Most common 1999 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Share of the 462 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Alero complaints by model year
Best Alero years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2001. Compare all years →
1999 Oldsmobile Alero recalls (3)
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.
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: these vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." the console cover on these vehicles does not stay closed when a specified vertical load is applied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut could have been improperly tightened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero:
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…
What 1999 Oldsmobile Alero owners say
Brakes all 121 →
Dt: while driving at low speed and applying brake pressure there were no brakes whatsoever. This resulted in an accident. The vehicle skidded, went over small embankment, and struck a tree where it came to a stop, vehicle was towed to the a wrecker service shop. Has not been to a repair shop or dealership. Also, there was no explanation as to why this occurred. In the past there was an issue where on parking on a incline a block had to be placed behind to wheels to keep itfrom rolling.
I have had an 99' Oldsmobile Alero for 7 years. It has had almost every problem listed on this website. It has had an over heating problem every year since I got it and I have spent thousands in repairs for the cooling system, fuel pump, poor interior manufacturer, ac/heater blower motor settings failure, fuel gauge failure, transmission leakage, poor springs/struts, gear slipping, hard starting, water leaking in from rain under glove compartment, off alignment (set three times in year), poor gas mileage, overheating or running above normal temperature and sudden overheating without notice of gauge lights or sounds. Has had front right caliper failure locking brake pads down against rotor causing burnout of pads,rotor warping, caliper cylinder damage. Has had power steering pump leakage. …
Electrical system all 89 →
While driving to work on jan 17 I turned on the rear defroster. Within a few minutes, two to three, I heard a popping sound. Just one time, so I started looking around the interior of the car. I noticed a hole between the rear passenger window and the rear window. My Alero was a 2 door. When I got when I could pull over there were flames coming from the hole. I was unable to put them out. I called 911. By time the fire trucks arrived the car was fully engulfed in flames and was beyond saving. The only thing left of it was the body and the engine.
I had the recall done but my car keeps dying and when the car is running I can now remove my key and engine stays running. The security light comes on all the time and I have to sit and wait at least 10 min for car to start. I have a baby and with this cold weather plus being stranded is not safe. I was told all the dealer did was a new key/insert. The whole ignition lock assembly should be replaced under a new recall. The dealer told me for $100 diagnostic fee that could look at the car. Never did this until the dealer did the repair.
Engine & cooling all 85 →
While driving driver noticed smoke coming under the hood. Pulled vehicle over and checked. Noticed coolant was leaking on the intake manifold. Took vehicle to dealership. Mechanic had not determine the cause of the leakage.
1999 Oldsmobile Alero (out of warranty) began to have problems with transmission "slipping" occasionally during the summer. I was told no problem could be found. While driving home last evening, the service engine soon light came on as well as the "trac off" light and it was very hard to get the car to go more than 30 MPH on a 50 MPH highway very nearly causing an accident. By the grace of god, that did not happen, but now I am told that the transmission May "possibly be bad" or it "could be several other things." in either case, it would seem to me that someone should have found the error before. Additionally, the car has less than 65,000 miles on it and though it was sluggish from the time I bought it and would occasionally lurch forward when pulling away from a stop, it was not until the summer that it became a frequent as opposed to a rare occurrence. …
1999 Oldsmobile Alero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero a good car?
Based on 462 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Alero rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Alero at the same age. It is one of the Alero years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
The brakes — 121 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the electrical system (89) and engine & cooling (85).
How many recalls does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Alero?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999 and 2001. See the full Oldsmobile Alero years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.