Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||||
| 040842001 | 09/01/2004 | 040842001A | 10005550 | Information on intermittent dimming (flickering) of headlamps and/or instrument panel lighting-normal characteristic. this may occur because of transient current loads on the electrical system during normal vehicle operation. *mn | 03/02/2004 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | ||||||
| PE05010 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 02/15/2005 | 06/03/2005 | INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS | 05V245000 | |
| General motors has decided that a safety related defect exists on certain model saturn sedans and wagons.the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.this can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake or tail lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp).gm will conduct a safety recall on an expanded scope of saturn vehicles to install a reinforcing socket adapter (and corresponding nw socket) to the back of the existing lamp assembly.general motors will recall 291,652 my 2000-2002 saturn ls sedans and my 2000-2004 saturn lw wagons.the recall is identified by nhtsa number 05v-245. | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | ||||||
| PE05010 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 02/15/2005 | 06/03/2005 | INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS | 05V245000 | |
| General motors has decided that a safety related defect exists on certain model saturn sedans and wagons.the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.this can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake or tail lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp).gm will conduct a safety recall on an expanded scope of saturn vehicles to install a reinforcing socket adapter (and corresponding nw socket) to the back of the existing lamp assembly.general motors will recall 291,652 my 2000-2002 saturn ls sedans and my 2000-2004 saturn lw wagons.the recall is identified by nhtsa number 05v-245. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - CONCEALMENT DEVICES | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | ||||||
| PE05010 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 02/15/2005 | 06/03/2005 | INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS | 05V245000 | |
| General motors has decided that a safety related defect exists on certain model saturn sedans and wagons.the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.this can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake or tail lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp).gm will conduct a safety recall on an expanded scope of saturn vehicles to install a reinforcing socket adapter (and corresponding nw socket) to the back of the existing lamp assembly.general motors will recall 291,652 my 2000-2002 saturn ls sedans and my 2000-2004 saturn lw wagons.the recall is identified by nhtsa number 05v-245. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS - SWITCH | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH | ||||||
| PE03017 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/17/2003 | 08/25/2003 | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON | ||
| This pe was opened based on six odi complaints that headlamps flicker off and on, and two odi complaints that the switch is hot to the touch.the investigation has found no occurrences of headlamps going out.the complaints are due to sporadic dimming (flickering) of the headlamps as a result of variation of the voltage to the headlamps.gm has shown that a 1.5 -2.0 voltage drop occurs when other electrical devices are activated, however at no time do the headlamps turn completely off.with respect to allegations that the headlamp switch is hot to the touch, gm reports that the ambient temperature of the switch is 35 degrees c which is not hot enough to burn a finger or hand.in may 2001, gm modified the headlamp switch crimping operation to eliminate the occurrence of hot switches.odi evaluated the complaints and warranty returns and found no evidence of melting or burning. a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 11/15/2001 | 0 | ||
| Rear tail light assembly or tail light bulb has failed a total of ten times since november of 2001. i purchased the vehicle on 7/14/01 as a new vehicle. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | |||
| 11/28/2005 | 1 | 09/16/2003 | |
| Saturn has a recall on tail light assemblies. i have a 2001 l series saturn. bought it from olds dealer in helena mt. there are no saturn dealers in montana. i called the 800# in the recall letter and they said to go to underriner olds in billings, approximately 240 miles away. i bought it at an olds dealer two miles from my house. seems to me they could authorize that or pay me a couple of days wages, gas, motel, per diem or have it fixed in helena!!! this is really stupid, because my taillights are defective and keep wiggling lose and i lose my brake and tail lights.*jb | |||
| 02/01/2004 | 60000 | 5 | 09/01/2001 |
| Rear tail lights on my 2001 saturn l100 have had problems. gm recalled other products for similar problems. the bulb holders have been replaced 2 months ago and now the dealer has stated that the assemblies are in need of replacement. these assemblies are failing sooner than what is to be expected. i have been trying to fix the problem of lightbulbs intermittently working for about 1 and half years now. it seems apparent that the system used is inferior in quality. *ak | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | |||
| 11/28/2005 | 1 | 09/16/2003 | |
| Saturn has a recall on tail light assemblies. i have a 2001 l series saturn. bought it from olds dealer in helena mt. there are no saturn dealers in montana. i called the 800# in the recall letter and they said to go to underriner olds in billings, approximately 240 miles away. i bought it at an olds dealer two miles from my house. seems to me they could authorize that or pay me a couple of days wages, gas, motel, per diem or have it fixed in helena!!! this is really stupid, because my taillights are defective and keep wiggling lose and i lose my brake and tail lights.*jb | |||
| 07/18/2003 | 9999 | ||
| I personally don't own one of these vehicles, but have worked for the manufacturer of these vehicles. i worked for saturn for a couple years and have long since known there was a problem with the my 00-02 l-series taillights. almost 100% of every l-series needs new taillights due to an electrical short. to add to the problem, saturn has not redesigned the taillights, they are just putting the same products back on the car. when this occurs, the customer feels the vehicle was taken care of, then a couple months down the road, one or both of the taillights don't work again.*jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | |||
| 10/07/2003 | 1 | 03/03/2001 | |
| I was on my way to work, when my steering wheel started smoking. it looked like i was smoking 3 cigarettes. it had a blue color to it and smelled like an electrical problem. my bright lights flashed then stayed on. it was 8 am and i did not have my lights on. when i got to work, the nearest saturn dealership towed it to their dealership service area. (saturn of kings mall, mason, oh). brian, the service man, notified me that the turn signal had burned out. bare wires were rubbing. he also stated that he has never seen this problem before. the dealership is charging me for this problem do to my warranty expired at 36,000 miles and i have 36,900 miles. i felt that this is a liability product defect and i should not be charged. *la | |||