NHTSA Defect Investigation List for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is an office within the NHTSA which investigates serious safety problems in the design, construction or performance of vehicles. The NHTSA is authorized to order manufacturers to recall and repair vehicles, if the ODI finds a safety issue. NHTSA investigations for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, both ongoing and closed, are listed below:
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TURN SIGNAL FAILURES NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA02037
Component: Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights:Switch*
Summary: 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.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA02037 »
* This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
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ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA02028
Component: Fuel System, Other:Storage:Fuel Gauge System*
Summary: 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.
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA02028 »
* This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
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ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE NHTSA Defect Investigation #SQ01002
Component: Vehicle Speed Control:Linkages
Summary: There is no summary currently available
NHTSA: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #SQ01002 »