IllustrationBOTH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH SHORTED OUT AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING THE NEED TO REPLACE BOTH SWITCHES. THE HAZARD SWITCH SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME A RECALL, BUT GM WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH AS WELL. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC COULD NOT TELL ME WHICH SWITCH CAUSED THE OTHER TO FAIL.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Am years
Owner complaints for the 2001 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
320–25K
6525–50K
7750–75K
6375–100K
75100–150K
31150K+
343 reports with mileage · 195 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 232 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
21 crash reports4 fire reports14 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
232 reportsFOR ABOUT A YEAR THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT (PASSLOCK) SYSTEM, RENDERING IT DISABLED UNTIL THE IGNITION KEY IS LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. IT CAN THEN BE STARTED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS IT IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE WRIT…
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FOR ABOUT A YEAR THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT (PASSLOCK) SYSTEM, RENDERING IT DISABLED UNTIL THE IGNITION KEY IS LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. IT CAN THEN BE STARTED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS IT IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE WRITER AT MY PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE MY IGNITION SWITCH, BUT SHE HAD NO DEFINITE ANSWER TO MY PROBLEM. ALSO, REPLACING THE SWITCH WOULD COST ME ABOUT $400.00. WE NEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF THESE CARS ARE PROBLEMATIC IN THIS AREA! *JB
SECURITY SYSTEMS KEEPS LOCKING MY CAR AND IT WON'T START. THEY SAY ITS THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND I LOVE PONTIACS, BUT I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE IF THIS PROBLEMS ISN'T RESOLVED. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. NO KEYLESS REMOTES CAME WITH THE …
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SECURITY SYSTEMS KEEPS LOCKING MY CAR AND IT WON'T START. THEY SAY ITS THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND I LOVE PONTIACS, BUT I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE IF THIS PROBLEMS ISN'T RESOLVED. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. NO KEYLESS REMOTES CAME WITH THE CAR SO I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS IS BEGINNING TO GET REALLY FRUSTRATING. *NM
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE ENGINE CRANKS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE I'M OUT OF GAS, AND WON'T START. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) SYSTEM HAS A DEFECT IN IT THAT CAUSES CAR NOT TO START. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS. AS FOR A FIX, THE EXPERTS ARE HONESTLY NOT SURE. …
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2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE ENGINE CRANKS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE I'M OUT OF GAS, AND WON'T START. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RKE (REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY) SYSTEM HAS A DEFECT IN IT THAT CAUSES CAR NOT TO START. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS. AS FOR A FIX, THE EXPERTS ARE HONESTLY NOT SURE. THE MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT AND THE ONLY FIX THAT SEEMS TO WORK IS ONE FOUND ON A DISCUSSION THREAD: TO RESET THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM, PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION AND LEAVE IT IN 'ON' POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. THEN TURN IT OFF, AND TRY - IT SHOULD START THEN. WARNING: CONTINUED RESETTING OF THE COMPUTER THIS WAY WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE COMPUTER AND WILL COST LOTS TO REPLACE/FIX. IS PONTIAC GOING TO REPLACE OR FIX MY COMPUTER WHEN I GET IT MESSED UP BY RESETTING IT LIKE I DESCRIBED ABOVE? SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. *JB
I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE, AND THREE TIMES LAST YEAR (2005), AND CURRENTLY (09 MAY 2006), MY CAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DREADED PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THIEVES FROM STEALING MY CAR. ALL IT HAS DONE IS PREVENT ME FROM DRIVING IT. MULTIPLE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO SIT FOR 10+ MINUTES WAITING…
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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE, AND THREE TIMES LAST YEAR (2005), AND CURRENTLY (09 MAY 2006), MY CAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DREADED PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THIEVES FROM STEALING MY CAR. ALL IT HAS DONE IS PREVENT ME FROM DRIVING IT. MULTIPLE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO SIT FOR 10+ MINUTES WAITING FOR THE SYSTEM TO RESET IN ORDER TO DRIVE. ONCE, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHED ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THIS IS GETTING TO BE A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE CAR LOSES POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, LEAVING ME IN A PERILOUS POSITION SHOULD THE FAULT CONTINUE TO OCCUR. *NM
I PURCHASED MY 2001 GRAND AM IN AUG OF 2005 AND HAVE SO FAR HAD THE PASSLOCK GO OUT ON ME TWICE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM AS WELL. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE PASSLOCK WAS ONLY TWO MONTHS AGO AND YESTERDAY I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE AND IT WOULDN'T START. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND I…
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I PURCHASED MY 2001 GRAND AM IN AUG OF 2005 AND HAVE SO FAR HAD THE PASSLOCK GO OUT ON ME TWICE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM AS WELL. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE PASSLOCK WAS ONLY TWO MONTHS AGO AND YESTERDAY I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE AND IT WOULDN'T START. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND EXTENSIVE PROBLEM IN THIS PARTICULAR YEAR. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE MY CAR TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC EVERY TIME THIS GOES WRONG - THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE PASSLOCK!!! OR PONTIAC SHOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NM
BOUGHT CAR 10-06, HAS FAILED TO START 8 TIMES, HAVE REPLACED $2300 IN VARIOUS PARTS FOR MECHANICS TRYING TO GET STARTED. ALL SAID THAT VEHICLE WASN'T GETTING FUEL. DEALERSHIP IN ASHEVILLE NC, EVEN TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. QUOTE $3000 TO $5000. I TOWED TO A REPUTABLE MECHANIC AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. WHAT IF I HAD BOUGHT TH…
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BOUGHT CAR 10-06, HAS FAILED TO START 8 TIMES, HAVE REPLACED $2300 IN VARIOUS PARTS FOR MECHANICS TRYING TO GET STARTED. ALL SAID THAT VEHICLE WASN'T GETTING FUEL. DEALERSHIP IN ASHEVILLE NC, EVEN TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. QUOTE $3000 TO $5000. I TOWED TO A REPUTABLE MECHANIC AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. WHAT IF I HAD BOUGHT THAT MOTOR. I STARTED RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. 1000'S OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. SEVERAL TIMES MONE WAS TOWED AND WOULD START WHEN MECHANIC WENT TO FIX IT. WAS TOLD CAN'T FIX WHAT ISN'T BROKEN. 2 WEEKS AGO DID IT AGAIN. JUST WON'T START. HAD IT TOWED. STARTED UP WHEN MECHANIC WENT TO WORK ON IT. DID IT AGAIN LAST WEEK. I FOLLOWED ADVICE FROM WEBSITE. LEAVE IGNITION ON FOR 10 MINUTES FOR PASSLOCK SECURITY TO RESET. IT WORKED!!! THIS IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM FOR 1000'S OF PEOPLE. WHO CAN KEEP GETTING TOWED, BUYING EXPENSIVE PARTS NOT NEEDED, MISSING WORK, AND NOT TO MENTION WHAT IT DOES TO YOUR MENTALLY, DEALING WITH THIS OVER AND OVER. *NM
1. A FLAW IN THE 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM THINKS THE CAR OWNER IS TRYING TO STEAL THE CAR AND SHUTS OFF THE FUEL TO THE CAR, MAKING IT NECESSARY TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT 15-20 MIN BEFORE THE CAR WILL START... (PONTIAC IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THEY EVEN HAVE INSTRUCTIONS TO RESET THE…
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1. A FLAW IN THE 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM THINKS THE CAR OWNER IS TRYING TO STEAL THE CAR AND SHUTS OFF THE FUEL TO THE CAR, MAKING IT NECESSARY TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT 15-20 MIN BEFORE THE CAR WILL START... (PONTIAC IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THEY EVEN HAVE INSTRUCTIONS TO RESET THE COMPUTER IN THE OWNERS MANUEL) WHAT HAPPENS IF U ARE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION AND THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR 20 MINUTES? THIS STARTED AT 50,000 MILES AND HAPPENED MAYBE EVERY 3 MONTHS NOW AT 67,000 MILES IT IS A DAILY OCCURRENCE... PONTIAC REALLY NEEDS TO REPAIR/RECALL THESE CARS!!!! MY FATHER (A MECHANIC FOR 40 YRS) ADVISES THAT IF U CONTINUE TO KEEP THE KEY TURNED TO ON (THE FIX FOR THIS) THAT EVENTUALLY IT WILL BURN THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION OUT PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS IF U NEED MORE STORIES ABOUT THIS JUST LOOK AT THE PONTIAC FORUM AT THE EDMUNDS SITE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE!!! HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?14@@.EE9E52F/2160. *JB
THE COOLANT SYSTEM HAS A CONTINUAL LEAK. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT LEAST EVERY MONTH. FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH MAKES ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS AND GAUGES GO ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES NOT COME BACK ON FOR DAYS (HAPPENS EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED UP). MAKES SPEED LIMITS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL, ETC. *NM
FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. I HAVE HAD ME WHEEL BEARING REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR AND IT IS GOING BAD AGAIN SO THAT WILL MAKE IT 3 TIMES IN 12 MONTHS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SECOND FAILURE HAPPENED JUST AFTER IS WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE I…
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FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. I HAVE HAD ME WHEEL BEARING REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR AND IT IS GOING BAD AGAIN SO THAT WILL MAKE IT 3 TIMES IN 12 MONTHS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SECOND FAILURE HAPPENED JUST AFTER IS WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REPLACED 5 MONTHS EARLIER. NOW IS IT BAD AGAIN. I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH ONE CAR. THE TURN SIGNALS WORK SOMETIMES, THE CAR DOESN'T START ALL THE TIME. *NM
Official recalls
414V400000 · 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
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
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