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 - BRAKE LIGHTS | |||
| 06/25/2005 | 26000 | 9 | 09/21/2002 |
| This car has been nothing but trouble. i have had to have the drive shaft replaced, the motor mounts replaced, the tail light assembly replaced, the steering assembly replaced and i too have a problem with the dash lights dimming. the technicians at the local saturn dealership are nothing but rude. they dont fix the problems you bring the car in for and you end up having to take it back the next day or even sometimes that same evening for a repair that wasnt done properly. i thought this was going to be a good car but it has been constant trouble and is constantly in the repair shop. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||
| 11/02/2004 | 40 | ||
| I have a 2002 saturn l100. the headlights and dashlights flicker on a consistent basis. the dealer and the manufacturer have advised that this is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle. saturn service bulleting 04-08-42-011a applies. i believe that this is an unsafe characteristic and that the government should require a recall and repair of vehicles suffering from this problem.*ak | |||
| 12/09/2003 | 2 | 10/31/2001 | |
| Vehicle has been in for service on multiple occasions to correct intermittment problem which causes headlights and dashlights to flicker repeated while driving. to date problem has not been isolated or corrected.*ak | |||
| 07/09/2003 | 2 | ||
| While driving intermittently the headlights are blinking, in one mile will probably blink 20 times. dealer inspected vehicle several times and could not duplicate or correct the problem.*ak | |||
| 09/05/2002 | 03/20/2002 | ||
| Since i purchased my vehicle the headlights blink off and on when ever i slow down or take my foot off the gas pedal. i have been pulled over by a state trooper traveling in front of me, as he thought i was signaling him that i was in trouble. i am afraid to drive down certain roads at night due to the fact someone in front of me will think i am flashing them to pull over or get out of my way and pull over in a case of road rage and hurt me. i work 3-11 as a nurse and do travel 50 miles home at night down dark deserted hwys and i am in fear that the lights will go out totally. saturn has told me this is normal operation for this vehicle. i feel it is a threat to my safety and that of others. *jb | |||
| 03/19/2003 | 20 | 08/03/2001 | |
| My headlights blink while driving...only when cruising or braking. this has caused people to be pulled over for flashing their headlights or drivers getting angry believing that you are flashing them to move over. i understand from saturn there is no repair at this time. this condition concerns me very much and i would like to know if saturn is close to a repair. *jb | |||