Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The module that controls the rear window defogger, located underneath the back panel by the rear window, becomes very hot and melts. It melted the connection and the box that contains the module. As a result, the defogger does not work. The vehicle has not been to a dealer or repair shop. The contact has found several complaints for this failure and believes a recall should be issued. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 80,000.
In the spring of 2003 my window, drivers side slid into the door jam. My boyfriend took the door off and we realized that the window regulator was bent and the plastic pieces that attach to the window to hold it up were broken. I called the dealership and was informed that it would cost $500.00 to fix it. $300.00 for the part and the rest in labor. I looked into getting a used part, so I began calling junk yards. A few had no regulators, however at fitzgeralds in Lincoln de I was told that I was the 4 or 5th person to call in regards to a regulator for an Alero. He stated that he could order the part wholesale and it would cost $120.00. I also began a search online and found a mechanic in ny that would fix my regulator or give me a repaired one for around $80.00, so I sent it to him. …
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. …
Around July 15, 2005 my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero passenger side window fell out of the channel and into the door. (the window was being rolled up and made a loud noise. When trying to roll down window again it fell into the door.) I had the window regulator replaced by a local automotive center on July 15, 2005 for a total of $231.15 parts and labor. On January 30, 2006 the driver side window was rolled down and when rolling it back up a loud noise was heard as it reached the top of the door frame. When pressing the button to roll the window back down the window fell into the door. Took the car to a local automotive service center and was quoted over $400 for parts and labor for a new motor/regulator and new glass since the arms of the regulator were broke and still stuck to the glass. …
The tires were defective. The tire pressure will not sustain. The tire pressure light stays on, and the consumer had to add air daily. The dealer refused to cooperate. The left front door body side was falling, the solder joints in the hazard warning flasher switch May crack, the coolant light had come on, there was an erratic sound when the ignition was first turned on, the driver window had a water leak, the left power window won't seal, the regulator was broken, and the key would get stuck in the ignition intermittently due to binding cylinder lock. Sc
Windows regulator & power window motors both sides become inoperable,high cost of repair. Also the whole wiring system. Wires loose,get pinched by gearshift. Now the radios volume turns up with higher RPM or down at low RPM.when back window defroster is on radio crackles or completely turns off.same happens at times when putting gear into park. There is realy no incident date, this is a ongoing problem for the past 6-8 month.
Several failures of either front brakes or rear brakes requiring complete replacement. Failure happens after less than 20,000 on each set of brakes. There has been at least 3 wheel hub replacements on driver side as well as 2 wheel hub replacements on the passenger side. Both drivers window and passenger window motors have been replaced twice.... Updated 04/11/13
Just bought my 2001 Alero right off the car lot, but now the right side passenger mirror isn't working, lighter isn't working, called the car lot to tell them that and he said that it could be the fuse was bad! So I buy a used car for three grand and minor stuff starts happening to it.... How much is a fuse??
Since feb. My car has been in for repairs 4 times. I bought the car used in sept. 05 and almost immediately noticed there was a problem when the window would not roll down and the temp. Gauge went on hot (and the car was not). I took it in to the dealer and they of course found nothing wrong since the computer they use to diagnose problems wasn't registering anything. Not quite a month had passed when I started to have difficulty starting the car, a few days later the car stalled while driving in a.m. Traffic on the fwy. It was taken to the dealer again, they stated it was cpc computer had to be reprogrammed and the igniter had to be replaced. On the way home after picking up the car, it stalled again, and would not restart. Again the next day it was taken in and the ignition switch was replaced. …
The technician informed the consumer about a recall on the vehicle, but the consumer never received a notice from the manufacturer. The vehicle would not start right away. There would be several tries but the vehicle would never "crank over." the engine vibrated when the A/C was used,the fuel gauge was inoperative, the front windows would not roll down, the rear handles felt like they were sticking, there was a burnt oil smell, and after several times of starting the vehicle it would run rough. The master switch, A/C compressor, crank sensor, fuel pump, fuel tank, hazard switch, and the window regulator were replaced. The mechanics repositioned a wire harness from the crank sensor and replaced the pressure control solenoid. The turn signals stopped working in traffic in which there was almost an accident. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, 8% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Oldsmobile Alero window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.