← New search

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 →

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.

73 crash reports13 fire reports48 injury reports

What owners actually said

849 reports
75,000 miles · Jun 25, 2008
Suspension

THE COIL SPRING ON THE STRUT ON THE FRONT OF A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM BROKE. THIS WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW SPRING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. IN TALKING TO MANY REPAIR SHOPS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS SERIES OF GM CARS. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED IN TOWN, BUT HAD IT HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE OUTCOME COULD …

Read full complaint

THE COIL SPRING ON THE STRUT ON THE FRONT OF A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM BROKE. THIS WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW SPRING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. IN TALKING TO MANY REPAIR SHOPS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS SERIES OF GM CARS. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED IN TOWN, BUT HAD IT HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN A BAD WRECK. THE LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER AT THE PONTIAC DEALER STATED THIS WAS FAIRLY COMMON, BUT THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR REPAIRS IF THE OWNER HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS IN MY POSSESSION. THIS WAS A CLEAN BREAK, NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS CRACKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10232326

95,000 miles · Jun 6, 2008
Suspension

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS. THIS IS REGARDING FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING. THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR. I HAD BOTH COILS FRACTURE. FIRST (PASSENGER…

Read full complaint

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM -- THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS. THIS IS REGARDING FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING. THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR. I HAD BOTH COILS FRACTURE. FIRST (PASSENGER FRONT AT APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILES AND THE DRIVER FRONT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 110,000 MILES). THERE APPEARS TO BE VERY LITTLE WEAR OR PITTING ON THESE COILS. COIL COATING IS IN TACT AND IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION FOR THE YEAR AND MILES. THE COILS FRACTURE IN THE SAME LOCATION. THE FRACTURE IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE A PUNCTURE IN THE TIRES. I AM REFERENCING AN EXISTING COMPLAINT NOTICE #PE03-031. INVESTIGATE REPORTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230128

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2008
Unknown Or Other

I BOUGHT A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM IN SEPTEMBER 2000. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM EVER SINCE. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T START, LEAVING ME STRANDED. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIMES AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STILL COMES ON. IN THE LAST 8 YEARS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER (WHO SCATCHES THER…

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM IN SEPTEMBER 2000. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM EVER SINCE. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T START, LEAVING ME STRANDED. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIMES AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STILL COMES ON. IN THE LAST 8 YEARS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER (WHO SCATCHES THERE HEAD) AND CHARGES ME FOR THINGS THE CAR DOESN'T NEED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO INDEPENDENT CAR REPAIR SHOPS WHO ALSO CHARGE ME FOR THINGS THAT DOES NOT FIX THE CAR. I WORK 4 MILES FROM MY HOUSE AND STILL HAVE NOT EVEN PUT 30,000 MILES ON MY CAR IN THE LAST 8 YEARS. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING ANY CAR TROUBLE. IF YOU GOOGLE PONTIAC GRAND AM PASS LOCK SYSTEM YOU WILL FIND IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND PONTIAC WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I CAN NOT GIVE A INCIDENT DATE BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS BUT SINCE THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST MONTH, I WILL GIVE TODAYS DATE. I JUST WANT IT FIXED AND NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT, INCLUDING THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?

NHTSA ODI #10229919

107,000 miles · May 26, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

I BOUGHT A 1999 GRAND AM GT N JANUARY 2008 FROM FEYER FORD IN WILLIAMSTON NORTH CAROLINA. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WENT OUT FOLLOWED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH FOLLOWED BY THE PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATOR GOING OUT. THEN ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECA…

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT A 1999 GRAND AM GT N JANUARY 2008 FROM FEYER FORD IN WILLIAMSTON NORTH CAROLINA. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WENT OUT FOLLOWED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH FOLLOWED BY THE PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATOR GOING OUT. THEN ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE WINDOW REGULATORS FOR MY VEHICLE IF NO THEN ONE SHOULD BE MY STEPSONS GIRLFRIENDS WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT ON HER PONTIAC GRAND AM ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228913

54,000 miles · Apr 22, 2008
Exterior Lighting

THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER MODULE ON MY DAUGHTERS 1999 GRAND AM GT (54,000 MILES) CONTINUES CLICKING AFTER THE SIGNAL HAS SHUT OFF. AT TIMES THE UNIT HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE THIS NOISE FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES CONSTANTLY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING FOR A TEEN DRIVER. I HAVE LOCATED THE NHTSA ACTION # RQ04005 ON THIS ISSUE. PONTI…

Read full complaint

THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER MODULE ON MY DAUGHTERS 1999 GRAND AM GT (54,000 MILES) CONTINUES CLICKING AFTER THE SIGNAL HAS SHUT OFF. AT TIMES THE UNIT HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE THIS NOISE FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES CONSTANTLY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING FOR A TEEN DRIVER. I HAVE LOCATED THE NHTSA ACTION # RQ04005 ON THIS ISSUE. PONTIAC HAD PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED A RECALL OF 2000 MY GRAND AMS FOR THIS ISSUE. THE NHTSA SUMMARY INDICATES PONTIAC AGREED TO REPLACE THE TURN SIGNAL HAZARD FLASHER FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN SERVICE 5-12-99 (LESS THAN 9 YEARS AGO). I CONTACTED PONTIAC AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS A SPECIAL POLICY ON THIS ISSUE #04098 THAT COVERED THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS FOR VEH'S WITH IN VIN# RANGE XM893151 - XM 945549. I WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO MY VEHICLE VIN I WAS NOT COVERED. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. HOWEVER I HAVE OBTAINED A GM VIS FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH CLEARLY SHOWS SEVERAL EARLIER PROBLEMS WITH THE FLASHER. I DID ADVISE THE PONTIAC REP OF THIS INFO WITH NO RESPONSE. I FEEL THAT IT IS CLEAR THAT MY PROBLEM IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA IN ACTION #RQ04005. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225422

90 miles · Apr 14, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

COOLANT RSERVOIR INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 99 PONTIAC GRAND AM KEPT MESSING UP IVE SPENT OVER 1200 IN A MATTER OT 2 MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #10224381

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2008
SuspensionCrash

REAR STABILIZER BAR BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN, CROSS 4 TRAFFIC LANES, AND COLLIDE INTO AN 8-12" CURB RESULTING IN A SHATTERED WIND DEFLECTER AND 8-10" CRACK IN BUMPER STABILIZER BAR WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE REQUIRED NUT AND BOLT AND A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH IS NECESSARY WHEN THE STABILIZER BAR IS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220169

100,000 miles · Feb 20, 2008
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability ControlEngine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03-07-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED VARIOUS LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SUCH AS: OIL PRESSURE LIGHT, AIR BAG, ENGINE LIGHT ABS. THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THERE WAS HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION. THE TRACTION CONROL WAS INOPERATIVE

NHTSA ODI #10218666

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2008
SuspensionCrashInjury

LEFT REAR AXEL SPINDLE BROKE WHILE GOING AROUND A SHARP CURVE CHANGING HIGHWAYS.CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE OUT OF CONTROL LANDING IN A RAVINE. VERY LUCKY TO EVEN BE ALIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215654

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2008
Exterior Lighting

99 PONTIAC GRAND AM HAZARD FLASHER DEFECTIVE.*CN

NHTSA ODI #10213405

Official recalls

3

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.

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

3

RQ04005 · 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.