Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Both left and right turn signals fail to operate intermittently. I can get them to start working again sometimes by activating the hazard lights and then trying the turn signals again, but sometimes the hazard lights also fail to function. It sounds like a spring is releasing sometimes when turning the steering wheel and then the turn signals fail afterward. The hazard switch became stuck and was replaced by the olds dealer back in 2001 or 2002. After that I could hear a mechanical noise in the steering column whenever I turned the wheel in either direction and when I complained to the dealer they said a spring had come loose and there was no safety issue and that it would cost $250 to repair, so I let it go and never repaired.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact activated the turn signals to switch lanes. The hazard light switch began making a rapid, loud clicking noise that lasted for an hour. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V327000 (exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch). The failure has not been corrected. The contact also had to replace the window regulators five times because the plastic breaks and causes the regulators to fail. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 142,000.
The hazard light switch works intermittantly on my 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. After looking into saw that there was a recall on many 2000 aleros for the same problem. When it stops I can normally get it to work for a few minutes longer by pushing the top of the switch down or wiggling it. The dealer wanted to charge me over $100 to replace it. I refused and purchased the switch myself for $30. Seems very odd that GM would recall many cars with the same switch and same problem but not others. Wanted to bring to your attention that this swtich is a problem in earlier models of the Alero as well.
I'm experiencing the same problem that is described in NHTSA campaign # 03V327000. Specifically, my vehicle's hazard-light switches malfunction when there is a temperature change in the vehicle causing my turn signals to work intermittently or not at all. I contacted Oldsmobile customer service and was told that because I have a 1999 Alero, that model year was not included and therefore, they would offer no assistance with the repair. This problem frequently puts me in hazardous situations due to turn signals not working at times.
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 the turn signals worked intermediately. The dealership replaced a computer component trying to repair the problem, however the problem recurred. The contact felt that the problem was the same as mentioned in NHTSA recall 03V327000/ investigation number rq04005. There was a special service campaign being done by the manufacturer. The dealership said this vehicle was not included. Updated 12/7/2005.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving the turn signals and hazard warning lights were inoperable. The dealer repaired the components. The manufacturer stated that they had a "special policy" for the failure, but would not take any liability for the failure due to the age of the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 47,000.
Since purchasing the car used in 2003, I have experienced intermittent signal and hazard light failure. Recently this has affected my brake lights. The brake lights, hazards and signals will no longer work unless in cases of extreme temperature changes ( heat on full blast or A/C on full blast). Also the signal lights continue to click even when not on. [redacted]
Dt: 1999 with 22,000 miles on the car. When the consumer went to push the hazard switch it sunk into the dashboard. And couldn't get the flasher to go off. Consumer talked to the manufacturer, who was aware of the problem. Something broke behind the switch, when the switched was pushed. Consumer has already taken the car to the dealer and had repairs done.
While driving 50 MPH, the hazard warning switch light came on by itself and the driver was unable to turn it off. The driver pulled over and a gentleman that happened to be a mechanic turned the hazard lights off. Please provide further details. The consumer was notified of a recall but it was for 200-2001 vehicles.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Headlight complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 10% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is hazard flashing warning lights › switch (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Alero headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 4% 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.