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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.

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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

98 reports
Clear category filter
300 miles · Nov 10, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

GRINDING SOUND IN FRONT BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AT MY EXPENSE. STILL MAKING GRINDING NOICE. BREAKS SEEM TO HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001. RECALL OF BLINKER SWITCH. BLINKING (INSIDE ABOVE RADIO) NOISE CAME BACK AFTER 1 YEAR. DEALER SAYS THAT RECALL WAS FOR THE HAZARD LIGHTS NOT THE TURN SIGNAL…

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GRINDING SOUND IN FRONT BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AT MY EXPENSE. STILL MAKING GRINDING NOICE. BREAKS SEEM TO HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001. RECALL OF BLINKER SWITCH. BLINKING (INSIDE ABOVE RADIO) NOISE CAME BACK AFTER 1 YEAR. DEALER SAYS THAT RECALL WAS FOR THE HAZARD LIGHTS NOT THE TURN SIGNALS? CAR WON'T START AND SECURITY LIGHT ON. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES WITH CAR IN (ON) POSITION AND THEN CAR WILL START..THIS INFORMATION IS LOCATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL (ARE THEY EXPECTING THIS PROBLEM?) DEALER SAID AT FIRST THAT MY KEY WAS WORN OUT THAT'S WHY IT'S NOT READING IT CORRECTLY AND THEN LATER STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS BAD IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SENSOR SWITCH AT MY EXPENSE. REAR FLOOR BOARD BEHIND DRIVERS SIDE GETS WET. NO KNOWN CAUSE. RECENTLY THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LITE CAME ON. DEALER REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. DEALER SAID THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OUT AND A PART WAS CRACKED. HEATER/AC BUTTONS 1 AND 2 DO NOT WORK. RECENTLY NOTICED THAT WHEN I DRIVE I HEAR GRINDING SOUNDS SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR, LIKE IT'S COMING UNSCREWED. JUST TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIRS OF IGNITION SWITCH, 4 NEW TIRES, A BACK SEAT SEATBELT REPLACEMENT AND MY DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATE SEAT ADJUSTER WAS WORKING THE MORNING I TOOK IT IN. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR IT WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND AND THE SEAT CUSHION WAS TORN. SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THEY WILL REPLACE THE SEAT CUSHION BUT THEY DON'T THINK THEY BROKE THE SEAT ADJUSTER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THAT MAYBE THE SEAT ADJUSTER JUST DECIDED TO GO ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. I'M NOW FIGHTING TO HAVE THEM REPAIR WHAT THEY BROKE. I WILL NEVER GO TO NUCAR PONTIAC IN DELAWARE FOR REPAIRS AGAIN. THIS IS THE WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. I THINK MOST OF THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE RECALLS SINCE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THEM. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM CAR AGAIN. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP TO MAKE THE CAR MAKERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR POOR WORKMANSHIP. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10173130

30,000 miles · Sep 16, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

WHERE TO START...I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING IT, MY FUEL PUMP & COMPUTER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. NEXT WAS MY WATER PUMP & TIMING CHAIN. THEN WAS THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THEN THE TURN SIGNALS, THEN THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN. AND NOW MY BRAKES ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. …

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WHERE TO START...I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING IT, MY FUEL PUMP & COMPUTER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. NEXT WAS MY WATER PUMP & TIMING CHAIN. THEN WAS THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THEN THE TURN SIGNALS, THEN THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN. AND NOW MY BRAKES ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. THE ONLY THING COVERED BY GM WAS THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. ALL OTHER REPLACEMENTS WERE AT MY EXPENSE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THIS SITE, I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME KIND. I NOTIFIED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP AT ALL. I EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THINGS, IT HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THEY SHRUGGED THAT OFF. THEY FINALLY SENT ME A LETTER STATING THAT THEY WOULD NO LONGER "ENTERTAIN" ANY OF MY COMMENTS OR COMPLAINTS. DO NOT BUY A PONTIAC!!! JUNK CITY!!! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10168431

50,000 miles · Jul 5, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED THE COOLANT INTAKE IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 6 CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS MANY TIMES BEFORE AND THAT IT IS A COSTLY MANUFACTURING ERROR. I ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE MY MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL RECALL CAME OUT. I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE COOLANT INT…

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I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED THE COOLANT INTAKE IN MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 6 CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS MANY TIMES BEFORE AND THAT IT IS A COSTLY MANUFACTURING ERROR. I ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE MY MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL RECALL CAME OUT. I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE COOLANT INTAKE PROBLEM AND AS I HAVE STATED I HAVE FOUND THAT AS WELL AS MY GM DEALER HAVE ALL NOTED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE GASKET IN IT'S RELATION TO THE DEX-COOL COOLANT (THE COOLANT IS ACIDIC AND EATS AWAY AT THE GASKET WHICH LEADS TO COOLANT GETTING INTO ENGINE OR OIL GETTING INTO COOLANT). I WOULD LIKE TO LOOKED AT FURTHER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10161495

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2006
Exterior Lighting

THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT WORK 99% OF THE TIME. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT FOR ME. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HAVE HAD SEVERAL TICKETS DUE TO NOT PROPERLY USING MY TURN SIGNALS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10161234

65,000 miles · Jun 2, 2006
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD A FAILURE WITH MY MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CAUSING MY TURN SIGNAL SOUND TO CONSTANTLY BE GOING OFF. A COUPLE OF TIMES, MY STEERING COLUMN HAS STARTED SMOKING FROM THIS. IT IS ALSO A DISTRACTION FROM PAYING ATTENTION TO DRIVING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10158839

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2006
Exterior Lighting

BRAKE LIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE DEFECTIVE WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BOTH LIGHTS. BULBS WERE REPLACED. CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED, AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BOTH LIGHTS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10157825

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2006
Exterior Lighting

IT STARTED WITH A VERY ANNOYING FAST CLICKING NOISE. IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE! THEN, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD THE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS MY MULTIFUCTION SWITCH, IT SHORTED OUT THE HAZARD SWITCH, WHICH I ALREADY HAD REPLACED. N…

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IT STARTED WITH A VERY ANNOYING FAST CLICKING NOISE. IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE! THEN, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD THE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS MY MULTIFUCTION SWITCH, IT SHORTED OUT THE HAZARD SWITCH, WHICH I ALREADY HAD REPLACED. NOW, I AM GETTING CHARGED 315.00 TO GET IT FIXED! I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON MANY YEARS OF THE GRAND AM. YOU WOULD FIGURE THAT IF THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT IT, THEN THEY WOULD TAKE THE TIME AND MONEY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE RIGHT WAY. I HAVE TOLD EVERYONE THAT I KNOW ABOUT THIS, AND NOT TO EVER BUY A PONTIAC THEY DON'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR CONSUMERS!! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10157712

5,000 miles · Apr 11, 2006
EquipmentExterior LightingPower Train

THE A/C- HEATER SPEED CONTROL SELECTION 1 AND 2 STOPPED WORKING IN 2002 SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. ON APRIL 10,2006, THE SELECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. THIS IS NOW THE 9TH PROBOLEM I'VE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE. TO INCLUDE BOTH POWER WINDOW BRACKETS BREAKING, MY HAZARD FLASHER, TRANSMISSION, STEERING, AND A/C. I'…

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THE A/C- HEATER SPEED CONTROL SELECTION 1 AND 2 STOPPED WORKING IN 2002 SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. ON APRIL 10,2006, THE SELECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. THIS IS NOW THE 9TH PROBOLEM I'VE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE. TO INCLUDE BOTH POWER WINDOW BRACKETS BREAKING, MY HAZARD FLASHER, TRANSMISSION, STEERING, AND A/C. I'VE UNKNOWINGLY HAD JACKSON AUTO GROUP OF HAWAII DO REPAIRS WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A WORD ABOUT THE RECALLS. WHAT PROACTIVE STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO NOTIFY THE DEALERS ABOUT THE RECALLS AND DEFECTS? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155008

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSuspension

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

NHTSA ODI #10150788

29,000 miles · Dec 5, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V327000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. . THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006. THE TURN/HAZARD SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 12/10/2005 WITH GM PART 1…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V327000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. . THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006. THE TURN/HAZARD SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 12/10/2005 WITH GM PART 10359039. THE OLD PART NUMBER WAS 22624799 0691 E. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10144476

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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