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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

Fuel System, Other complaints

9 reports
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98,000 miles · Jun 17, 2009
Fuel System, Other

I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE AND HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS AND MOST RECENTLY DROPPED $300.00 TO PUT A NEW FUEL PUMP IN IT. THE CAR WILL STILL NOT START. IT TURNS OVER AND EVERYTHING BUT WILL NOT START. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START IT FOR OVER A WEEK NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY PASSLOCK …

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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE AND HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS AND MOST RECENTLY DROPPED $300.00 TO PUT A NEW FUEL PUMP IN IT. THE CAR WILL STILL NOT START. IT TURNS OVER AND EVERYTHING BUT WILL NOT START. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START IT FOR OVER A WEEK NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM. I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BY GM SEEING THAT IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274188

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Other

I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL ON THE EXTERIOR FLASHERS. HAD TO HAVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FLASHERS CHANGED AT MY EXPENSE. ALSO HAVE HAD ROTORS AND BRAKES CHANGED 6 TIMES IN LAST 1 1/2 YRS. WAS TOLD ITS A PROBLEM BUT NOT ON RECALL LIST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234591

70,000 miles · Oct 9, 2007
EquipmentExterior LightingFuel System, Other

TL*CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK UNDER HER VEHICLE FOR A FEW YEARS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. THE DEALER LATER STATED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE GAS TANK LINE AND IT WAS A FUEL LEAK. THEY ALSO TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL…

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TL*CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK UNDER HER VEHICLE FOR A FEW YEARS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. THE DEALER LATER STATED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE GAS TANK LINE AND IT WAS A FUEL LEAK. THEY ALSO TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL; HOWEVER, HER VIN WAS NOT RELATED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED AND REQUEST THAT HER VIN IS A PART OF THE EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E021000. THE DEALER INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS STILL LOCATED AT THE REPAIR SHOP AWAITING WORD FROM THE CORP OFFICE. THE DEALER STATED REPLACED HAZARD LIGHTS SWITCH, SPEAKER RADIO REAR DOOR, MOLDING WINDSHIELD SIDE PILLAR, EXTERIOR BULBS, AND WIPER BLADE. UPDATED 10/31/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205286

98,000 miles · Aug 21, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

MY 2001 GRAND AM SE HIT AROUND 98,000 KMS AND HAS BEEN REVVING AT 2,500 TO 3,000 RPMS WHILE IDLING AND WHILE DRIVING OVER REVS AND YOU NEED TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE. HAVE REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD, ONE SENSOR, ONE VALVE, AND $1,000 LATER MY CAR STILL DOES THE SAME. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHILE TRANSPORTING CHILDREN AND WITH WINTER COMIN…

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MY 2001 GRAND AM SE HIT AROUND 98,000 KMS AND HAS BEEN REVVING AT 2,500 TO 3,000 RPMS WHILE IDLING AND WHILE DRIVING OVER REVS AND YOU NEED TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE. HAVE REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD, ONE SENSOR, ONE VALVE, AND $1,000 LATER MY CAR STILL DOES THE SAME. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHILE TRANSPORTING CHILDREN AND WITH WINTER COMING IT SHOULD MAKE FOR A SCARY RIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200412

Mileage unknown · May 28, 2005
Fuel System, Other

CAR WOULD HESITATE WHEN STARTING. THEN IT FINALLY DIDN'T START. IT WAS TOWED AND AFTER BEING TOWED IT WOULD START AGAIN. AFTER THIS HAPPENING A COUPLE OF TIMES IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DECIDED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THIS CAR IS NOT 5 YEARS OLD YET!

NHTSA ODI #10122373

52,000 miles · Jul 9, 2004
Fuel System, Other

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM HAS 52,000 MILES AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN DIFFICULT TO START. I MAY HAVE TO TRY 5-6 TIMES BEFORE ENGINE WILL TURN OVER. YESTERDAY THE CAR DIED WHILE GOING ON AN EXIT RAMP OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. ALL LIGHTS WERE STILL FUNCTIONING, BUT THE CAR WAS DEAD AND DID NOT RESTART. I ADDED 1 GAL OF GAS TO MAKE SURE IT HAS…

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2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM HAS 52,000 MILES AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN DIFFICULT TO START. I MAY HAVE TO TRY 5-6 TIMES BEFORE ENGINE WILL TURN OVER. YESTERDAY THE CAR DIED WHILE GOING ON AN EXIT RAMP OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. ALL LIGHTS WERE STILL FUNCTIONING, BUT THE CAR WAS DEAD AND DID NOT RESTART. I ADDED 1 GAL OF GAS TO MAKE SURE IT HAS ENOUGH ALTHOUGH GUAGE DID NOT INDICATE LOW GAS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT FINALLY STARTED. THE DEALER DID A THOROUGH CHECK DIAGNOSTICALLY AND DRIVING AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. FIRST TIME CAR HAS DIED WHILE DRIVING BUT HAS HAD SEVERAL (10) INSTANCES OF NOT STARTING IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. THIS IS A VERY BIG CONCERN SINCE MY 20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DEPENDS ON THIS CAR FOR LONG DRIVES FREQUENTLY WHILE IN COLLEGE. THIS COULD BE A VERY BIG SAFETY CONCERN IF CAR CONTINUES TO DIE WHILE DRIVING! *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080717

6,668 miles · Sep 2, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL PUMP DOES NOT WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE FUEL GAUGE , FUEL INJECTORS, FAN, LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS, COMPUTER CHIP, OIL LEAK, BRAKES, BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. GMAC HAD BEEN NOTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HAD REFUSED TO COOPERATIVE IN FIXING THE DEFECTS. THESE WERE KNOWN DEFECTS. GMAC REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRA…

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FUEL PUMP DOES NOT WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE FUEL GAUGE , FUEL INJECTORS, FAN, LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS, COMPUTER CHIP, OIL LEAK, BRAKES, BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. GMAC HAD BEEN NOTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HAD REFUSED TO COOPERATIVE IN FIXING THE DEFECTS. THESE WERE KNOWN DEFECTS. GMAC REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY AND REFUSED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10024605

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2003
Fuel System, Other

I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM WHEN I TRY TO START MY CAR IT WONT START ITS LIKE IT WANTS TO START BUT WONT THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TO ME USUALLY IT WOULD START EVENTUALLY AFTER A LONG TIME TRYING..NOW IT WONT.

NHTSA ODI #10004957

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2002
Fuel System, Other

THE BODY CONTROL MODULE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF SAFETY SYSTEMS OR PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM STARTING. CAUSES ALL OF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS TO COME ON. DEALER "RE-SET" THE "COMPUTER". GM SAYS CAUSED BY OPERATING THE KEY FROM ACCESSORY TO START WITHOUT WAITING 15 SECONDS. NOT MENTIONED IN MANUAL. SWITCH POSITIONS ARE OFF - A…

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THE BODY CONTROL MODULE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF SAFETY SYSTEMS OR PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM STARTING. CAUSES ALL OF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS TO COME ON. DEALER "RE-SET" THE "COMPUTER". GM SAYS CAUSED BY OPERATING THE KEY FROM ACCESSORY TO START WITHOUT WAITING 15 SECONDS. NOT MENTIONED IN MANUAL. SWITCH POSITIONS ARE OFF - ACC - ON - START. GM SAYS NO FIX AVAILABLE OR PLANNED. DT

NHTSA ODI #768961

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