IllustrationTHE IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM KEEPS LOCKING THE CAR UP AND WILL NOT LET IT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND AT A COST OF BETWEEN $500.00 AND $700.00 EACH TIME. THE DEALER REPLACES SWITCH AND OTHER COMPONETS EACH TIME. THIS STARTED WHEN THE CAR REACHED 50,000 MILES AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
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 reports09/01/04 - LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS. NO VISIBLE COOLANT LEAKS, ADDED 16 OZ. COOLANT TO FIX PROBLEM. 11/01/04 - SAME PROBLEM, ADDED 16 OZ. COOLANT TO FIX PROBLEM. 12/23/04 - LOW COOLANT LIGHT ALWAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. 01/14/05 - INTAKE GASKET WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING COOLANT EXTERNALLY AND INTERNAL…
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09/01/04 - LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS. NO VISIBLE COOLANT LEAKS, ADDED 16 OZ. COOLANT TO FIX PROBLEM. 11/01/04 - SAME PROBLEM, ADDED 16 OZ. COOLANT TO FIX PROBLEM. 12/23/04 - LOW COOLANT LIGHT ALWAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. 01/14/05 - INTAKE GASKET WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING COOLANT EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY. POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO ENGINE. POTENTIAL FOR ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, WHICH IS DANGEROUS TO PASSENGERS IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES DURING WINTER MONTHS. INTAKE GASKET WAS REPLACED AT COSTLY $650 REPAIR BILL. *JB
RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER STATES THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. A RECALL FOR IT WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
I AM ONE OF MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AT ABOUT 53,000 MILES I NOTICED A COOLANT LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET. I PROMPTLY CALLED UP MY LOCAL DEALER, JACK WALKER PONTIAC IN DAYTON, OHIO. I MADE AN APPOINTM…
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I AM ONE OF MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AT ABOUT 53,000 MILES I NOTICED A COOLANT LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET. I PROMPTLY CALLED UP MY LOCAL DEALER, JACK WALKER PONTIAC IN DAYTON, OHIO. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR JANUARY 4, 2005 TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. WHEN THE PHONE CALL CAME IN FROM THE DEALER WITH THE ESTIMATION OF $765, I WAS STUNNED, BUT KNEW IT WAS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT HAD TO BE ATTENDED TO. SO I OK'D THE PROCEDURE. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2005 MY CAR WAS FINALLY READY FOR PICKUP. I WENT TO PICK IT UP, PAID THE $780 AND GOT IN THE CAR. AFTER I TURNED IT ON, IT FLASHED "LOW COOLANT". I PROCEEDED TO WALK BACK INTO THE REPAIR CENTER, AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE MAN THERE TALKED TO THE MECHANIC, WHO SAID THAT IT WAS JUST AIR IN THE COOLANT LINE; IT COULD BE CLEARED IN ABOUT 10-20 MINUTES. ONE HOUR LATER THEY FINALLY RELEASED THE CAR TO ME. I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT GM IS NOT FORCED TO RECALL THIS MANIFOLD HEAD GASKET SINCE IT IS SUCH A PROMINENT ISSUE IN MOST GM V6-STYLE ENGINES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.*AK
TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. IT STARTED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS GETTING COLDER. THEY EVENTUALLY MAY START WORKING. I FOUND IF I WOULD WIGGLE THE HAZARD SWITCH THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD WORK. I BOUGHT AND REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH 22624799 AND IT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A RECALL BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. *…
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TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. IT STARTED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS GETTING COLDER. THEY EVENTUALLY MAY START WORKING. I FOUND IF I WOULD WIGGLE THE HAZARD SWITCH THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD WORK. I BOUGHT AND REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH 22624799 AND IT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A RECALL BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. *AK
FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS ON 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. TURN SIGNALS FREQUENTLY WILL NOT OPERATE FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING. THIS FAILURE OF THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM GREATLY INCREASES THE DANGER OF DRIVING ON FREEWAYS AND IN GENERAL. TURN SIGNALS MAY NOT OPERATE IN EITHER DIRECTION FOR HOURS, THEN HAPPEN TO WORK PROPERLY FOR A W…
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FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS ON 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. TURN SIGNALS FREQUENTLY WILL NOT OPERATE FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING. THIS FAILURE OF THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM GREATLY INCREASES THE DANGER OF DRIVING ON FREEWAYS AND IN GENERAL. TURN SIGNALS MAY NOT OPERATE IN EITHER DIRECTION FOR HOURS, THEN HAPPEN TO WORK PROPERLY FOR A WHILE, BEFORE RETURNING TO NON-FUNCTIONING. TOOK CAR FOR REPAIR, BUT SIGNALS WORKED THAT DAY. NO INCIDENTS OR INJURIES, JUST MORE DANGER WHEN NON-FUNCTIONING ON A CAR THAT IS RELATIVELY NEW. THANKS. *AK
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW GT AND SINCE I'VE HAD IT THE BRAKES MADE A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT, I JUST FIGURED THE CAR WAS NEW AND 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES JUST MAKE THAT NOISE. I DRIVE A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILE SO OF COURSE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE NOISE GOT WORSE. AFTER 38000 MILES I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE REPLACED THE F…
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I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW GT AND SINCE I'VE HAD IT THE BRAKES MADE A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT, I JUST FIGURED THE CAR WAS NEW AND 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES JUST MAKE THAT NOISE. I DRIVE A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILE SO OF COURSE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE NOISE GOT WORSE. AFTER 38000 MILES I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE REPLACED THE FRONT PADS AND RESURFACED A ROTOR BUT COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE NOISE WAS, HE THOUGHT IT WAS A BUSHING OR A BOOT WORN OUT. HE GREASED IT AND THE NOISE DISSAPEARED FOR ABOUT A WEAK . THEN I TOOK IN WITH 56000 MILE AND IT NEEDED PAD, A CALIPER AND HE RESURFACED THE OTHER ROTOR.AGAIN, AFTER A WEAK THE NOISE CAME BACK. NOW, WITH 64000 THE NOISE IS WORSE THAN EVER , A CONSTANT GRINDING, SCRAPING SOUND. I GOING TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN. FOR ALL THE HIGHWAY I DRIVE I SHOULDN'T BE GOING THROUGH BRAKES LIKE THIS.*AK
STARTED SEEING COOLANT LEAKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WENT TO DALER AND THEY PRESSURE TESTED AND FOUND NOTHING. A DAY LATER STARTED LEAKING EVEN MORE. DEALER THEN SAID HEAD GASKET FAULTY AND HE ALSO SAID HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AT ABOUT THE 60K MILE MARK. THEY REPLACED THE GASKET AT A COST OF OVER $800.00. EVERY SHOP I C…
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STARTED SEEING COOLANT LEAKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WENT TO DALER AND THEY PRESSURE TESTED AND FOUND NOTHING. A DAY LATER STARTED LEAKING EVEN MORE. DEALER THEN SAID HEAD GASKET FAULTY AND HE ALSO SAID HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AT ABOUT THE 60K MILE MARK. THEY REPLACED THE GASKET AT A COST OF OVER $800.00. EVERY SHOP I CONTACTED SAID THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T THIS BE REPLACED AT PONTIAC'S EXPENSE. *AK
RECALL 03V327000 CONCERNING HAZARD WARNING SWITCH: AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A CLICKING SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT ANOTHER ISSUE NOT PERTAINING TO THE RECALL. *AK
I TURN CAR OFF & NOW TWO TIMES CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THEFT SECURITY LIGHT ON. CLEARING TROUBLE CODES SEEMS TO WORK. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM BECAUSE THIS IS DANGEROUS AND RIDICULOUS THAT IT HAS NO KNOWN FIX OR BEEN ADDRESSED BY ANY AGENCY. PEOEPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS WHEN GM KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM. I W…
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I TURN CAR OFF & NOW TWO TIMES CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THEFT SECURITY LIGHT ON. CLEARING TROUBLE CODES SEEMS TO WORK. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM BECAUSE THIS IS DANGEROUS AND RIDICULOUS THAT IT HAS NO KNOWN FIX OR BEEN ADDRESSED BY ANY AGENCY. PEOEPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS WHEN GM KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WOULD THINK THAT A RECALL WOULD HAPPEN BUT I GUESS NO DIED YET SO IT IS NO BIG DEAL. THE BOTTOM LINE IS GM IS SELLING FAULTY VEHICLES WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM HENCE MISREPRESENTING THAT THESE ARE NEW FULLY FUNCTIONAL VEHICLES WHEN IN FACT IF THEY DON'T START THEY ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. WE AS CONSUMERS ARE NOT PROTECTED AT ANY LEVEL FOR THE MOST PART IN THIS COUNTRY AS LONG AS BIG BUSINESS PADS THE POCKETS OF THE GOVERNMENT.*AK
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