Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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 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. …
Locked up ignition switch cruise control fell apart gear shift shifter not secure and slides up the shift.. Both oxygen sensors failed all four windows electric motors, and racks have been replaced front end vibration when stopped or parked on incline dash board leather cover came loose and rolled up like a used rug original fuel filter have to be pried out of line and then pieces left had to be removed with needle nose pliers. Fuel gauge as never worked. Now its running about 4 miles and then quits, sets for 30 minutes and drive another 4 miles then quits. Code reader says engine running lean, (problem is 4 to 5 sensors including the injectors could be causing this, no way to tell with replacing them until it runs. The expense of this could be 1000 to 3000 dollars. Electric door locks failed , replace switch, only works part of the time.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact was experiencing issues with the driver's side door regulator and motor. In addition, the rubber channel that is located inside the window was not tight and could cause the window to fall out and shatter. The window failure was repaired at the contact's expense. He also stated that the fuel system pressure regulator was failing. He heard a ticking noise and the vehicle drove differently. The dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle because it was no longer under warranty. The contact also believed that the steering wheel was not steering correctly. The dealer still refused to inspect the vehicle. The contact would like his complaint to be a priority because he is a vietnam veteran with multiple physical challenges and a limited income. The failure mileage was 10,375 and current mileage was 13,000.
Dt: 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated the hub bearings on both sides of the front end went out. There was a noise coming from the front end, the contact took the vehicle to a garage. The mechanic told her of the problem, and said if she drove it much longer there would have been an accident. The head gaskets also blew out the engine. The vehicle was leaking antifreeze into the air system. The vehicle is currently at the garage being fixed for the head gaskets. Also, fuel pump went out while driving on the road. The vehicle was towed to the garage. Then, they replaced the fuel pump. The contact stated , in addition, there have been electrical problems. The computer system had to be reset a couple of times. This has happened within the past 12 months.
Secuirty light on 1999 Oldsmobile Alero comes on and car will not start for over 10 mins. This causes me to fuel my car with the car engine running because I do not want to take the chance of it not starting. Sometimes it takes 3 trys before it starts and that is over 30 minutes of wait time. One day it May not start at all. Ongoing problem with the other Alero owners. Oldsmobile needs to issue a recall on this problem.
Gas gauge is always off, I have to fill the gas tank up atleast 2-3 a day. Maybe there is a leak from recall, or the recall form the gas tank. Also spent $700.00 for a recalled intake manifold gasket.
The lower intake gasket & oil pump drive o-ring seal is leaking coolant internal & is mixing with oil, engine will need to be replaced. This car is only 2 1/2 yrs old, the intake gasket and o-ring seal should not leak fluid; this must be a manufacturer's defect. I have taken the car in for service (fitzgerald auto mall- maryland) consistently. .... Idlerpulley - I had the serpentine belt replaced in nov 2001(113.38). In February while driving on the interstate all of car systems began to fail. Once the alternator was drained dry and the car coolant, the battery died, because the serpentine belt came off. After two hours in the rain we were able to get the belt back on and I took the car to the dealership the following day. The dealership discovered the idler pulley bearing was loose and needed to be replaced...this cost $117.47. …
Twice I have had get my rotors resurfaced or replaced, my gas gauge everytime I fill up it bounces up and down and the clear coat on the hood of the vehicle is coming off. This vehicle needs to have a recall on the brake system due to a lot of people that I have talked with and many on the internet complaining about having to replace there rotors or get them resurfaced way before the manufactured time limit. I bought my car with 29, 000 miles on it and have had to resurface or replace the rotors twice. Is this normal???
Purchased car in 2002. Car would not start in nov of 2004 spent 343.44 on ignition cylinder lock at barr's electrical. Car did same thing in sept of 2012, spent 248.04 again at barr's electric on another ignition cylinder lock. Have complete repair statement and receipt if needed upon request. Still have car. But do not drive due to other issues not sure about.
Fuel System complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 7% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is carburetor system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Alero fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 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.