Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch was causing the fans, fuel gauge, and air bags to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.
I want to report the ignition switch on a 1999 olds Alero v6. I have replaced the ignition switch on my car 3 times now since aug. 2013. There has to be an electrical issue becasue my security light come on and my air conditioner does not come on. So I had it tested and its not getting any electrical to it to come on. And that is exactly the way it happens evertime. So I was wondering if there was a recall or would they be one in near future.... Becasue I dont 300-400 everytime it goes out.
Tl contact owns 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) however, the replacement keys failed to operate when entered into the ignition key cylinder. The remedy was insufficient and the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The vehicle caught on fire under the hood and damaged the entire front end . The contact stated that the dealer and manufacturer will be contacted regarding the fire. The current and failure mileage were 150,000.
While driving my 1999 Oldsmobile Alero 2.4l, my traction control light came on. It did not give the normal warning indicator to let me know that something was wrong. I stopped at a stop sign. With the oncoming traffic it requires you to quickly enter the intersection. My car stalled in the middle of take of as if it was not getting gas. The oncoming traffic which is traveling at a great rate of speed had to slam on breaks to prevent from hitting my stalled car. Several cars came to a screeching halt and nearly wrecked. I learned that the cause of the car stalling was my throttle position sensor was faulty. This is the second time I have had to replace the tps. The first was done approximately 2 years ago the hendrick dealership in apex north carolina. I experienced the same problem with the traction control light coming and the transmission shift irregular and the car stalling. …
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 have a 1999 olds Alero and am just now getting a recall for the key switch. As soon as I got it I took the car to the local dealer. I was told they are out of parts and my name was put on a waiting list. I was also adived it May take three to four weeks. I also asked if the car was safe told rive and was told yes. If the car is safe to drive why the recall. If there is something wrong with the key switch how can it be safe to drive. Why doesn't the dealer have the parts and why should it take three to four weeks. What happen during the wait time if there is and accident and someone is injured or killed. Why does the auto dealers play games with our lifes. Please look inot this or at least file this complaint, then if I am in an accident before they fix it I'll have prove I filed a complaint. …
Driver's side window motor has been replaced three times in the last 4 years. Rear driver's side window motor has also been replaced in the last year. Amazing how this keeps happening over and over again. Also, my horn has gone off in the middle of the night several times without anything setting it off. There is no way to turn it off once it goes. Each time it was 3 or 4 in the morning and each time I had to drive to a remote location just to disconnect the horn. Of course, the first couple of times I had no idea how to do this but after a while you get to know these things. I have had the horn replaced on several occasions without any success. Now I am being told that it is the horn pads located in the steering wheel. Of course, that is another $800 - $1000 job on top of the 4 windows that cost about $400 each and the horns with ran me about $150 to $200 each.
Related 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.
Electrical complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 19% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 5 fires and 2 injuries and 2 deaths to electrical system 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.