IllustrationI HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY PASSLOCK CHIP 3 TIMES IN MY PONTIAC GRAND AM. THIS HAS TO BE SOME SORT OF DEFECT. *TR
2001 Pontiac Grand Am
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Am years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Am years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
320–25K
6525–50K
7750–75K
6375–100K
75100–150K
31150K+
343 reports with mileage · 195 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 232 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
21 crash reports4 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
538 reportsI HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY CARS SECURITY LOCK NOT KNOWING AT FIRST , I THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP , WELL ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK MY CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHEN I WAS ON THE NYS THRUWAY SCARED OUT OF MY MIND THANKFULLY HAD JUST DROPPED MY DAUGHTER OFF AT DAYCARE - I COULD ACTUALLY GET MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONCE IT …
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I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY CARS SECURITY LOCK NOT KNOWING AT FIRST , I THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP , WELL ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK MY CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHEN I WAS ON THE NYS THRUWAY SCARED OUT OF MY MIND THANKFULLY HAD JUST DROPPED MY DAUGHTER OFF AT DAYCARE - I COULD ACTUALLY GET MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONCE IT DIED I GO TO RESTART THE CAR AND GOT A CRANK NO START THOUGHT IT WAS VERY ODD , CALLED MY BROTHER HE THOUGHT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE FUEL PUMP WENT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY ALSO THOUGHT THE SAME BUT NO CODES WERE COMING UP ON THE SCANNER SO GOT IT TOWED SOMEWHERE ELSE AND IT STARTED UP - IT RAN FOR A FEW MONTHS , WENT TO GO TO WORK THE NEXT MORNING AND AGAIN CRANK NO START FRUSTRATED BC I WAS AGAIN WITHOUT A VEHICLE WITH A 2 YEAR OLD CHILD TO TAKE CARE OF AND ON TOP OF THAT HAVING TO CALL INTO WORK AGAIN , WENT TO WORK COUPLE DAYS LATER AND THOUGHT I WOULD GOOGLE MY ISSUE JUST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS WHAT PEOPLE WERE SAYING - SEEN THAT THERE WAS A SECURITY ISSUE ON THE CAR THAT WON'T LET YOU START THE CALL TRIED FINDING A RECALL GOT NOTHING ..........THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FEEL AS IF GM SHOULD DO THERE JOBS AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING OUT OF NO WHERE , PLEASE HELP ME! *TR
THIS COMPLAINT IS REGARDING MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THERE WAS NOTHING GOING ON LEADING UP TO THIS PROBLEM IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING 1 DAY. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM AND HAVING TO RESET THE SYSTEM FOR THE CAR TO BE ABLE TO START WHICH I WAS TOLD TAKES A 1/2 HOUR OF 3 TEN MINUTES TURNING KEY TO ON THEN OFF AND RIGHT …
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
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE KEY WAS RESET WHICH ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO START. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR THREE TIMES AFTER THE KEY WAS RESET. THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE KEY WAS RESET WHICH ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO START. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR THREE TIMES AFTER THE KEY WAS RESET. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SYSTEM WENT INTO SAFE MODE FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE ACTUALLY STARTING. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SYSTEM WENT INTO SAFE MODE FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE ACTUALLY STARTING. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WITH 95,000 MILES, EQUIPPED WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTITHEFT SYSTEM... ITS BEGINNING TO FAIL. THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS BEEN ON SOLID AND FLASHING OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. THE CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL THE 10MIN RESET PROCEDURE HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARC…
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I HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM, WITH 95,000 MILES, EQUIPPED WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTITHEFT SYSTEM... ITS BEGINNING TO FAIL. THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS BEEN ON SOLID AND FLASHING OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. THE CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL THE 10MIN RESET PROCEDURE HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, AND IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE US AND CANADA HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH THIS PASSLOCK SYSTEM. IT APPEARS TO AFFECT THE OLDSMOBILE ALERO MODELS AS WELL. GM HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY CHARGING PEOPLE TO FIX THIS ISSUE BY REPLACING THE SAME PARTS OVER AND OVER. THERE IS NO CLEAR CULPRIT AS TO WHICH PART OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS TO BLAME. GM NEEDS TO REMOVE THE SYSTEM AND REPLACE IT WITH A WORKING SYSTEM THAT WILL NOT FAIL OVER TIME. I EMAILED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE THIS MORNING AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BY THEIR MECHANICS... I BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL TRY TO REPLACE ONE PART OR ANOTHER AND CHARGE AN ARM AND A LEG FOR IT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE CARS TO HAVE THESE COMPONENTS REPLACEDS. NOW THAT THE US GOVT IS THE MAJORITY OWNER OF GM, I WOULD IMAGINE THAT THIS COULD BE EASILY STARTED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
MY SIGNAL LIGHT WONT STOP CLICKING WHICH LEADS TO THE STEERING COLUMN SMOKING.
OWN A 01 PONTIAC AM GT AND IM HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM. IT MALFUNCTIONS STILL, EVEN AFTER HAVING IT REPLACED A YEAR AGO. PONTIAC NEEDS TO RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THEM, THIS IS A MAJOR HEADACHE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM SHUT ON AND OFF ON IT'S OWN. BRAND NEW SENSORS, A FUEL PUMP, AND FILTERS WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. THE VIN WAS NO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM SHUT ON AND OFF ON IT'S OWN. BRAND NEW SENSORS, A FUEL PUMP, AND FILTERS WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. HE STATED THAT THE "PASS LOCK" SECURITY FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HE COULD NOT START THE ENGINE AND THE "SECURITY" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SPECIALIST WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SECURITY SYSTEM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. HE STATED THAT THE "PASS LOCK" SECURITY FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HE COULD NOT START THE ENGINE AND THE "SECURITY" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SPECIALIST WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 150,000.
Official recalls
414V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
03V327000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
Aug 28, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
Jul 15, 2003
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
00V372000 · Power Train:manual Transmission
Nov 13, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER INDICATES REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN A FORWARD GEAR, WHICH IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE 5TH/REVERSE INHIBITOR BY REMOVING A RETAINING PIN AND REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA02037 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Dec 23, 2002 · Closed Sep 5, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
EA02028 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Sep 30, 2002 · Closed Dec 30, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
SQ01002 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Jan 26, 2001 · Closed Sep 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available