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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
52,000 miles · Jun 2, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS HOT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V528000, REGARDING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO ONE COULD DUPLICATE THE CONSUMERS CONCERN. ONE OF THE MECHANIC'S SUGGESTED THAT MAYBE …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS HOT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V528000, REGARDING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO ONE COULD DUPLICATE THE CONSUMERS CONCERN. ONE OF THE MECHANIC'S SUGGESTED THAT MAYBE THE FLOOR MAT WAS IN THE WAY. UPDATED 06/19/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10158825

56,000 miles · May 15, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY ENGINE COOLANT, ON MY 2001 OLDS ALERO, HAS BEEN GOING DOWN FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS. I HAVE REFILLED THE COOLANT CONTAINER 3 TIMES. WHEN I CHECKED IT AGAIN ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO THERE WAS GEL LIKE SUBSTANCE IN THE COOLANT. I CHECKED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS, ALL OF WHOM SAID MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ARE LEAKING AND OIL IS GETTING…

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MY ENGINE COOLANT, ON MY 2001 OLDS ALERO, HAS BEEN GOING DOWN FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS. I HAVE REFILLED THE COOLANT CONTAINER 3 TIMES. WHEN I CHECKED IT AGAIN ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO THERE WAS GEL LIKE SUBSTANCE IN THE COOLANT. I CHECKED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS, ALL OF WHOM SAID MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ARE LEAKING AND OIL IS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE COOLANT, THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE GASKETS REPLACED AND THE ENGINE FLUSHED WHICH WOULD COST ME $900. I THEN FOUND OUT GENERALS MOTORS HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS BECAUSE THEY REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART IN NEW CARS BEGINNING IN 2004. CANADA HAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST GENERAL MOTORS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. SO FAR GM HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT FIXING MY CAR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10157569

53,401 miles · Apr 30, 2006
Fuel System, Other

2001 OLDS ALERO FUEL SENDER GAUGE SHOWS 1/2 TANK WHEN IT'S ACTUALLY EMPTY. WHEN FILLED IT GOES TO EMPTY FOR DAYS THEN JUMPS BACK UP TO FULL AND STAYS THERE FOR SOME 200 MILES BEFORE MOVING DOWN. READ SOMEWHERE GM WAS HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGES BUT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR REPAIR? CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHILE MY SON…

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2001 OLDS ALERO FUEL SENDER GAUGE SHOWS 1/2 TANK WHEN IT'S ACTUALLY EMPTY. WHEN FILLED IT GOES TO EMPTY FOR DAYS THEN JUMPS BACK UP TO FULL AND STAYS THERE FOR SOME 200 MILES BEFORE MOVING DOWN. READ SOMEWHERE GM WAS HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGES BUT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR REPAIR? CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHILE MY SON'S WOMAN WAS PREGNANT WITH MY GRANDCHILD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10156458

89,800 miles · Apr 17, 2006
Exterior Lighting

ON MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, THE TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD LIGHT BECOMES INTERMITTENT AND/OR INOPERATIVE DURING TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. THE DEALER AND GENERAL MOTORS REFUSE TO REPLACE WITHOUT COST BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS APPARENTLY NOT INCLUDED IN GM RECALL NO. 03043. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155481

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

SINCE FEB. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 05 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WENT ON HOT (AND THE CAR WAS NOT). I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY OF COURSE FOUND NOTHING WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER THEY USE TO DIAG…

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SINCE FEB. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 05 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WENT ON HOT (AND THE CAR WAS NOT). I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY OF COURSE FOUND NOTHING WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER THEY USE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS WASN'T REGISTERING ANYTHING. NOT QUITE A MONTH HAD PASSED WHEN I STARTED TO HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE CAR, A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN A.M. TRAFFIC ON THE FWY. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN, THEY STATED IT WAS CPC COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE IGNITER HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, IT STALLED AGAIN, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AGAIN THE NEXT DAY IT WAS TAKEN IN AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS PASS AND THE SAME PROBLEMS START TO OCCUR, THIS TIME WHEN IT WAS THERE, NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THIS TIME AGAIN DRIVING ON THE FWY. THE CAR STALLED, I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, THE CAR AGAIN AS USUAL WOULD NOT RESTART, NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS I MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY. MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER CURRENTLY AND THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. IN READING OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A PROBLEM. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO KILLED BEFORE GMC DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10155089

76,000 miles · Mar 24, 2006
Suspension

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE BEARINGS FAILED EVERY 15,000-20,000 MILES. THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STEER PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS FOUR TIMES. T THE WHEEL BEARING WERE REPLACED FOUR T…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE BEARINGS FAILED EVERY 15,000-20,000 MILES. THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STEER PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS FOUR TIMES. T THE WHEEL BEARING WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES, THE DEALER REPLACED THEM 3 TIMES, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACED THEM THE FOURTH TIMES. HOWEVER MANUFACTURER AND DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10153653

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2006
Visibility

DRIVER'S SIDE CAR WINDOW ROLLED DOWN BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. CAR IS 2001 OLDS ALERO 2 DR. WAS HAVING PROBLEMS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WITH THE WINDOW ROLLING ALL THE WAY DOWN INSTEAD OF JUST PART OF THE WAY. THE REGULATOR IS STILL MAKING A SOUND SO THE MOTOR IS STILL OPERABLE FOR THE MOMENT BUT THE WINDOW IS OFF THE TRACK OR THE P…

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DRIVER'S SIDE CAR WINDOW ROLLED DOWN BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. CAR IS 2001 OLDS ALERO 2 DR. WAS HAVING PROBLEMS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WITH THE WINDOW ROLLING ALL THE WAY DOWN INSTEAD OF JUST PART OF THE WAY. THE REGULATOR IS STILL MAKING A SOUND SO THE MOTOR IS STILL OPERABLE FOR THE MOMENT BUT THE WINDOW IS OFF THE TRACK OR THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD THE WINDOW ARE BROKE. WHAT HAPPENED TOSSING METAL. IT WOULD SAVE HEADACHES FOR EVERYONE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10153593

84,000 miles · Mar 21, 2006
Electrical System

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACK OFF, SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT 79,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATING.

NHTSA ODI #10153312

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2006
Exterior Lighting

TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, NO WARNING THAT THEY WILL NOT WORK. I HAVE PUSHED THE HAZARD BUTTON IN AND OUT AND THIS SOMETIMES HELPS. VERY DANGEROUS, I HAVE GONE MILES OUT OF MY WAY BECAUSE I CAN'T MAKE A TURN SAFELY WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SIGNAL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10151858

66,900 miles · Feb 23, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

ON WEDNESDAY, FEB 8, 2006 THREE LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THEY ARE 'SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, TRAC OFF, & ANTI-LOCK'. THESE LIGHTS HAVE CONTINUED COMING ON SINCE. WEEK BEFORE THESE LIGHTS HAD CAME ON. I HAD NEW HUB BEARINGS PUT ON MY CAR. THEN ONCE THIS WAS DONE ABOUT 3-4 DAYS LATER THESE LIGHTS CAME. I HAVE TAKEN …

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ON WEDNESDAY, FEB 8, 2006 THREE LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THEY ARE 'SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, TRAC OFF, & ANTI-LOCK'. THESE LIGHTS HAVE CONTINUED COMING ON SINCE. WEEK BEFORE THESE LIGHTS HAD CAME ON. I HAD NEW HUB BEARINGS PUT ON MY CAR. THEN ONCE THIS WAS DONE ABOUT 3-4 DAYS LATER THESE LIGHTS CAME. I HAVE TAKEN TWO 3 GARAGES TO HAVE THIS LOOKED AT AND THEY WHICH THEY HAVE PUT A COMPUTER HOOKED UP TO MY CAR TO CHECK FOR ANY CODES WHILE THE LIGHTS WERE ON. THERE WERE NO CODES SHOWING FOR MY CAR. YESTERDAY, TUESDAY, FEB 14, 2006, I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHICH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE IN AND WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH TWO PUMPS TO THE BARKES.CAME TO A STOP. . IF THERE WERE TO BE SOMEONE AHEAD OF ME I WOULD HAVE REAR-ENDED THIS PERSON OR MAYBE EVEN ROLLED RIGHT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN THE INTERSECTION. AS I SURF THIS WEB SIT I FIND THEY SAME PROBLEMS OTHER PEOPLE HAD OR HAVING THE SAME SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR GM VEHICLES RECENTLY. I WAS GIVEN AN 800 NUMBER TO CHECK FOR RECALLS I JUST CALLED AND THERE WAS NO RECALL OF THIS SORT LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT SEEMS OFF THAT KNOW FIVE PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF, IN THE SAME PLACE OF WORK HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR GM VEHICLE AND ONLY ONE WAS COVERED. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE ITEM TO BE REPLACED AND SINCE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ALL INVOLVED, THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL AND NOT OUT OF OUR POCKET. *CA *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151063

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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