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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
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160,000 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SEEN BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED DID NOT ADDRESS THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10678963

152,491 miles · Jan 7, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CONTINUED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REPAIR. THE KEY WOULD NOT START THE IGNITION AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CONTINUED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REPAIR. THE KEY WOULD NOT START THE IGNITION AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,491.

NHTSA ODI #10670821

150,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT SUFFICE TO DETER THE DEFECT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT SUFFICE TO DETER THE DEFECT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 3/13/15*CN UPDATED 9/17/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10669706

130,000 miles · Dec 29, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BURGLAR ALARM WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES IN THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BURGLAR ALARM WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES IN THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668789

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2014
Electrical System

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER STATES HAD PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION SWITCH. *TA THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10661706

157,000 miles · Dec 18, 2014
Electrical SystemSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH AS THE SERVICE ENGINE AND MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH AS THE SERVICE ENGINE AND MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND BOTH FRONT END WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

NHTSA ODI #10667120

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10659877

89,836 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Electrical System

1) 7/1/2011, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP COSTING OWNER $180.20 2) 12/9/2013, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP COSTING OWNER $252.51 PLUS LOST OF WAGES FOR TIME AWAY FROM JOB COSTING OWNER $26.91, AND FORCED TO GET RENTAL VEHICLE COSTING OWNER $73.04 FOR RENTAL CAR FEES AND GASOLINE 3)…

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1) 7/1/2011, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP COSTING OWNER $180.20 2) 12/9/2013, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP COSTING OWNER $252.51 PLUS LOST OF WAGES FOR TIME AWAY FROM JOB COSTING OWNER $26.91, AND FORCED TO GET RENTAL VEHICLE COSTING OWNER $73.04 FOR RENTAL CAR FEES AND GASOLINE 3) 3/11/2014, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP, UNKNOWN WHY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. NO REPAIR AT SHOP, BUT OWNER LOST TIME AND WAGES AWAY FROM JOB COSTING $2.99, AND FORCED TO GET RENTAL VEHICLE COSTING OWNER $46.09 FOR RENTALCAR. OWNER ADVISED KEYS FOR VEHICLE WOULD NEED SERVICE FROM DEALER 4) 4/8/2014, KEYS SENT TO PROGRESSIVE CHEVROLET BY REPAIR SHOP COSTING OWNER $267.78 5) 11/8/2014, OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #14350 FROM GENERAL MOTORS. OWNER SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE RELATING TO RECALL AND RECEIVED TWO NEW IGNITION KEYS. VEHICLE SEEMS TO START, SO FAR, JUST FINE. WITH ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PROBLEMS WITH OWNER VEHICLE, I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL OF THE TROUBLE, LOST OF WAGES, TOWING FEES, SERVICE REPAIR FEES, AND NOT TO MENTION STRESS OF NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WITH GENERAL MOTORS KNOWINGLY PRODUCING A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, AND IGNORING THE FACT THAT THE OWNER'S VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO OWNER, BUT STOOD BY AND DID NOTHING FOR THE THIRTEEN YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE IS REALLY A TRAVESTY. GM TOOK THEIR CHANCES HOPING THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, BUT IT DIDN'T, PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES. OTHERS HAVE BEEN INJURED, AND OTHERS, SUCH AS MYSELF, HAVE LOST PIECE OF MIND AND CONFIDENT IN GM. I PAID NEARLY $30,000.00 FOR MY PONTIAC GRAND AM. I AM NOT SURE WHY ALL OF THE PROBLEMS RELATED TO STARTING THE VEHICLE OCCURRED. ONCE THE RECALL ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED, THE OWNER'S VEHICLE STARTS JUST FINE, SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10658861

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION AND THE BATTERY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECURRING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10654463

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEAD GASKET AND IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS.* LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10651222

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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