NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
232 reportsClear category filter98,000 miles · Jun 20, 2007
Electrical System
THIS IS THE LAST OF MANY TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE CAR. IT IS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN I GO TO START IT , TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION' THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THIS MEANS THE BUILT IN ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING , AND TO TURN THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION ,AND LEAVE …
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THIS IS THE LAST OF MANY TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE CAR. IT IS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN I GO TO START IT , TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION' THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THIS MEANS THE BUILT IN ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING , AND TO TURN THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION ,AND LEAVE IT THERE FOR 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING. THEN TURN THE KEY OFF AND START THE CAR. SO FAR IT HAS WORKED EVERY TIME, BUT I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN SOME RATHER UNSAFE PLACES FOR 10 MINUTES OR MORE AT A TIME WAITING FOR MY CAR TO START. AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN ITS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT CAN HAPPEN THREE TIMES IN A ROW AND THEN NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A MONTH. NO RHYME OR REASON. VERY UNSECURE.D *AK
NHTSA ODI #10193836
45,000 miles · Jun 1, 2007
Electrical System
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER THE SECURITY LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING ON AND OFF THOUGHT NO BIG DEAL THE FIRST TIME JUST A ANOTHER EVERYDAY PROBLEM HAD CAR FIXED AND 500.00 DOLLARS LATER THE CAR IS REPAIRED AND BACK UP AND RUNNING. THEN IT JUST KEEPS DOING THE SAME OLD THING WONT START JUST HAVE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR SE…
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CAR WILL NOT START AFTER THE SECURITY LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING ON AND OFF THOUGHT NO BIG DEAL THE FIRST TIME JUST A ANOTHER EVERYDAY PROBLEM HAD CAR FIXED AND 500.00 DOLLARS LATER THE CAR IS REPAIRED AND BACK UP AND RUNNING. THEN IT JUST KEEPS DOING THE SAME OLD THING WONT START JUST HAVE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY START WHICH IS BECOMING A VERY BIG NUISANCE TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A UNSAFE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE CAN GET HURT OR KILLED, DUE TO THE FACT OF THE CAR SHUTTING OFF GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH WITH NO MOTOR RUNNING YOU HAVE NO POWER FOR YOUR ANTI LOCK BRAKES AND YOUR STEERING. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS UNDER THE RECALL PROBLEMS BUT THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ONGOING PROCESS THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. NEED TO MENTION THAT IT GETS EXPENSIVE FOR THE REPAIR BILLS AND HAUL BILLS WHICH OCCURRED THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO THE DANGER AND UNSAFE BEING OF THE CAR BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'LL BE WHEN THE CAR DECIDES TO NOT START OR IF YOUR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WOULD HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10192263
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2007
Electrical System
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM - PASS-LOCK THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM CONTINUES TO KEEP CAR FROM STARTING UNTIL 10 MINUTE RESET PERIOD WITH KEY IN IGNITION
NHTSA ODI #10191649
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2007
Electrical System
SYSTEM WILL NOT LET CAR TO START. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10190617
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2007
Electrical System
THE CAR HAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE ALARM SYSTEM......IT WILL NOT START FOR 10 + AND IM FED UP WITH IT....... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10189848
149,500 miles · Apr 3, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 2001 GRAND AM SE 2.4L. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT. HERE'S THE LIST OF SOME OF THE THINGS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE ON THE CAR: ALTERNATOR, STARTER, IGNITION MODULE, COILS AND HOUSING UNIT, AND NOW THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS JUNK!! THIS CAR HAS SEVERAL TIMES PUT ME IN DANGER BECAUSE OF IT STALL…
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I OWN A 2001 GRAND AM SE 2.4L. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT. HERE'S THE LIST OF SOME OF THE THINGS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE ON THE CAR: ALTERNATOR, STARTER, IGNITION MODULE, COILS AND HOUSING UNIT, AND NOW THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS JUNK!! THIS CAR HAS SEVERAL TIMES PUT ME IN DANGER BECAUSE OF IT STALLING JUST AFTER STOPPING OR JUST AFTER GOING AFTER A START. WHICH MEANS I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHEN IT STALLS. I'M TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FRIDAY TO GET THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM FIXED BECAUSE MY SECURITY LIGHT IS ON. I WANT THIS CAR TO BE RECALLED OR TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THE COST AND TIME I'VE HAD TO PUT INTO THIS CAR WHICH IS A LOT$$$*JB
NHTSA ODI #10186945
60,000 miles · Dec 27, 2006
Electrical SystemVisibility
TL* - THE CONTACT'S 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT'S FAN SPEED SWITCH FOR THE DEFROSTER AND AIR CONDITIONING WASONLY WORKING AT LEVEL 4. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ,AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE SETTING TO 1,2, OR 3. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE PANEL AND OBSERVED THAT ONE…
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
NHTSA ODI #10177154
59,270 miles · Dec 10, 2006
Electrical System
GM'S ANTI THEFT DEVICE "PASSLOCK 1" SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONCE IT STARTS TO MALFUNCTION, IT WILL GET WORSE OVER TIME. I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. SO FAR IT HAS ONLY BEEN A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM. WE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER ABOUT THE …
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GM'S ANTI THEFT DEVICE "PASSLOCK 1" SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONCE IT STARTS TO MALFUNCTION, IT WILL GET WORSE OVER TIME. I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. SO FAR IT HAS ONLY BEEN A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM. WE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND THEY SAID THEY COULD FIX IT AT A COST OF $450.00 . I THINK GM SHOULD STEP UP AND ADMIT A PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT. THERE ARE SEVERAL FORUMS ON THE INTERNET COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS HAS BECOME A 2 AND 3 TIMES A DAY PROBLEM, PRETTY MUCH HAPPEN EVERY TIME WE TRY TO USE THE CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10175700
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2006
Electrical System
MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD/SHOWED ME THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRE HARNESS WAS LITERALLY DISINTEGRATING CAUSING AN EXTREME FIRE HAZARD. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST OVER $2000 TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. EVERYTHING IN THE CAR WAS FACTORY INSTALLED AND THE I…
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MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD/SHOWED ME THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRE HARNESS WAS LITERALLY DISINTEGRATING CAUSING AN EXTREME FIRE HAZARD. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST OVER $2000 TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. EVERYTHING IN THE CAR WAS FACTORY INSTALLED AND THE INSULATION SHOULD NOT LITERALLY BE DISINTEGRATING INTO DUST AFTER ONLY 5 YEARS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10174709
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2006
Electrical SystemEquipmentSeats
I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OF THE SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES NOTED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS. MY 1 AND 2 FUNCTION ON THE FAN IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE TURN SIGNALS APPEAR TO HAVE A SHORT/WIRING PROBLEM, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR/BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER IS …
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I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OF THE SAME PROBLEMS/ISSUES NOTED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS. MY 1 AND 2 FUNCTION ON THE FAN IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE TURN SIGNALS APPEAR TO HAVE A SHORT/WIRING PROBLEM, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR/BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER IS BROKEN, THE(GEAR SHAFT) BUTTON THAT PUTS THE CAR IN GEAR(P,R,N,D) POPS OUT FREQUENTLY, DRIVER FLOOR HAS BEEN SOAK AND WET PERIODICALLY, AND NUMEROUS BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEMS(NEED TO REPLACE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS FREQUENTLY, HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE CALIPERS/HUBS/WHEEL BEARINGS). THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL WAS THE TURNING SWITCH, WHICH THE PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MANUFACTURER COVER THESE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BECOME REPETITIVE IN SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10174701
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
There is no summary currently available
Illustration