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 2000 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and smoke emitted from the front of the vehicle. All of the warning indicators on the instrument panel illuminated and the front end of the vehicle caught fire. The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled intermittently. After one attempt, the vehicle restarted. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition key needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system), the ignition key failed to shut off the vehicle on two occasions. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred within thirty days of the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000. Ma 10/21/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving 40 MPH, the driver side turn signal failed without warning. The contact attempted to activate the passenger side turn signal and hazard lights, but was unsuccessful. The failure recurred often. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 05/24/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle stalled and took several attempts to be restarted. In addition, the anti-theft warning indicators illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified. The dealer was not contacted because the vehicle was confiscated by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Key turning car on in ignition gets jammed and finally turns after several attempts but now car tries to turn over but won't start. Only have one key. Also turn signal switch works intermittently and I have to turn on hazards to get to operate . Center console door loose. Ignition key recall 14350, center console recall oov140000, exterior lighting recall 03043, hazard /turn signal recall ?
Driving on the highway, all of the warning lights came on, the fuel gauge dropped to empty, the RPM gauge dropped to zero, the thermostat needle rapidly flickered up and down then the car shut off. The vehicle won't start, the instrument gauges move by themselves with no key in the ignition and now the car has zero power. . This car has been doing this for the past 3 months.
I own this car for 3 weeks already and it starts turn it off while driving I change some sensor already but I read about the ignition switch, and I think that's the problem with the car, I don't have any photo because everything looks OK from the outside of the switch, but the inside idk
The GM passkey 2 security feature acts up constantly on these cars including the intrigue, malibu, Cadillac. The security light comes on and disables the vehicle and a 40 minute relearn procedure must be completed each time. Happens to my vehicle 2-4 times a week.
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 2000 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, 16% of the model year's 557 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › control module (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury 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.