NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
538 reports103,000 miles · Feb 10, 2010
Electrical System
I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AFTER MY SECURITY LIGHT LIT AND MY CAR WOULDN'T START, I MECHANIC FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, MY CAR STARTED AFTER JUST LETTING MY KEY ON IN THE ACC POSITION FOR 15 MINUTES THIS PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN OCTOBER OF 2008 AND BASICALLY HAS CONTINUED AT LEAST WEEKLY U…
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I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AFTER MY SECURITY LIGHT LIT AND MY CAR WOULDN'T START, I MECHANIC FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, MY CAR STARTED AFTER JUST LETTING MY KEY ON IN THE ACC POSITION FOR 15 MINUTES THIS PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN OCTOBER OF 2008 AND BASICALLY HAS CONTINUED AT LEAST WEEKLY UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. I NEVER REPLACED ANY PARTS THANKFULLY, BUT MY CAR NOW WILL NOT RUN EVEN AFTER RESETTING THE SECURITY FEATURE. I HAVE READ MAY INCIDENTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON NUMEROUS WEB SITES AS WELL AS THIS ONE. WHY WONT GM ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308535
147,000 miles · Feb 1, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH THE "SECURITY PATH LOCK" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE W…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH THE "SECURITY PATH LOCK" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA ODI #10303698
84,000 miles · Jan 27, 2010
Electrical System
HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM WITH 93000 MILES--IN PAST 2 YEARS, IT HAS INTERMITTENTLY NOT STARTED--HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, POWER STEERING PUMP, TRANSMISSION AND WAS FINALLY TOLD IT IS THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. NOW IT IS NOT STARTING APPROX. ONCE A MONTH. LOCAL MECHANIC SAID IT IS SECURITY PASSLOCK…
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HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM WITH 93000 MILES--IN PAST 2 YEARS, IT HAS INTERMITTENTLY NOT STARTED--HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, POWER STEERING PUMP, TRANSMISSION AND WAS FINALLY TOLD IT IS THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. NOW IT IS NOT STARTING APPROX. ONCE A MONTH. LOCAL MECHANIC SAID IT IS SECURITY PASSLOCK AND THERE IS NO FIX BUT CALL THE DEALER. SPOKE WITH 3 DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO SURE FIX--ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT CAN NOT FIX. HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT APPROX. 10 MINUTES TO RESET SECURITY. WHERE'S THE RECALL ON THIS??????? *CN
NHTSA ODI #10302888
100,000 miles · Jan 27, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. SHE STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START; HOWEVER, AFTER TEN MINUTES SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 TO 4 MONTHS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. SHE STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START; HOWEVER, AFTER TEN MINUTES SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 TO 4 MONTHS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND THE OWNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THERE IS RESEARCH STATING THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102000.
NHTSA ODI #10302649
117,667 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. UPON FAILURE, THE SECURITY FEATURE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXPECTATION OF FIXING THE STARTING ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER ADVISED RESETTING…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. UPON FAILURE, THE SECURITY FEATURE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXPECTATION OF FIXING THE STARTING ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER ADVISED RESETTING THE SYSTEM BY ALLOWING THE KEY TO SIT IN THE ACC POSITION IN THE IGNITION AND GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES. THEY STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE WITH AN OCCUPANT IN IT DUE TO THE WEIGHT SENSOR FOR THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THE CONTACT HAD TO PERFORM THIS ROUTINE EACH TIME HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 117,667.
NHTSA ODI #10299868
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingCrash
I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIATOR TWICE, THE WATER PUMP TWICE (GOING ON NUMBER 3 TOMORROW) AND ALSO GET TO DO AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CAUSE HAS SINCE BEEN DISCOVERED AS THE DEX-COOL COOLANT THAT GM MANUFACTURES WHICH EATS ANYTHING IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH. RECALL NEEDS ISSUED, AND REPAIR WORK …
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I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIATOR TWICE, THE WATER PUMP TWICE (GOING ON NUMBER 3 TOMORROW) AND ALSO GET TO DO AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CAUSE HAS SINCE BEEN DISCOVERED AS THE DEX-COOL COOLANT THAT GM MANUFACTURES WHICH EATS ANYTHING IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH. RECALL NEEDS ISSUED, AND REPAIR WORK PAID FOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297790
135,000 miles · Oct 6, 2009
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A NO-START CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. NO REPA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A NO-START CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10286556
66,000 miles · Sep 26, 2009
Electrical System
2001 GRAND AM GT WITH 67,000 MILES. HAZARD LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WORKED ONLY SOMETIMES. HAD RECALLED SWITCH REPLACED, NOW I HAVE NOTHING AT ALL. GARAGES CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG AND I HATE DRIVING WITHOUT TURN SIGNALS. GETTING A TICKET FOR NOT HAVING THEM IS THE LEAST OF WORRIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285308
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2009
Electrical System
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE (SOMETIMES FOR A WHOLE MONTH) MY CAR DOESN'T START, AND THE "SECURITY" LIGHT FLASHES. IN THIS CASE, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE "START" POSITION, AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN START IT. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FEEL THAT SOME RECAL…
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2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE (SOMETIMES FOR A WHOLE MONTH) MY CAR DOESN'T START, AND THE "SECURITY" LIGHT FLASHES. IN THIS CASE, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE "START" POSITION, AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN START IT. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FEEL THAT SOME RECALL SHOULD BE ACTIVATED. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE, AS OWNERS, SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10283056
80,000 miles · Aug 20, 2009
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SECURITY FAILURE; HOWEVER, WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION NEEDED TO …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SECURITY FAILURE; HOWEVER, WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT AFTER PLACING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SLIGHTLY TURN IT ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES UNTIL THE LIGHT IT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO EXISTING RECALLS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102000.
NHTSA ODI #10281231
Official recalls
4Jul 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.
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.
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.
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