Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 109 | −83% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 184 | −64% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2002 | 279 | −29% | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 364 | 1.4× | 4 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2000 | 557 | 2.5× | 4 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1999 | 462 | 2.2× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Alero year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Oldsmobile Alero problems
Latest Oldsmobile Alero recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' in hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm May stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004.
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or…
Power train › Manual transmission
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (rpo m86) fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection." when a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever…
Remedy: Dealers will disable the 5th/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Oldsmobile Alero should you avoid?
2000, 1999 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Alero years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Oldsmobile Alero?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Alero years at the same age, followed by 2003 and 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Oldsmobile Alero problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (601), lights (362) and brakes (354). Electrical complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Oldsmobile Alero had?
7 recalls across 1999–2004. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Oldsmobile Alero recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.