NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
538 reports80,000 miles · Mar 25, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineSteering
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. IT FELT LIKE IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER STEERING FLUID. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS FULL AND THERE WAS NO CUTS OR BREAKS IN THE FLUID LINE. ALSO AT 82,000 MILES THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEAL…
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THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. IT FELT LIKE IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER STEERING FLUID. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS FULL AND THERE WAS NO CUTS OR BREAKS IN THE FLUID LINE. ALSO AT 82,000 MILES THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10064911
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2004
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting
AFTER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT AND LEAVING THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH RECALL 03V327000 REPAIRS PERFORMED, DEALERSHIP DIDN'T HAVE THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP THE CLOCK, RADIO, DISPLAY LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT ACCEPT R…
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AFTER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT AND LEAVING THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH RECALL 03V327000 REPAIRS PERFORMED, DEALERSHIP DIDN'T HAVE THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP THE CLOCK, RADIO, DISPLAY LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10064684
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2004
Equipment
PONTIAC GRAND AM 2001 A/C CONTROL STOPS FUNCTIONING FOR POSITIONS 1-3. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE PONTIAC 2001 OWNER VEHICLES OF WHOM I HAVE TALKED TO.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10063695
67,800 miles · Mar 23, 2004
Electrical System
MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM CONTINUES TO SHUT DOWN WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM BEING ACTIVATED. HAVE RPL FUEL PUMP AND HAD IT TOWED 2 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE COMPUTER RESET IN LAST 2 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NO WAY TO DEACTIVATE THE PROGRAM. NOW HAVE AN UNRELIABLE CAR. DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WON'T START AND NEED A TOW AGAI…
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MY 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM CONTINUES TO SHUT DOWN WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM BEING ACTIVATED. HAVE RPL FUEL PUMP AND HAD IT TOWED 2 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE COMPUTER RESET IN LAST 2 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NO WAY TO DEACTIVATE THE PROGRAM. NOW HAVE AN UNRELIABLE CAR. DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WON'T START AND NEED A TOW AGAIN! *AK
NHTSA ODI #10063667
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004
Exterior Lighting
NHTSA RECALL 03V327000 SUBJECT:HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. THE TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN TEN MINUTES THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER …
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NHTSA RECALL 03V327000 SUBJECT:HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. THE TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN TEN MINUTES THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE SIGNALS CAME ON. DEALER INDICATED IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHICH COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. *AK.
NHTSA ODI #10064635
53,000 miles · Mar 18, 2004
Electrical System
IGNITION KEY SWITCH FAILED NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE TO START. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AND COST WAS SPLIT BETWEEN DEALER AND OWNER SINCE WARRANTY MILEAGE WAS EXCEEDED. DEALER WAS VERY HELPFUL, COURTEOUS AND COMMUNICATED THE TROUBLE TO MY COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING. CAR WAS REPAIRED IN 1 DAY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10062511
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. BRAKES MADE NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT WAS THE WAY THE BRAKES ACTED ON THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT ROTORS WERE WORN OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10063330
37,000 miles · Mar 15, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS RESURFACED 3 TIMES ALREADY, AND THE SYMPTOMS I AM CURRENTLY HAVING INDICATE THAT I HAVE TO HAVE THEM DONE FOR A 4TH TIME. THIS CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD, BUT THE ROTOR PROBLEM HAS BEEN A CONSTANT ISSUE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10062288
70,000 miles · Mar 11, 2004
Suspension
WHEEL BEARING BOTH FRONT WHEELS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10061910
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2001 V6 AND IT HAS 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS 52,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS/BREAKS TWICE ALREADY. WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY PULSATE AND DRAG THE CAR TO A STOP. BEST OF ALL ITS STARTING TO SHUDDER AGAIN WHEN I USE THE BREAKS. SO, SOON TO BE 3 TIMES IN ABOUT 3 YE…
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I HAVE A PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2001 V6 AND IT HAS 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS 52,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS/BREAKS TWICE ALREADY. WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY PULSATE AND DRAG THE CAR TO A STOP. BEST OF ALL ITS STARTING TO SHUDDER AGAIN WHEN I USE THE BREAKS. SO, SOON TO BE 3 TIMES IN ABOUT 3 YEARS. SECOND, THE SPEAKERS HAVE BLOWN 2 TIMES. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY GM WOULD PUT SPEAKERS IN THE CAR THAT CANNOT HANDLE THE POWER FROM THE FACTORY RECIEVER. FINALLY, THE ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM. THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT WOULD TURN ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THEN TURN OFF AFTER 10-30 SECONDS. THIS WENT ON FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT. THEY TOLD ME THE DEX COOL COOLANT ATE THROUGH THE GASKETS, WHICH CAUSED THE LOSS OF COOLANT. ITS $800 TO GET IT FIXED. PLEASE DO SOMETHING, THIS CAR'S DESIGN IS FLAWED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10061809
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
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