← New search

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

Engine complaints

9 reports
Clear category filter
130,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
EngineStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FELT ABNORMAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT 50 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS BEING HELD ON BY A SINGLE BOLT AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FELT ABNORMAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT 50 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS BEING HELD ON BY A SINGLE BOLT AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. ..UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF *AS

NHTSA ODI #10966315

145,000 miles · Sep 23, 2015
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #10773975

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

125,000 miles · Nov 3, 2014
EnginePower TrainSteering

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT WOULD SHUT DOWN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK, AND ALL THAT COULD BE DONE IS BRAKE TO A STOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652005

123,000 miles · Jul 19, 2014
Engine

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS USED WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 100000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING OUT OF THE INTAKE GASKET ONTO THE ENGINE. IT GOT WORSE SO I HAD MY MECHANIC REPLACE IT WITH A OEM PART. HE WARNED ME AGAINST IT SAYING THAT ALL THE 6"S HAD THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE ORIG. GASKET THAT GM USED WAS FAULTY AND …

Read full complaint

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS USED WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 100000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING OUT OF THE INTAKE GASKET ONTO THE ENGINE. IT GOT WORSE SO I HAD MY MECHANIC REPLACE IT WITH A OEM PART. HE WARNED ME AGAINST IT SAYING THAT ALL THE 6"S HAD THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE ORIG. GASKET THAT GM USED WAS FAULTY AND THAT HE SUGGESTED A REPLACEMENT GASKET THAT WAS BETTER BUT AT OVER $100. COMPARED TO THE $35. OEM I WENT WITH THE OEM AND TWO YEARS LATER I HA TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. THIS TIME I HAD THE $100. GASKET USED AND NO MORE PROBLEMS. SEEMS THAT ALL THE PONTIAC 6 CYL. BETWEEN SOMEWHERE AROUND 1998/1999 THROUGH 2002/-- HAVE THIS PROBLEM. MY SON HAS A CHEVY CORSICA WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND HIS BLEW AT 124000. ANYWAY I SPENT OVER $2300 FIXING A GASKET THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEAKED. I BELIEVE THAT IS WAS BAD WHEN I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT HAD STOP LEAK IN THE COOLING SYSTEM THE I THOUGHT WAS A LITTLE STRANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614716

142,000 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngineCrashInjury

CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. CAR WAS EVALUATED BY GM DEALER AND ANOTHER INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP, NEITHER COULD DETERMINE WHY CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF, GM DEALER TECHNICIAN STATED POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM ON 11/22/2010. ON 12/24/2011, THE PONTIAC GRAND AM 2001, WAS BEING DRIVEN AND …

Read full complaint

CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. CAR WAS EVALUATED BY GM DEALER AND ANOTHER INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP, NEITHER COULD DETERMINE WHY CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF, GM DEALER TECHNICIAN STATED POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM ON 11/22/2010. ON 12/24/2011, THE PONTIAC GRAND AM 2001, WAS BEING DRIVEN AND IGNITION SHUT OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED TRUCK. CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND COULD NOT AVOID THE ACCIDENT. CAR FLIPPED ON ITS TOP, INJURING THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS. HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION TO CONFIRM CLAIM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610637

140,000 miles · Jun 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE IGNITION AND RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON, SECURITY SENSOR, AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR INDICATORS IL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE IGNITION AND RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON, SECURITY SENSOR, AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE RADIO VOLUME COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED, AND THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #10605389

150,000 miles · Jun 18, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY WOULD MOVE IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY WOULD MOVE IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10604315

240,000 miles · Sep 5, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DETAILS: @ TIMES YOU CAN SMELL GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RECENTLY PUT $690 INTO CHANGING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM BEFORE THAT IT COST ME $1100 FOR THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM $250 FOR COIL PACK AND COVER FREQUENTLY SPARKPLUGS CHANGED OUT THE AC BUTTONS WONT ALLOW THE AC TO TURN ON I LIVE IN THE SOUTH WE BURN…

Read full complaint

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DETAILS: @ TIMES YOU CAN SMELL GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RECENTLY PUT $690 INTO CHANGING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM BEFORE THAT IT COST ME $1100 FOR THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM $250 FOR COIL PACK AND COVER FREQUENTLY SPARKPLUGS CHANGED OUT THE AC BUTTONS WONT ALLOW THE AC TO TURN ON I LIVE IN THE SOUTH WE BURN UP DOWN HERE WITH NO AC IN A CAR AND AGAIN ON THIS PAST SUNDAY I JUST PUT ANOTHER 4170 INTO SPARKPLUGS AND COIL PACKS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT ALL MY PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED FROM THE CARS SECURITY ANTI - THEFT DEVICE THAT IS DEFECTIVE I LOSE POWER NO RPM'S CAR WILL DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE IN DOWNTOWN GREEVILLE SC AND TOWNS LIKE ATLANTA AND CHATTANOOGA TN THE SMALL THINGS ARE THE RADIO THE LIGHTS THE HEADLAMPS DON'T SHINE NO BRIGHTER THAN A CANDLE ON A BIRTHDAY CAKE NOT TO MENTION THAT I GO THRU BREAKS AND TIRES LIKE THEY ARE CANDY IT SEEMS TO WEAR A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE BACK PASSENGER TIRE AND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE MAKES THIS LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT I THINK COULD BE THE BRAKE BOOSTER BALL NOT SURE ON THAT BUT I HAVE SPENT ENOUGH MONEY ON THIS CAR TO KEEP IT GOING I COULD HAVE BOUGHT 2 NEW VEHICLES CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HAVE PONTIAC LOOK INTO RECALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473970

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

There is no summary currently available