SEATS DON'T RECLINE OR STICK. ELECTRIC SHORTAGES OUT AND MAY DEFECT RELAYS AND FUSES. SEAT BELTS STICK AND TWIST AND DON'T WINED BACK UP.
1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Am years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Am 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
273 reports with mileage · 576 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.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 203 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Seats complaints
16 reportsBOUGHT A 1999 GRANDAM HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS AS OF 2001.POWER SEAT WONT WORK AT ALL,FOUND WATER IN TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED VARIOUS BULBS,AND SEALED UNIT,HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHT SWITCH WORKS SOMETIMES,POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER SIDE DIDNT WORK ,THEN SUDDENLY IT STARTED WORKING AND LEFT REAR WON'T WORK NOW,ALSO ABS AND TRA…
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BOUGHT A 1999 GRANDAM HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS AS OF 2001.POWER SEAT WONT WORK AT ALL,FOUND WATER IN TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED VARIOUS BULBS,AND SEALED UNIT,HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHT SWITCH WORKS SOMETIMES,POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER SIDE DIDNT WORK ,THEN SUDDENLY IT STARTED WORKING AND LEFT REAR WON'T WORK NOW,ALSO ABS AND TRAC LIGHTS STAY ON .SOMETIMES ABS KICKS IN WHEN I COME TO A STOP.THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE I BOUGHT IT.CAN'T GET THESE PROBLEMS FIXED OUT OF WARRENTY.AND DO NOT HAVE MONET TO FIX.SHOULDN'T HAVE TO IF THE CAR WAS DESIGN RIGHT.*AK
THE SEAT DID NOT LOCK WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES, THE SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACKWARDS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE SPRING OF THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BROKE AND WERE STICKING THROUGH THE SEAT. THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO FAILED. *SCC *NLM
HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THIS CAR THREE TIMES. 1999 GRAND AM, PURCHASED NEW, HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN ADDITION, HAVE REPLACED POWER STEERING TWICE AND BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES. REPLACED ALTERNATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, BATTERY, STARTER ON IGNITION, MOLDING DUE TO LEAKS, WIRING ON DASH, AIR CONDITIONING…
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HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THIS CAR THREE TIMES. 1999 GRAND AM, PURCHASED NEW, HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN ADDITION, HAVE REPLACED POWER STEERING TWICE AND BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES. REPLACED ALTERNATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, BATTERY, STARTER ON IGNITION, MOLDING DUE TO LEAKS, WIRING ON DASH, AIR CONDITIONING RESISTORS/CIRCUITS, AND HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS.*AK
'99 GR AM: GRINDING NOISE R FRONT-DEALER: DRILLED OUT RESTRICTOR IN PWR STEERNG HOSE PER BULLETIN 990232002. RUBBING & SQUAWK NOISE TURNING LEFT-DEALER: SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLCD. PASSENGER SEAT STUCK-DEALER: REPLACED SEAT TRACK. CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LATCH ASSMBLY REPLACED PER RECALL. RADIO LCD GARBLED & BLACKING OUT-DEALER: RE…
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'99 GR AM: GRINDING NOISE R FRONT-DEALER: DRILLED OUT RESTRICTOR IN PWR STEERNG HOSE PER BULLETIN 990232002. RUBBING & SQUAWK NOISE TURNING LEFT-DEALER: SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLCD. PASSENGER SEAT STUCK-DEALER: REPLACED SEAT TRACK. CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LATCH ASSMBLY REPLACED PER RECALL. RADIO LCD GARBLED & BLACKING OUT-DEALER: REPLCD RADIO ASSEMBLY. WHINING IN PWR STEERING- DEALER: P/S COOLER LINE LEAKING, REPLCD & BLED SYSTEM. GAS GAUGE BACK & FORTH FROM FULL TO EMPTY-DEALER: TANK SENDING UNIT SHORTED, REPLCD TANK MODULE ASSY. FLUID/OIL LEAK FROM INTAKE GASKET-DEALER: REPLCD GASKETS & REPLCD OIL PUMP DRIVE O-RING. PASSENGER SEAT SQUEAKS-DEALER: SEAT TRACKS LOOSE IN FLOOR PAN HOOK ATTCHMNT OPENINGS. CRUNCH/SQUAWK IN FRONT END ON SPEED BUMPS-DEALER: REPLCD R&R FRONT STRUTS, REPLCD UPPER MOUNTS. BRAKE PULSATION-DEALER: FRONT ROTORS WARPED, BOTH ROTORS WERE MACHINED & PADS REPLACED. OIL/FLUID LEAK RT TRANS. AXLE SEAL, STEERING RACK CENTER SECTION- DEALER: REPLCD SEAL & SLEEVE, REPLCD STEERING RACK. SHIMMY & SHAKE ON HWY- DEALER: COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NO REPAIR. INTERMITTENTLY HESITATES COLD START & ON EXCELLERATION-DEALER: COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NO REPAIR. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW PLASTIC REGULATOR BROKE & WINDOW FELL DOWN-NO LONGER ON WARRANTEE, CONSUMER REPLCD @ APPROX $500.00 OWN EXPENSE. ALL OCCURING AT UNDER 40,000 MILES. AM AFRAID TO TAKE IN FOR NEXT "SCHEDULED" SERVICE FOR FEAR OF WHAT WILL BE FOUND.
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE PASSENGER SEAT LURCHED FOWARD.*JB
ONE MONTH AFTER A PURCHASED THE CAR, IT HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR PASSENGER SEAT-DETERMINED IT WAS NOT BOLTED CORRECTLY-AT TWO YEARS, MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED-AT 3 YEARS THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE FIXED AND MORE METAL WAS FOUND IN THE OIL FILTER-THE ALTERNATOR WENT AT JUST OVER THREE YEARS-BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY YEAR-C…
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ONE MONTH AFTER A PURCHASED THE CAR, IT HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR PASSENGER SEAT-DETERMINED IT WAS NOT BOLTED CORRECTLY-AT TWO YEARS, MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED-AT 3 YEARS THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE FIXED AND MORE METAL WAS FOUND IN THE OIL FILTER-THE ALTERNATOR WENT AT JUST OVER THREE YEARS-BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY YEAR-CRUISE CONTROL WORKS "RANDOMLY" SINCE THE BEGINNING (REPORTED TO DELAER; SUPPOSEDLY NO ERRORS WERE FOUND), CAR HESITATES AND "SPITS & SPUTTERS" WHEN IDLING, ETC. ETC. ONE BIG LEMON!
DRIVER'S SEAT OR PASSENGER'S SEAT BROKE FROM SEAT TRACK . SEAT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED TO DIFFERENT POSITIONS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
PASSENGER'SSEAT, MANUAL SEAT, WILL NO LONGER STAY IN POSITION, SLIDES BACK AND FORTH, EVEN WITH NO PASSENGER IN SEAT. NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK
COMPLAINED REPEATEDLY ABOUT THIS TO DEALER. ADNMITTED DESIGN FLAW. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Official recalls
314V400000 · 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.
00V140000 · Structure:body
May 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
98V320000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Dec 15, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
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
3RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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 FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA03021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Nov 4, 2003 · Closed Oct 19, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Suspension:front
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Suspension
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
PE03031 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Jul 14, 2003 · Closed Nov 4, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension:front
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
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