IllustrationTURN SIGNALS WORK SOMETIMES AND STOP WORKING SOMETIMES,THE FUSES AND BULBS WERE CHECKED,THEY WERE OK. *TR
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 reportsMY GRAND AM HAS A SECURITY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND CRANKS AND WONT TURN ON AND AFTER 10 MINS IT WILL HOW DO I FIX THIS? *TR
DASHBOARD IS ROLLING UP AND SEPERATING FROM CAR CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILTY , THIS IS HAPPENING IN ALL 1999 TO 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE RPMS BEGAN RAPIDLY INCREASED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE RPMS BEGAN RAPIDLY INCREASED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PROGRESSED OVER A MATTER OF WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DETAILS: @ TIMES YOU CAN SMELL GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RECENTLY PUT $690 INTO CHANGING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM BEFORE THAT IT COST ME $1100 FOR THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM $250 FOR COIL PACK AND COVER FREQUENTLY SPARKPLUGS CHANGED OUT THE AC BUTTONS WONT ALLOW THE AC TO TURN ON I LIVE IN THE SOUTH WE BURN…
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DETAILS: @ TIMES YOU CAN SMELL GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RECENTLY PUT $690 INTO CHANGING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM BEFORE THAT IT COST ME $1100 FOR THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM $250 FOR COIL PACK AND COVER FREQUENTLY SPARKPLUGS CHANGED OUT THE AC BUTTONS WONT ALLOW THE AC TO TURN ON I LIVE IN THE SOUTH WE BURN UP DOWN HERE WITH NO AC IN A CAR AND AGAIN ON THIS PAST SUNDAY I JUST PUT ANOTHER 4170 INTO SPARKPLUGS AND COIL PACKS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT ALL MY PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED FROM THE CARS SECURITY ANTI - THEFT DEVICE THAT IS DEFECTIVE I LOSE POWER NO RPM'S CAR WILL DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE IN DOWNTOWN GREEVILLE SC AND TOWNS LIKE ATLANTA AND CHATTANOOGA TN THE SMALL THINGS ARE THE RADIO THE LIGHTS THE HEADLAMPS DON'T SHINE NO BRIGHTER THAN A CANDLE ON A BIRTHDAY CAKE NOT TO MENTION THAT I GO THRU BREAKS AND TIRES LIKE THEY ARE CANDY IT SEEMS TO WEAR A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE BACK PASSENGER TIRE AND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE MAKES THIS LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT I THINK COULD BE THE BRAKE BOOSTER BALL NOT SURE ON THAT BUT I HAVE SPENT ENOUGH MONEY ON THIS CAR TO KEEP IT GOING I COULD HAVE BOUGHT 2 NEW VEHICLES CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HAVE PONTIAC LOOK INTO RECALLS. *TR
MY CAR HAS A SECURITY DEVICE THAT WHEN DRIVING WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND I HAVE TO DRIVE ON I26 TO GET TO WORK THIS IS A MAJOR INTERSTATE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IM DRIVING THIS CAR AND IT SHUTS DOWN IN FRONT OF A BIG TRUCK AND I CANT STEER IT BECAUSE THE POWER AND ELECTRICAL CONTROL HAS COMPLETELY QUIT. THIS IS A DEATH TR…
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MY CAR HAS A SECURITY DEVICE THAT WHEN DRIVING WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND I HAVE TO DRIVE ON I26 TO GET TO WORK THIS IS A MAJOR INTERSTATE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IM DRIVING THIS CAR AND IT SHUTS DOWN IN FRONT OF A BIG TRUCK AND I CANT STEER IT BECAUSE THE POWER AND ELECTRICAL CONTROL HAS COMPLETELY QUIT. THIS IS A DEATH TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN PONTIAC OR GM SHOULD REALLY RECALL THIS I HAD TO REPLACE MY COMPLETE COOLANT SYSTEM AND FUEL SYSTEM ONLY TO BE TOLD ITS THE CARS ANTI-THEFT DETERRENT SECURITY DEVICE IT IS A JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR EVEN WORSE BY THIS DEFECTIVE DEVICE. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO WE HAVE TO MAKE TO GET THIS PART RECALLED AND FIXED? IT'S TOO LATE WHEN YOUR DEAD TO MAKE A RECALL. *TR
THE A/C STOPPED WORKING ON BUTTONS 1-2 AND WAS ONLY WORKING ON 3 4 5 AND NOW COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. *TR
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP MAKING A GRINDING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BRAKE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEELS IT MAKES THIS LOUD GRINDING LIKE METAL ON METAL NOT SURE BECAUSE I HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES ABOUT EVERY 2 - 3 MONTHS AND ROTORS AND CALIPERS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT BRAKE DUST CAUSED THE LUG NUT TO BECOME LOOSE AND THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT BRAKE DUST CAUSED THE LUG NUT TO BECOME LOOSE AND THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 120,000.
THERE IS SOME SORE OF DEFECT WITH THIS CARS SECURITY SYSTEM. IT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE CAR ALL THE TIME, EVEN WHEN DRIVING IT. I'VE HAD TO PULL OVER ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN DUE TO SECURITY SYSTEM. I FOLLOWED THE MANUAL STEPS TO GET THE CAR TO START BUT ITS A TIMELY PROCESS AND IT HAS TO BE REPEATED EVERYDAY. NOW T…
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THERE IS SOME SORE OF DEFECT WITH THIS CARS SECURITY SYSTEM. IT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE CAR ALL THE TIME, EVEN WHEN DRIVING IT. I'VE HAD TO PULL OVER ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN DUE TO SECURITY SYSTEM. I FOLLOWED THE MANUAL STEPS TO GET THE CAR TO START BUT ITS A TIMELY PROCESS AND IT HAS TO BE REPEATED EVERYDAY. NOW THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, NOT FLASHING, WHEN IT FLASHES IS WHEN THE CAR IS DISABLED. BUT WE HAVE TO RESET THE SYSTEM EVERYDAY AND ITS BECOMING INCONVENIENT. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CARS SECURITY SYSTEM DISABLES THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND I HAVE MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND IS DANGEROUS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THE INTERNET HAS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CARS SECURITY SYSTEM. SHOULD BE A RECALL OR DEFECT OR SOMETHING. *TR
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