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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 · Dec 25, 2003
Tires

I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I BOUGHT IT 1 YEAR USED FROM SOMEONE WHO TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT AND HAD ALL THE SERVICE WORK RECEIPTS. THERE WAS A VERY NOTICEABLE CONSTANT GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT TIRES, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS AROUND 35 MPH AND UNDER. I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS WITH NO HELP. TH…

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I OWN A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. I BOUGHT IT 1 YEAR USED FROM SOMEONE WHO TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT AND HAD ALL THE SERVICE WORK RECEIPTS. THERE WAS A VERY NOTICEABLE CONSTANT GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT TIRES, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS AROUND 35 MPH AND UNDER. I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS WITH NO HELP. THE FIRST ONE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS, AND THE SECOND SAID IT WAS THE TIRES (GOODYEAR EAGLE). THE TIRE DIDN'T FIT THE RIM PERFECTLY AND WAS RUBBING ON THE RIM. THEY ONLY HAD 22,000 MILES ON THEM AND IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID PONTIAC PUT 2 DIFFERENT STYLE TIRES ON THE GRAND AM AND WOULD ONLY REPLACE ONE TYPE, EVEN THOUGH BOTH STYLES MADE THIS NOISE. I BIT THE BULLET AND BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES - COOPER, NOT GOODYEAR. IT TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT I AM STILL VERY UPSET THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10051084

Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2003
Exterior LightingPower Train

WHEN SHIFTING GEARS THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE SHAFT INSIDE OF TRANSMISSION BROKE OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT TH…

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WHEN SHIFTING GEARS THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE SHAFT INSIDE OF TRANSMISSION BROKE OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *PH *NM

NHTSA ODI #10048347

21,656 miles · Dec 19, 2003

I OWN A 2001 GRAND AM. FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, I HAD NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS ACOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK THE CAR IN TODAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. IT TURNED OUT THAT MY STRUT MOUNTS AND ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WERE BROKEN. THIS CAR HAS NEVE…

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I OWN A 2001 GRAND AM. FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, I HAD NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS ACOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK THE CAR IN TODAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. IT TURNED OUT THAT MY STRUT MOUNTS AND ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WERE BROKEN. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. I WAS SHOCKED THAT SUCH A SERIOUS DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED. LUCKILY, THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO NO EXPENSE WAS PASSED ON TO ME BUT, THE CONCERN THAT THIS COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT IS VERY REAL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 21,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #10050820

79,000 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Exterior Lighting

TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LIGHTS OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051720

71,000 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Fuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other

FUEL PUMP OUTAGE & COMPUTER OUTAGE--BOTH COMPONENTS WENT OUT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10050692

38,000 miles · Dec 16, 2003
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, FLOORBOARD WAS DRENCHED AND TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED.THEY SAID IT WAS;HOWEVER, THE NEXT BIG RAIN THE CAR WAS DRENCHED AGAIN. THE CAR STAYED FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS DURING WHICH TIME, THE MECHANICS COULD NOT "FIGURE IT OUT" AND I WAS INFORMED THAT SOME "EXPERIMENTAL" FLUID WAS USED TO TRY TO STOP T…

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2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, FLOORBOARD WAS DRENCHED AND TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED.THEY SAID IT WAS;HOWEVER, THE NEXT BIG RAIN THE CAR WAS DRENCHED AGAIN. THE CAR STAYED FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS DURING WHICH TIME, THE MECHANICS COULD NOT "FIGURE IT OUT" AND I WAS INFORMED THAT SOME "EXPERIMENTAL" FLUID WAS USED TO TRY TO STOP THE LEAK, BUT THAT DID NOT WORK SO IT WAS BEING REMOVED. THE MECHANICS WERE PUTTING IT UNDER THE WATER HOSE TO SEE IF THEY COULD DETERMINE THE LEAK. THIS WAS FINALLY FIXED, THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE MAY HAVE BEEN OR WHAT THE FINAL FIX WAS DONE. 6 MONTHS LATER, THE BLINKERS WENT OUT AND WERE HAPHAZARD WORKING. THIS WAS REPAIRED UNDER A DIFFERENT PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AS I WAS LEERY TO "EXPERIMENTS." 3 MONTHS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON OR THE CHECK VEHICLE LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTING FUNNY. DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THIS WAS DUE TO CORROSION AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. LAST WEEK, THE TRACTION OFF LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, THE HEADLIGHTS KEPT BLOWING BULBS, THE SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT WAS ON, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WOULD NOT WORK, AND THE DAYLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAP SENSOR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL CIRCUIT CONTROL MODULE WAS NOT COVERED. I WAS INFORMED BY DEALER#2 THAT THE FAULTY PARTS COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE PRIOR WATER LEAKAGE. BOTH THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND DEALER #2 TOLD ME THAT EVEN THOUGH HEADLIGHTS AND A LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS PERTINENT, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO FIX IT AT NO COST TO ME. DEALER #2 FIXED THE MAP SENSOR AND I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE. NOW OTHER PROBLEMS AFTER MAP REPAI. SINCE THE CAR WAS WATERLOGGED AND IT IS ONLY LOGICAL THAT ANY WATER DAMAGE SHOULD BE COVERED BY SOMEONE. I CALLED DEALER#1 AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. AT THIS TIME, WHEN THEY PULLED UP THE RECORD OF THE CAR, I WAS INFORMED THE WATER LEAKAGE WAS ON A SERVICE BULLETIN I DID NOT GO PUT MY CAR IN THE LAKE AND I DID NOT ASK FOR THIS KIND OF HASSLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050624

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR HAS A VERY SLOW AND HARD START MOST OF THE TIME, AND CRANKING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO START. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE IT HAS BEEN BOUGHT AND NOBODY CAN SEEM TO FIGURE THE PROBLEM OUT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10049718

29,000 miles · Dec 9, 2003
Exterior Lighting

WHEN DRIVING TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050267

60,000 miles · Dec 5, 2003
Visibility

SETTINGS 1 & 2 DO NOT WORK ON AC/HEATER BLOWER FAN SETTINGS 3,4,5 WORK FINE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10049242

350 miles · Dec 2, 2003
Suspension

DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL MADE A WHOPPING SOUND AT ANY SPEED. WHILE DRIVING OVER 65 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEALER COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10049929

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