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 2001 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was involved in a frontal collision on 3/5/03 and the air bags failed to deploy in my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. I was traveling 40-45 MPH southbound on scottsdale rd when another car turned left in front of me. The impact bent the impact bars, moved my compressor to the other side of the vehicle, hood, bumper, fender damage, the preliminary estimate without doing a tear down is at $5000.00. I have suffered neck, shoulder and leg injuries. I contacted GM and they said a certified GM rep will go look at the car and take pictures and will contact me on the 29th. I received a call from a man who did not identify himself at the dealer ship and said he was a private investigator for GM and down loaded the info off the computer in the car and the air bag should not have gone off, and told me I need to have them start repairing the vehicle immediately. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. While traveling 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle immediately accelerated to 80 MPH and then slowed back down. When the contact stopped to get fuel, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the fuel pump failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who stated that the ignition switch, casing, and relay switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failures ceased. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign numbers: 07e021000 (fuel system) and 03V327000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 8/21/15 updated 10/18/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The key remained in the off position and failed to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v40000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 6/30/15 the engine and fuel pump were replaced. Updated 07/02/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred once. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Air coming into the intake manifold and my low trac light comes on every time I have to do a turnaround or back around in a slow position from a start posistion. So im not getting my gas mileages worth nor can I do a uturn in a fast acceleration. It will get slower thats dangerous if upcoming traffic starts to proceed making it liable for an accident. Im scared for my life. Im in california in los angeles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was unable to restart. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the fuel sensor failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while ignition was on. No warning whatsoever
2001 Alero (2 dr. Coupe) I have been on several sites and am finding many Alero owners having the same problems that I have encountered over the last couple of years. Fuel pump, wheel hub assemblies, intake manifold gaskets, power window failure(grinding/breaking clips/regulators), serv engine and traction control lights constantly on, electrical problems, brake problems etc. It is my belief that olds knew they weren't making this car anymore, and sent a sub-par product out into the market "hoping" to get away with as few recalls as possible. I have numerous complaints filed with olds and general motors. General motors has gone way out and offered me a $500.00 certificate towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Give me one reason I should go through another nightmare like this one. …
On several occasions while driving, my Alero has completely shut off. The first time it happened, I was going 55 MPH in traffic. The power steering shut down and it was hard to pull to the side of the road. If it is raining outside, you May as well just park it. It will not crank easily and it acts like it doesn't want to run once you get it to start. Of course, when you take it to the shop they can't find anything wrong with it. My driver's side power window will not roll down. The low tire pressure light goes off every other day, even though the air pressure is fine and the interior doors look awful because the trim has come unglued. This is the worst car I have ever purchased. I would like to know what I can do to get this car repaired or replaced.
When in drive and stopped at a traffic light, the car almost stalls out. On two occasions the car completely stalled and did not start the first time. I took it into the dealership where I bought the car and they tried to sell me the 30,000 miles service pack. I refused to pay over 300 hundred dollars for that. They said they would check the car again and called me back to let me know that it looked like my fuel injectors were a little clogged. So I had the fuel injection cleaning done. Well the car still runs the same, almost stalling and it seems worse. I called the dealship and told them and they just gave mean answer,"bring it in". So my problem still is not resolved. I have also heard that there May be a recall on the catalyic converter.
NHTSA investigations
Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of…
Fuel System complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, 11% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Oldsmobile Alero fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2001 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 2001 Oldsmobile Alero fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.