Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| 04098 | 01/01/2006 | 04098A | 10012087 | Upcoming special policy adjustment program 04098. turn signals/hazard warning flashers. *tt | 02/11/2005 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH | ||||||
| RQ04005 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/18/2004 | 11/30/2004 | TURN SIGNAL FAILURES | ||
| Gm conducted a recall (nhtsa recall number 03v327) on model year (my) 2000-2001 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles to replace defective hazard switches that cause the turn signals and hazard lights to fail.the recall covered vehicles built from february 2000 through may 2001 (depending on model).odi opened this investigation based on 64 reports alleging turn signal failure on my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under the recall and built prior to february 2000.in december 2004, gm will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v327.the policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch.gm will send letters to owners starting december 30, 2004.the actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.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 future action if warranted by the circumstances. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH | ||||||
| RQ04005 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/18/2004 | 11/30/2004 | TURN SIGNAL FAILURES | ||
| Gm conducted a recall (nhtsa recall number 03v327) on model year (my) 2000-2001 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles to replace defective hazard switches that cause the turn signals and hazard lights to fail.the recall covered vehicles built from february 2000 through may 2001 (depending on model).odi opened this investigation based on 64 reports alleging turn signal failure on my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under the recall and built prior to february 2000.in december 2004, gm will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v327.the policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch.gm will send letters to owners starting december 30, 2004.the actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.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 future action if warranted by the circumstances. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 01/28/2011 | 97213 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving approximately 32 mph the contact applied the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. in order to stop the vehicle the contact engaged the emergency brake. during the failure all of the service lights on the dashboard began to illuminate. the speedometer also began to display random speeds ranging from 0 mph to 100 mph. the vehicle was taken home where it stalled. the contact also stated the hazard lights would not function. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the failure and current mileages were 97,213. sm. | |||
| 05/10/2008 | |||
| I am ashamed to say i own a 1999 oldsmobile alero. i bought it last years as a back-up car, so we would have transportation should one of our newer vehicle have problems. i gave $2000 for it and have spent just as much on repairs. the turn signals only work intermittently though every fuse in it has been replaced. the anti-lock break light on the dash stays on. the front passenger strut broke and blew out the tire in the process. i was fortunate i wasn't killed when this happened. and now the heater blower has started making an awful noise, so it will likely need to be replaced soon. in addition the change oil light stays on, i have had it to numerous shops and no one can determine why it won't reset. the warning lights on the dash from all of this are a considerable distraction as well as all the problems they point to. i am appalled that in the usa we put a stamp of approval on such a horrible vehicle. in my opinion the entire vehicle should be recalled and replaced with one that runs properly. it is absurd and dangerous. i am fortunate i was not going a high speed when either strut broke...oh nearly forgot to mention that the rear driver-side strut also broke just this week. my biggest question is, who's name do i give to my lawyer when i am forced to drive this vehicle and someone is hurt? it is likely, given the hazards that come with this car that eventually something bad will happen. i just pray i won't have to drive it much. | |||
| 03/31/2010 | 110000 | 1 | |
| Since purchasing the car used in 2003, i have experienced intermittent signal and hazard light failure. recently this has affected my brake lights. the brake lights, hazards and signals will no longer work unless in cases of extreme temperature changes ( heat on full blast or a/c on full blast). also the signal lights continue to click even when not on. [xxx] *tr | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| My 1999 oldsmobile alero has had a major problem with 1.manifold gaskets leaking. 2. all of the windows failing by falling off the tracks or the regulator itself failing. three times for the drivers side window! 3.the turn signals have stopped working correctly, clicking constantly. 4.the gas gauge stopped working 5. the interior leather curled up on the dash, which i notice on many other alero's i've seen. *tr | |||
| 10/10/2006 | 70000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated that the turn signals worked intermittently. the failure occurred 80 percent of the time. the failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 90,000. | |||
| 07/01/2008 | 60000 | 1 | |
| Both left and right turn signals fail to operate intermittently. i can get them to start working again sometimes by activating the hazard lights and then trying the turn signals again, but sometimes the hazard lights also fail to function. it sounds like a spring is releasing sometimes when turning the steering wheel and then the turn signals fail afterward. the hazard switch became stuck and was replaced by the olds dealer back in 2001 or 2002. after that i could hear a mechanical noise in the steering column whenever i turned the wheel in either direction and when i complained to the dealer they said a spring had come loose and there was no safety issue and that it would cost $250 to repair, so i let it go and never repaired. *tr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS | |||
| 10/10/2009 | 47000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving the turn signals and hazard warning lights were inoperable. the dealer repaired the components. the manufacturer stated that they had a special policy for the failure, but would not take any liability for the failure due to the age of the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were under 47,000. | |||
| 09/12/2004 | 50 | ||
| My 1999 oldsmobile alero two door has been having problems with the emergency flashers and turn indicators. often times when the lever is engaged the blinkers will make a click sound as they do when they are working and fail to continue blinking. the solution i have found is to push the emergency flasher button on the dashboard. this is sometimes effective in getting the blinkers to begin working again. however, when it doesn't solve the problem, i am unable to properly signal for turns. this has on several occasions caused problems for me at stop signs and uncontrolled intersections. in addition, the wiring (not sure if it's related) for the windows has caused my windows to not work. i'm sure you can understand that if i am unable to roll down my windows, and my blinkers don't work, then there is virtually no way to signal my turns and lane changes properly. the blinkers fuse has never blown. the emergency flashers and blinkers are obviously related from the sound and fact that they seem to cause the other to fail or begin to work. i have done a small amount of research and found there was a recall for the 2000 year of my car. obviously, that doesn't help my situation. please contact me so we can find a solution that is less costly than the collision that is imminent from these failures.*ak | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Turn signals intermittently failed during operation. authorized dealer identified faulty hazard switch as root case and replaced at my expense. *ak | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 62000 | 1 | 07/12/2002 |
| Turn signals intermittently failed. dealer replaced the hazard warning switch. *ak consumer experience the same failure as stated in recall for model years 2000-2003 but his vehicle is a 1999. oldsmobile wouldn't acknowledge nor reimburse for repairs. old part available. *ph | |||
| 08/27/2003 | 50 | 03/10/2002 | |
| The turn signals fail at least 3 to 4 times a day while driving and sometimes stop as im sitting and waiting to make a turn . emergency flashers do the same thing ,they work when they want to . have had some close calls on getting hit doing lane changes because of this problem . | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH | |||
| 12/08/2007 | 142000 | 7 | 12/20/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact activated the turn signals to switch lanes. the hazard light switch began making a rapid, loud clicking noise that lasted for an hour. she took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v327000 (exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch). the failure has not been corrected. the contact also had to replace the window regulators five times because the plastic breaks and causes the regulators to fail. the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. the powertrain was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 142,000. | |||
| 02/01/2005 | 45000 | 1 | 07/08/2000 |
| Dt: the contact stated the turn signals worked intermediately. the dealership replaced a computer component trying to repair the problem, however the problem recurred. the contact felt that the problem was the same as mentioned in nhtsa recall 03v327000/ investigation number rq04005. there was a special service campaign being done by the manufacturer. the dealership said this vehicle was not included. *ak updated 12/7/2005. *nm | |||
| 05/19/2005 | 22000 | 1 | 08/30/2000 |
| Dt: 1999 with 22,000 miles on the car. when the consumer went to push the hazard switch it sunk into the dashboard. and couldn't get the flasher to go off. consumer talked to the manufacturer, who was aware of the problem. something broke behind the switch, when the switched was pushed. consumer has already taken the car to the dealer and had repairs done.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 80000 | 50 | |
| The hazard light switch works intermittantly on my 1999 oldsmobile alero. after looking into saw that there was a recall on many 2000 aleros for the same problem. when it stops i can normally get it to work for a few minutes longer by pushing the top of the switch down or wiggling it. the dealer wanted to charge me over $100 to replace it. i refused and purchased the switch myself for $30. seems very odd that gm would recall many cars with the same switch and same problem but not others. wanted to bring to your attention that this swtich is a problem in earlier models of the alero as well. *ak | |||
| 08/30/2004 | 58000 | 10 | 08/20/1999 |
| Turn signal and hazard warnig lamps working intermittent.*ak | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Turn signals intermittently failed during operation. authorized dealer identified faulty hazard switch as root case and replaced at my expense. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2004 | 66000 | 3 | |
| Intermittently turn signal/hazard lights, and high beam light failed to function. on some occasions there was a slight pop before the warning lights failed. dealership indicated that the hazard switch had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 30000 | 3 | ||
| Emergency flasher switch malfunctioned on three occasions. the switches failed every 30,000 miles. when the emergency flashers failed the turn signals also became ineffective. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 37000 | 2 | 06/12/1999 |
| Turn signals and hazard lamps are intermittently inoperable.*ak | |||
| 03/18/2004 | 35000 | 1 | |
| While driving 50 mph, the hazard warning switch light came on by itself and the driver was unable to turn it off. the driver pulled over and a gentleman that happened to be a mechanic turned the hazard lights off. please provide further details. *jb the consumer was notified of a recall but it was for 200-2001 vehicles. *sc *jb | |||
| 01/20/2003 | 102350 | 1 | 06/26/1999 |
| I'm experiencing the same problem that is described in nhtsa campaign # 03v327000. specifically, my vehicle's hazard-light switches malfunction when there is a temperature change in the vehicle causing my turn signals to work intermittently or not at all. i contacted oldsmobile customer service and was told that because i have a 1999 alero, that model year was not included and therefore, they would offer no assistance with the repair. this problem frequently puts me in hazardous situations due to turn signals not working at times.*ak | |||
| 10/07/2003 | 50000 | 1 | 06/01/2002 |
| Turn signal intermittently doesn't work properly while driving. dealer replaced the hazard switch.*ak after repair was made, consumer learned of a recall for 2000-2001 model years for the same defect. he believes gm should reimburse him for the cost of repairs. *ph | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| This is happening in the 1999 alero as well as the 2000-2001 make: oldsmobile model: alero year: 2000 recall number: 03v327000 summary: 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: 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 is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. *jb | |||
| 08/16/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that while trying to use the hazard button the button will go straight through the steering wheel causing the hazard light to stay on even when vehicle is not running causing the battery to run down quickly. dealer notified. *mr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - UNIT | |||
| 05/20/2003 | 39000 | 2 | 06/12/1999 |
| The turning on the turn signal would come on and go off intermittently on its own. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic determined that turn signal switch unit needed to be replaced due to a burnt wire. *ak the consumer stated there a recall was issued for gm vehicles with the exact problem. *jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH | |||
| 01/27/2003 | 2 | 01/17/2003 | |
| I have a 1999 oldsmobile alero and there is a problem with the blinkers and hazard lights. both do not always work and i have had them checked out by my dealer. they were not able to fix the problem before my warranty ran out, and there is clearly a problem that was not caused by me, but must be some kind of malfunction. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2004 | 66000 | 3 | |
| Intermittently turn signal/hazard lights, and high beam light failed to function. on some occasions there was a slight pop before the warning lights failed. dealership indicated that the hazard switch had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 05/01/2000 | ||
| Driver side daytime running lamp is dim. can be seen from about 10 feet away. took it in to dealer, dealer told me that it may have been in an accident but cannot prove. dealer made an attempt to fix the problem and said the bulbs were within specs and that they couldnt do nothing more. contacted manufacturer, was told to get a second oppinion. manufacturer then called dealer and dealer told them that the car had been in an accident and that they couldnt fix it. (when car was bought no accident was reported on the car) . i feel as though i am being ignored and i think that if i go out on a foggy morning and no one is able to see my lights because it is so faint,it could potentially be harmful to myself and my children. manufacturer does not want to honor warranty, bottom line. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | |||
| 10/10/2009 | 47000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving the turn signals and hazard warning lights were inoperable. the dealer repaired the components. the manufacturer stated that they had a special policy for the failure, but would not take any liability for the failure due to the age of the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were under 47,000. | |||
| 11/13/2007 | 125998 | 15 | 11/11/2007 |
| The car signal light works intermittently. sometimes when i turn the signals on they come on. then sometimes when i turn them on they do nothing. they don't come on at all. *tr | |||
| 08/06/2006 | 100 | ||
| On the 1999 oldsmobile alero the turning signal works occasionally. i contact gm to report this. i was told that i would be sent a form to fill out for recall and i have never received. this raises a problems driving and is not a safe way to drive. i have had my fuses' changed and the turning signals still doesn't work all the time. *tr | |||
| 10/08/2004 | 2 | 10/15/2002 | |
| Both windows on my car have fallen into the door. before falling into the door there was a grinding noise and the a loud pop. *nm | |||
| 09/12/2004 | 50 | ||
| My 1999 oldsmobile alero two door has been having problems with the emergency flashers and turn indicators. often times when the lever is engaged the blinkers will make a click sound as they do when they are working and fail to continue blinking. the solution i have found is to push the emergency flasher button on the dashboard. this is sometimes effective in getting the blinkers to begin working again. however, when it doesn't solve the problem, i am unable to properly signal for turns. this has on several occasions caused problems for me at stop signs and uncontrolled intersections. in addition, the wiring (not sure if it's related) for the windows has caused my windows to not work. i'm sure you can understand that if i am unable to roll down my windows, and my blinkers don't work, then there is virtually no way to signal my turns and lane changes properly. the blinkers fuse has never blown. the emergency flashers and blinkers are obviously related from the sound and fact that they seem to cause the other to fail or begin to work. i have done a small amount of research and found there was a recall for the 2000 year of my car. obviously, that doesn't help my situation. please contact me so we can find a solution that is less costly than the collision that is imminent from these failures.*ak | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Turn signals intermittently failed during operation. authorized dealer identified faulty hazard switch as root case and replaced at my expense. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2004 | 66000 | 3 | |
| Intermittently turn signal/hazard lights, and high beam light failed to function. on some occasions there was a slight pop before the warning lights failed. dealership indicated that the hazard switch had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 06/21/2004 | 63960 | 1 | |
| Turn signals worked intermittently. vehicle was taken to the dealer, and consumer was told that there was a recall. however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 37000 | 2 | 06/12/1999 |
| Turn signals and hazard lamps are intermittently inoperable.*ak | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 62000 | 1 | 07/12/2002 |
| Turn signals intermittently failed. dealer replaced the hazard warning switch. *ak consumer experience the same failure as stated in recall for model years 2000-2003 but his vehicle is a 1999. oldsmobile wouldn't acknowledge nor reimburse for repairs. old part available. *ph | |||
| 09/12/2003 | 55000 | 1 | 06/12/2003 |
| While driving turn signals worked intermittently.*ak | |||
| 08/27/2003 | 50 | 03/10/2002 | |
| The turn signals fail at least 3 to 4 times a day while driving and sometimes stop as im sitting and waiting to make a turn . emergency flashers do the same thing ,they work when they want to . have had some close calls on getting hit doing lane changes because of this problem . | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - FLASHER UNIT | |||
| 05/28/2006 | 90000 | 200 | 06/05/2001 |
| The turn signals and hazards lights work periodically. it appears to be something faulty in the connection between the two. if you hit the dash hard enough they will begin working but it is very dangerous b/c you do not know when they will work or when they will not work. *jb | |||
| 01/27/2004 | 3 | 11/17/1999 | |
| Turn signals do not always flash or continue to flash when activated! i brought this to the attention of the oldsmobile dealer during the first year (1999) that i had the vehicle. the dealer supposedly fixed the problem. however, during the past year, the problem has resurfaced. the flasher is sealed under the dash and is not easily accessible as in most vehicles where the turn signal flasher unit can be replaced off the shelf at any local auto parts store. today, i was entering a freeway when the flashers stopped flashing. they continued to flash when i pushed and released the hazard signal button. this problem causes a safety hazard because the turn signals are not reliable and not easily accessible without removing part of the dashboard.*ak | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 58000 | 30 | 03/18/2000 |
| Turn signals fail without warning. they either fail while the lever is activated or will not function on lever command. turn signals fail at various times and then properly function again with no consistency. various shops have no answer to problem, unless they completely fail. | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 10 | 11/01/2099 | |
| Turn signals do not always operate or continue flashing when activated by lever whether they function or not is unpredictable and presents a dangerous road hazard! dt | |||
| Directional signals will intermittently fail without warning. consumer has taken vehicle to dealer and private repair shop but they cannot determine cause unless directional signals have completely failed.*ak | |||
| 03/15/2001 | 5 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Turn signal flasher is behind dash and must be replaced by service center. *ak | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH | |||
| 06/04/2006 | 52000 | 4 | 06/30/1999 |
| In the last six months three out of 4 windows on my vehicle are now held up with duct tape so that they don't fall into the channel and i can't get them up. luckily, only one of them managed to do that and a friend managed to get it back up for me. that occurred at the end of january 2006. i could understand one- maybe- but three!!! no. this is definitely a safety issue. i suspect the only reason that my one working window, the back passenger side, is still working is because i haven't tried to put it down- or the result would be the same. i am sure that is going to be expensive to repair, so i guess i'll go with the duct tape for a while. i have also had a problem with the intake manifold, the gaskets on that were replaced in january, 2006. i was losing antifreeze from the overflow tank, and having to fill it every day. took it to the dealer, and they found the water pump leaking and the intake gaskets leaking. they were replaced at my expense. and... the intermittent turn signal is also a problem. that has been going on for about a year now. it should be recalled for that, like you did for the 2000- 2001 vehicles. the vehicle has 70,000 miles on it. the interior trim on this vehicle is shoddy, and that is being kind. the car was purchased brand new with 23 miles on it when we got it to our house in june, 1999. in less than a year a door panel had to be replaced because it had come apart. the dashboard has been peeling for about 11/2 years because they used cheap glue to hold the covering on the plastic. i realize that you consider that cosmetic, but it shouldn't be happening: i check every alero i see in a parking lot and there are a lot with peeling dashboards. gm should be responsible for fixing that- they caused the problem. gm caused multiple problems on this vehicle by doing it on the cheap. it is very costly to the people who own them, and it shouldn't be. i don't mind paying for routine repairs, i expect that, but these problems are not routine.*nm | |||
| 01/27/2003 | 2 | 01/17/2003 | |
| I have a 1999 oldsmobile alero and there is a problem with the blinkers and hazard lights. both do not always work and i have had them checked out by my dealer. they were not able to fix the problem before my warranty ran out, and there is clearly a problem that was not caused by me, but must be some kind of malfunction. *ak | |||
| 120000 | 1 | ||
| The turn signal switch intermittently stops operating. *ak | |||
| 10/07/2003 | 50000 | 1 | 06/01/2002 |
| Turn signal intermittently doesn't work properly while driving. dealer replaced the hazard switch.*ak after repair was made, consumer learned of a recall for 2000-2001 model years for the same defect. he believes gm should reimburse him for the cost of repairs. *ph | |||