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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
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2005
Visibility

I WOULD LIKE TO LET NHTSA KNOW THAT I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE HAD TO DO QUITE A BIT OF REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, SUCH THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THE FUEL PUMP. I AM NOT FACING REPAIRS ON THE WATER PUMP BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE AND THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. ALSO WITH MY GRAND AM AND I HA…

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I WOULD LIKE TO LET NHTSA KNOW THAT I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. I HAVE HAD TO DO QUITE A BIT OF REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, SUCH THE SECURITY SYSTEM, THE FUEL PUMP. I AM NOT FACING REPAIRS ON THE WATER PUMP BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE AND THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. ALSO WITH MY GRAND AM AND I HAVE SEEM OTHERS WITH THE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS. THE MIRRORS JUST FALL OFF AND HAND BY THE CORD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS WE NEED THESE MIRRORS FOR SIDE VIEW VISION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116599

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2005
Exterior LightingSteering

DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP CAUSED GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY R…

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DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP CAUSED GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS. *BF *NM

NHTSA ODI #10115029

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2005
Exterior Lighting

EVERY SINCE I GOT MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM THE FOG LIGHTS MAY WORK FOR A WEEK AND THEN THEY GO OUT .I HAVE CHANGED BOTH OF THE BULBS AND THEY STILL WILL NOT WORK I FEEL THE GM CORP SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116288

95,000 miles · Mar 26, 2005
Exterior Lighting

THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE DASH NEAR THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. IT WOULD CONSTANTLY CLICK AS IF THE BLINKER WAS ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HE MECHANIC SAID IT WOULD EVENTUALLY WOULD WEAR OUT AND NEED REPLACED COSTING $350. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED YET. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10114800

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 GRAND AM, WHICH I DO LOVE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR, HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET MUST BE REPAIRED, WHICH COST 1000 TO FIX. I REALLY THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE CAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114335

57,600 miles · Mar 9, 2005
Electrical System

I AM HAVING MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM: FIRST,THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A FAULTY TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER RELAY WHICH I HAD REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP,BUT NOW THE FLASHER RELAY IS DISPLAYING THE SAME PROBLEMS IT DID BEFORE IT WAS REPLACED-CAUSING ME TO WONDER IF PONTIAC IS USING FAULTY PARTS …

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I AM HAVING MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM: FIRST,THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A FAULTY TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER RELAY WHICH I HAD REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP,BUT NOW THE FLASHER RELAY IS DISPLAYING THE SAME PROBLEMS IT DID BEFORE IT WAS REPLACED-CAUSING ME TO WONDER IF PONTIAC IS USING FAULTY PARTS TO REPLACE FAULTY PARTS!!ALSO ,THIS SAME CAR IS HAVING MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS-INCLUDING POWER WINDOWS THAT SOMETIMES WORK AND SOMETIMES DO NOT;AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND DISENGAGING THE EMERGECY HAND BRAKE,THE LIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO COME ON . SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS WILL TAKE A LONG TIME BEFORE THEY WILL OPERATE;ALSO ,SOMETIMES NOTHING WILL WORK ,OTHER THAN THE ENGINE RUNNING.PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS THE SECOND PONTIAC 2001 GRAND AM IN WHICH WE HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.ON OUR FIRST PONTIAC GRAND AM-THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK; PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WAS A NEW CAR WITH AROUND 20,000 MILES ON IT.I CAN GO INTO GREATER DETAIL ABOUT THE MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL AND NON-ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR,AND I HAVE SEEN OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR.MY CONCERN IS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE DRIVING THESE CARS,AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE HIGHWAYS.(THESE ELECTRICAL DEFECTS IN THESE GRAND AM'S COULD CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY,IF THE RUNNING LIGHTS WERE TO FAIL AT NIGHT-OR AT HIGH SPEEDS).WOULD SOMEONE AT NHTSA PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM? THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10112797

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET OF THE CONSUMER'S 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM FAILED. *NM THE GASKETS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE EGR, COOLANT BYPASS, OCC/OXYGEN CATALYST CONVERTER AND THE PCM/POWER CONTROL MODULE "P" DRIVE SEAL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ACCIDENTS AND OR DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAILURE. …

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THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET OF THE CONSUMER'S 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM FAILED. *NM THE GASKETS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE EGR, COOLANT BYPASS, OCC/OXYGEN CATALYST CONVERTER AND THE PCM/POWER CONTROL MODULE "P" DRIVE SEAL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ACCIDENTS AND OR DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAILURE. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10114923

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

DEFECTIVE INTAKE GASKET. SEE COMPLAIN #'S 79007,10086421,10065717. LOW COOLANT LIGHT STARTED COMING ON EVERY WEEK AND A HALF OR SO, STARTING BACK IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR (2004). IT CAME ON EVERY COUPLE WEEKS SO I JUST KEPT FILLING IT WITH COOLANT AND HAD MY THERMOSTAT REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL KEPT HAPPENING. FINALLY MY CA…

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DEFECTIVE INTAKE GASKET. SEE COMPLAIN #'S 79007,10086421,10065717. LOW COOLANT LIGHT STARTED COMING ON EVERY WEEK AND A HALF OR SO, STARTING BACK IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR (2004). IT CAME ON EVERY COUPLE WEEKS SO I JUST KEPT FILLING IT WITH COOLANT AND HAD MY THERMOSTAT REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL KEPT HAPPENING. FINALLY MY CAR OVERHEATED ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE SO I HAD TO PULL OVER. I PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON 3/7/05 AND WAS JUST TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY INTAKE GASKET REPLACED COSTING ME $800.00. MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS IA COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. DID SOME RESEARCH AND DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM, PONITAC NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10112651

50,000 miles · Feb 24, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

I HAVE NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM MY BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED PADS AND ROTORS, I REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS AND THE ABS, TRAC OFF, AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A SPEED SENSOR BECAUSE IT …

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I HAVE NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM MY BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED PADS AND ROTORS, I REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS AND THE ABS, TRAC OFF, AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A SPEED SENSOR BECAUSE IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND BECAUSE IT IS INSIDE THE WHEEL HUB I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THESE THINGS ALSO. $700.00 LATER THE LIGHTS WERE STILL COMING ON AND THE BRAKES WAS STILL MAKING THIS STRANGE NOISE. I RETURNED THE CAR AND AFTER INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS WIRES WERE BUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, $200.00 LATER THE CAR IS STILL MAKING THESE NOISES AND THE LIGHTS ARE STILL COMING ON. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK AGAIN FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD REPLACED IT AT $700.00, THE IGNITION FORTUNATELY FOR ME IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED WITH THE CAR. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10112089

61,000 miles · Feb 16, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE BRAKING AT ANY SPEED THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT/RIGHT, AND CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED VEHICLE ONCE, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10111612

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