IN PAINTED POST, NEW YORK THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE OLDS ALERO'S. I HAVE REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI LOCK BRAKE UNIT TWICE. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING / ANTI-LOCK BRAKE UNIT CURRENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10162544

64,400 miles · Jun 24, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

4/18/05: LOWER INTAKE LEAKING BADLY, REPLACED LOWER INTAKE GASKETS & CLEANED ALL PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. COOLANT IN OIL. 6/24/06: ADVISED THAT COOLANT LEAKING INTO OIL AGAIN. ADVISED OF NEED TO REPLACE UPPER INTAKE AND VALVE COVER GASKETS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160659

45,167 miles · Jun 15, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED COOLANT IS LEAKING OUT AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10159937

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

There is no summary currently available