ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2001 Pontiac Grand Am
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 538 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and engine categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 406 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2010 | 2 | 426 |
| Sep 2010 | 3 | 429 |
| Oct 2010 | 2 | 431 |
| Nov 2010 | 2 | 433 |
| Dec 2010 | 1 | 434 |
| Jan 2011 | 2 | 436 |
| Feb 2011 | 2 | 438 |
| Jun 2011 | 1 | 439 |
| Jul 2011 | 2 | 441 |
| Aug 2011 | 2 | 443 |
| Oct 2011 | 3 | 446 |
| Jan 2012 | 2 | 448 |
| Feb 2012 | 3 | 451 |
| Apr 2012 | 3 | 454 |
| May 2012 | 1 | 455 |
| Jun 2012 | 1 | 456 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 457 |
| Aug 2012 | 3 | 460 |
| Sep 2012 | 4 | 464 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 465 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 466 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 467 |
| Aug 2013 | 3 | 470 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 471 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 472 |
| Apr 2014 | 3 | 475 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 476 |
| Jun 2014 | 3 | 479 |
| Jul 2014 | 4 | 483 |
| Aug 2014 | 3 | 486 |
| Sep 2014 | 2 | 488 |
| Oct 2014 | 3 | 491 |
| Nov 2014 | 9 | 500 |
| Dec 2014 | 4 | 504 |
| Jan 2015 | 3 | 507 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 508 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 509 |
| Apr 2015 | 2 | 511 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 512 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 514 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 515 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 516 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 517 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 518 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 519 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 520 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 522 |
| Sep 2016 | 2 | 524 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 525 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 526 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 527 |
| Apr 2017 | 3 | 530 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 531 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 532 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 533 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 534 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 535 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 536 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 537 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 538 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical23132.6%
- Exterior lighting9713.7%
- Engine8411.9%
- Brakes699.7%
- Fuel system395.5%
- Visibility334.7%
- Steering243.4%
- Other / unspecified192.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
7 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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.
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
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.
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
There is no summary currently available
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Twice in one month my vehicle has died while driving. I have been braking and turning when this has happened and it dies without warning. No check engine lights are on the vehicle and it has 150,000 miles. It turns right back on when this happens, not sure what’s happening I lose all power to my car, checked the battery and alternator and they are perfectly fine.
- NHTSA ID
- 11557117
- Incident
- Nov 27, 2023
When I was gassing up my car, a fuel leak occurred in the gas tank and my car caught on fire. The gas station attendant used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. I had 113,262 miles on my car. As you can see, the leak in the plastic gas tank caused the gas tank fuel pump to burn up and burn up its wiring harness. I don't want any money but I just thought the NHTSA should know. I do not need money because my insurance company will be reimbursing me for my total loss of the car.
- NHTSA ID
- 11446378
- Incident
- Nov 30, 2021
DIRECTIONAL TURNING LEFT/RIGHT LIGHTS SOMETIMES DON'T WORK
- NHTSA ID
- 11391093
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2021
- Mileage
- 1,500 mi
WAS DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET CAR WAS IN MOTION AND CAR DIED LEAVING ME WITH NO STEERING OR POWER. HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. HAVE NARROWED DOWN TO IGNITION OR SECURITY IT HAS KILLED A BATTERY. TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT START. GETTING VERY COSTLY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11337863
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2020
- Mileage
- 118,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11190982
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2018
- Mileage
- 200,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE COURSE OF THREE MONTHS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE HAZARD LIGHTS TO TEMPORARILY CORRECT THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER: 8-470-818-4180. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 220,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11139399
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2018
- Mileage
- 220,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK. THE TURN SIGNALS SEEMED TO OPERATE AFTER THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS MANEUVERED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED ETTLESON BUICK GMC AT (708) 215-7213 (LOCATED AT 6201 S LA GRANGE ROAD, HODGKINS, IL 60525), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT *JS
- NHTSA ID
- 11119732
- Incident
- Jul 26, 2018
- Mileage
- 123,000 mi
MY STEERING COLUMN MAKES A VIBRATING NOISE... THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE RED SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON THE LEFT PART OF THE DASH.... ALSO SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN JULY THERE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE KEY NOT STARTING IT RIGHT AWAY USUALLY HAVE TO WAIT TEN SECONDS OR EVEN UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN START MY VEHICLE. I'M LOOKING TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE IT OCCURS. I DO NOT WANT MY CAR LOCKING UP ON ME. I PREFER SAFETY OVER SPEED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11048301
- Incident
- Nov 22, 2017
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 102 | 4 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2004 | 293 | 4 | 0 | 52.9 |
| 2003 | 325 | 5 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2002 | 395 | 4 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2001Viewing | 538 | 7 | 3 | 57.5 |
| 2000 | 675 | 8 | 5 | 62.3 |
| 1999 | 849 | 6 | 3 | 62.0 |
| 1998 | 172 | 3 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 1997 | 383 | 4 | 2 | 61.5 |
| 1996 | 450 | 6 | 2 | 63.7 |
| 1995 | 409 | 1 | 2 | 57.4 |
| 1994 | 377 | 2 | 2 | 62.4 |
| 1993 | 204 | 1 | 0 | 46.8 |
| 1992 | 168 | 3 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 1991 | 82 | 3 | 0 | 54.6 |
| 1990 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 43.2 |
| 1989 | 44 | 3 | 1 | 58.9 |
| 1988 | 31 | 3 | 4 | 63.3 |
| 1987 | 28 | 3 | 3 | 65.5 |
| 1986 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 58.9 |
| 1985 | 4 | 5 | 3 | — |
| 1984 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.