Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
I bought my car with 14 miles on it. In the first year, I had to have the molding on the doors replaced because they leaked. The drivers side window fell into the door. I've been told that it is my regulator that needs to be replaced. I also found a broken clip just sitting inside my door. You can't buy just a regulator or clips so I will need to buy those parts plus the motor which will cost at least $280. My rotors also needed to be shaved down because they were warped and my brakes needed to be replaced and now, only 5 months later, they need to be totally replaced because they are warped again and my brakes will have to be replaced as well. This is the worst car I've ever owned! My first and last experience I will ever have with GM!! I realize things happen to cars, but I would expect Oldsmobile to acknowledge these re-occurring problems and be held accountable to fix them.
Wheel bearing wore out at 52000 miles. Battery terminal post broke off. Brake caliper melted at 51000 miles. Two power steering lines burst at 59000. The cost of the repair for the power steering problem is an estimate I got from a mechanic, but I have not yet repaired. I'm hoping for a recall before I take any action. My complaints are based on the fact that there's no good reason for any of those things to need repair that serious. Aren't wheel bearings and power steering lines supposed to last for a while?
Tl 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 warning lights illuminated. The speedometer also began to display random speeds ranging from 0 MPH to 100 MPH. The vehicle also stalled while driving. The hazard lights would not function. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure and current mileages were 97,213.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was a humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the ABS light illuminated, the cruise control became inoperable, a burning smell appeared and the vehicle was loosing water. The dealership inspected the vehicle. The battery, wiring, spark plug wiring and a belt were replaced. The water pump and window switch was replaced. The blower motor needed to cleaned out. The brakes were inoperative updated 05/01/06.
Tl* the contact owned a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the brakes failed to engage. As a result, the vehicle rolled over three times. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a herniated disk to the neck and injuries to the lower back and hip, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Bought the vehicle new in florida...from day one, the parking brake has never worked right...will not hold the vehicle on a hill when parking brake lever fully engaged. Took the vehicle to dealer service centers several times...parking brake would work for a few weeks, but would return to previous state of not working...ineffective. Finally fixed myself...problem was a defective brake adjuster screw.
Bad vibration at highway speeds.had wheels aligned,tires balanced, tie rods ,both front axles, both front bearings, front disc brakes(rotors and pads), both front struts replaced. Vibration at times gets bad enough to lose control. None of the above solutions fixed the problem.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the ABS and low track lights on the dash board illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions where the sensors in the front hubs were replaced. After the repairs, the problem persisted.
Brake complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 121 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 26% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (45 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Alero brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.