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 2000 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving on a gravel road at 30 miles per hour when steering and brakes did not work went in the ditch just about flipped the car the ins company said to bad can not do nothing the recall ended that night to late.
While driving in icy conditions, I momentarily lost traction. The power to the engine immediately shut off, causing me to lose power steering and brakes. My car spun about three times, and I finally came to a stop facing traffic. Thankfully, the road was empty, so I was not injured. I am especially worried because my car is part of gms recall, but is not eligible for a new ignition cylinder. GM claims that a new key will fix my problem, but there was nothing on my key at the time of the incident, so I know this is a lie. GM is continuing to endanger the lives of its customers by not fully addressing this defect.
General motors considers a warped brake rotor as normal wear and tear and would not be considered a warranty defect. Warped rotors cause undue vibration and sudden loss of control of the vehicle, especially at freeway speeds. The rotor was repaired under warranty at 24,000 miles, by turning the rotor in April 2002. However, the problem has since recurred and general motors will not repair them under warranty since the mileage exceeds their 36,000 mile warranty period. Mr. Evan doel ([phone]) at the customer service department of general motors corporation also expressed the fact that a warped brake rotor on the Alero is a "common problem" and that he has received several calls for this same problem. …
I have an 2000 Oldsmobile Alero which is a piece of crap since I first brought it home. I have had to change the brakes about 7 times!!! I have also had to fix all of the problems that were stated in the recalls. I fixed the recall problems before there even was any recalls because GM would not help me. Then later I would receive the recalls. Now my transmission is shot!! The ets system is not allowing the transmission to shift properly. We found a bolt laying in the transmission pan when we first serviced it. In the beginning we thought we only needed a transmission fluid and filter change but come to find out that bolt that was in our transmission pan filtered though the transmission allowing something to become loose in the transmission making it shift very hard. We had 2 mechanics look at it and both agreed that we needed to rebuild the transmission. …
Regarding 2000 Oldsmobile Alero - intermittent failure/ malfunction of anti-lock brakes and traction control while braking to a stop.upon starting the vehicle, the anti-lock brake system would appear to work fine. The traction control system, indicated by the "low trac" light May or May not be lit, indicating a problem. Shortly after driving the vehicle and while braking to a stop, the traction control system seems to sense a slippery road and activates the anti-lock brakes, causing the brakes to disengage and then slowly re-engage, as if stopping on slippery pavement. However, this has been happening on dry, normal pavement at normal speed and stops. Having the brakes disengage while braking to a stop increases the needed stopping distance and requires the driver to either turn to avoid a collision or use the emergency break to stop. …
The brake rotors had to be replaced twice because the brakes wear very fast replaced brakes 4 times since I bought the car in August of 2001 even if there the lifetime warranty brakes. The drivers door window motor has to be replaced. Driver window keeps coming off track causing the window to fall. The interior light fell out and had to be put back. The low tire air pressure light, and others keep coming on and staying on even if the work has been done. The back window has a wire type defrost in the window itself that has burned in once place only leaving a burned look on the back window. The cruise control went out a week after I had the vehicle which I bought the vehicle at 30, 000 miles. …
All four of my window regulators have failed within a period of 2 months, I have replaced 3 of the four, the left rear door still has not been replaced do to the cost of parts for this car, in adition, I have had to replace the front calipers, brake pads and rotors on this vehicle 2 times within a period of 1 year, just before the last time I replaced them, my rear calipers went out, they will engage, but will stay locked, only releasing after I drive for about 20 feet or so, I have also experienced problems with the security system activating itself and not allowing me to start the car for at least 10 minutes ( the time it takes the system to recycle itself). In adddition, my door pannels coverings are all coming separated accross the top of of them, again do to the cost, I have failed to replace them. …
Approximately one year ago the fuel pump was replaced in my 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. This year I am replacing the fuel pump again. The cost of each replacement with labor is approximately $600.00 if you run an internet search for problems with the Alero, you will find that two common problems exist for the Alero. One is brake problems (a serious safety issue) and the other being fuel pump problems. How long will it be (or has already happened) before someone is killed by a situation where the fuel pump fails while driving causing loss of engine power then applying the brakes to slow the car only to find the brakes are not working correctly, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation? GM should step up and accept responsibility for these defects.
The front brakes were worn out at 41,944 miles for the first time. The rotors were turned & the pads replaced. The brake repair lasted only 12,296 miles ( this was 296 miles out of warranty) when I was told the rotors were warped again & the pads needed to be replaced. Of course this is "normal wear" that the extended warranty does not cover. I had to pay out of pocket twice for the entire repair. After finding the TSB reports, I feel the rotors should have been replaced. Since reading the numerous complaints covering the past several years on the brakes of this vehicle, I fear the brakes May fail with out any type of warning. What will it take & how long will it be before the NHTSA forces GM to issue a recall on the brakes?!
My problem is like many other complaints listed here. The brakes! I am continually have them serviced. Every since I have gotten my car this has been a problem it is just getting worse as time goes on. I just got my 3rd set of brakes in under a year put on two days ago. The dealer says brake wear is normal, there is nothing wrong. Nothing wrong, explain to me who has to replace brakes this often? I live in wisconsin, so its not like I have hard braking or lots of hills etc. My brakes pulsate, make funny noises and they wear down crooked. I have called Oldsmobile only to be given a run around. There are so many complaints identical to mine, when is oldsmoble/ GM going to be held responsible for producing a faulty product?????
Brake complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 136 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, 24% of the model year's 557 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (55 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Oldsmobile Alero brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, though it has 4 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 2000 Oldsmobile Alero brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries 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.