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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

What owners actually said

538 reports
70,428 miles · May 1, 2008
VisibilityCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. INTERMITTENTLY, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW WOULD NOT OPERATE AT ALL. THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, IN WHICH THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE WINDOW BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. INTERMITTENTLY, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW WOULD NOT OPERATE AT ALL. THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, IN WHICH THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE WINDOW BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY, BUT THEN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,428.

NHTSA ODI #10226379

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

THERE IS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK IS NOT MADE OF STEEL IT IS MADE OF SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF MY CAR. BUT MY CAR DOES NOT FIT THE VIN NUMBER. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE UNSAFE AND HAZARDOUS. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS ISSUE OF THE FUEL TAN…

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THERE IS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK IS NOT MADE OF STEEL IT IS MADE OF SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF MY CAR. BUT MY CAR DOES NOT FIT THE VIN NUMBER. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE UNSAFE AND HAZARDOUS. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS ISSUE OF THE FUEL TANK HAVING A CRACK. I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE GM PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225683

36,000 miles · Apr 14, 2008
Electrical System

SERVICE BULLETIN MARCH 01,2002 RE: IGNITION MODULE FOR 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM # 020604011 I HAVE TWO IGNITION MODULES AND NOW AM TOLD I NEED A THIRD. THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVE FOR THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224406

99,333 miles · Mar 11, 2008
Electrical System

PONTIAC GRAND AM 200, 99,333 MILES ALL HIGHWAY. THIRD TIME REPLACING THE IGNITION-TUMBLERS, AND HOUSING TO IGNITION. THIS CAR MAY RUN FOREVER IF THE IGNITION WOULD DO ITS JOB FIRST. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR ALL CONSUMERS. JUST REPLACE THE SWITCH WITH A PUSH BUTTON, THUS BY PASSING THE PASSLOCK PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220752

99,833 miles · Mar 11, 2008
Electrical System

THREE TIMES PASSLOCK IGNITION LOCK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TUMBLER INTERNALS REPLACED. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A GM PRODUCT DEPENDABILITY DESIGN FLAW. $300-$500 PER REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME WAS UNDER WARRANTY. I AM ONLY 35 YEARS OLD AND LOVE PONTIAC BUT I WILL NEVER STAND BEHIND A PRODUCT THAT PONTIAC WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEMSELVES…

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THREE TIMES PASSLOCK IGNITION LOCK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TUMBLER INTERNALS REPLACED. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A GM PRODUCT DEPENDABILITY DESIGN FLAW. $300-$500 PER REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME WAS UNDER WARRANTY. I AM ONLY 35 YEARS OLD AND LOVE PONTIAC BUT I WILL NEVER STAND BEHIND A PRODUCT THAT PONTIAC WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEMSELVES. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND VERY DISAPPOINTING. P.S. PONTIAC WILL EVENTUALLY FOLD DUE TO POOR SALES, POOR SERVICE, AND A LACK OF EFFECTIVE PM. SINCERELY, DR. HOWARD *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220751

77,000 miles · Feb 23, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

A FEW YEARS BACK, I HAD A PROBLEM IN WHICH MY RPMS WOULD RISE INSANELY WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND EVEN WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK. IT WAS AS IF I WAS "FLOORING IT". I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID IT WAS A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. LUCKILY, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AS I ONLY HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT HOME …

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A FEW YEARS BACK, I HAD A PROBLEM IN WHICH MY RPMS WOULD RISE INSANELY WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND EVEN WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK. IT WAS AS IF I WAS "FLOORING IT". I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID IT WAS A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. LUCKILY, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AS I ONLY HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT HOME AFTER IT WAS "FIXED", AND IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME THING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT WILL BE OK. I TOOK IT BACK HOME AND IT HAS PRETTY MUCH NEVER STOPPED. IT TENDS TO DO IT MORE IN THE SUMMER AS OPPOSED TO THE WINTER. RECENTLY, THE CAR WAS LEAKING COOLANT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I WAS ONCE AGAIN TOLD THAT IT WAS THE HEAD GASKET. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SO I HAD TO PAY $1600 TO GET IT FIXED. 2 HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS WITHIN A MATTER OF 2 YEARS? THAT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. AFTER GETTING THAT FIXED, I TAKE IT HOME. IT RUNS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS, AND THEN STARTS PULLING SOME CRAZY STUFF. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, ALTHOUGH THERE WEREN'T ANY NOTICEABLE ISSUES. THE LIGHT WENT OFF 2 DAYS LATER. AFTER THAT, I STARTED EXPERIENCING OTHER PROBLEMS. MY CAR HAS A SERIOUS LACK OF POWER WHEN GOING UP A HILL. IF I STEP ON THE GAS A LITTLE MORE, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WILL FLASH. IT DOESN'T STAY ON, IT JUST FLASHES FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. WHENEVER I COME TO A STOP, MY CAR TENDS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG, BECAUSE I'M AFRAID I'LL HAVE TO PAY EVEN MORE MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT WASN'T WRONG PRIOR TO TAKING IT THE 1ST TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218950

56,000 miles · Jan 22, 2008
EquipmentExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2001 GRAND-AM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH #NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V327000 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH DETAILS: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITION…

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I HAVE A 2001 GRAND-AM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH #NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V327000 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH DETAILS: 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: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. CORRECTIVE ACTION: 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. UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: 670740 RECALL INITIATED BY: ODI DATE ADDED TO NHTSA DATABASE: 09/04/2003 I HAVE CALLED PONTIAC BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT THEY SAY MY VIN PUTS MY CAR OUT OF THE ALMOST 700,000 CARS EFFECTED. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215634

79,500 miles · Jan 14, 2008
Electrical System

PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM HAS PREVENTED CAR FROM STARTING OVER THE WEEKEND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10214761

83,750 miles · Dec 11, 2007
Electrical System

PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS ENGAGING AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK FORCING ME TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES WHILE IT RESETS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211422

58 miles · Nov 24, 2007
Electrical System

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY? THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE LOCK CYL/IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER. ONE SWITCH PRICE@154.64 AND THE CYLINDER PRICE@179.75 LABOR COST OF 380.00. FOR A TOTAL COST WITH TAX OF 769.88 MY CAR IS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE WITH ONLY 63,000 MILES AND FROM WHAT I'VE READ AND FROM WHAT UNDERSTAND IS THIS…

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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY? THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE LOCK CYL/IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER. ONE SWITCH PRICE@154.64 AND THE CYLINDER PRICE@179.75 LABOR COST OF 380.00. FOR A TOTAL COST WITH TAX OF 769.88 MY CAR IS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE WITH ONLY 63,000 MILES AND FROM WHAT I'VE READ AND FROM WHAT UNDERSTAND IS THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THAT I G.M. NEEDS TO RESOLVE. ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. JACK TEATS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10209768

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