Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 owned a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving approximately 20 MPH over a bump, the contact lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the right shoulder and a concussion, which required medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving at 20 MPH, the service warning light indicator illuminated. The contact had noticed the power steering was no longer effective and difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure for the power steering was repaired. The dealer was not contacted nor manufacturer. The failure mileage was 117,000.
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. …
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.
Purchased the car in February'03. Bad vibration when driving at speeds over 45 MPH, tires rotated and balanced 4+ times, both front wheel bearing/hub kits replaced in less than 6 months after purchase, still occurs and have just grown accustomed to the shaking. Engine coolant leaks: replaced pump and "o" ring. Power steering pump and return hose replaced. Driver side window does not roll back up(believe dealership replaced prio to purchase). Driver side mirror motor has never worked properly, dealer(in rochester) put on receipt of last repair that they replaced motor, but didn't actually have part, but was on order. Never received a phone call back when or if part came in(dealership is over 300 miles from my home, purchased car on the internet).
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?
Power steering pump has been replaced once for grinding noise. It needs to be replaced again for whining noise and loss of power steering. Since Oldsmobile dealership closed their doors after 36 years the extended warranty I purchased through them is not valid and have to pay for it myself. Bbb and state atty general's office were of no help with finding/having delaership honor the warranty.
While parking power steering assit went out. Smoke began to come from under the hood and a fire started in the engine compartment. The fire was put out by the fire department. The car was towed to the dealershp. GM wa suncooperative, refusing to offer any explanation for this disaster. They did, however, provide consumer with a loaner for three weeks.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a squealing sound coming from the steering column. Consumer added power steering fluid, that stopped the noise. Also, consumer heard a clanking sound when right turns were made. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that rack and pinion needed to be replaced.
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.
Related recalls
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.
Steering complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 6% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-320 (steering wheel/handle bar, Dec 15, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering 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.