Most common 2003 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Share of the 184 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Alero complaints by model year
Best Alero years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2001. Compare all years →
2003 Oldsmobile Alero recalls (2)
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.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' in hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm May stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004.
What 2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners say
Electrical system all 103 →
Tried to start car and it would not start, only crank. Started next morning and had it towed to repair shop and it would not start intermittently. Repair shop said to take it home because they could not diagnose or fix. I checked the internet and discovered that this has been an ongoing problem with certain GM vehicles and many people are complaining. There is a way to start it sometimes by waiting ten minutes with key in acc and then turning off and then removing the key and then re starting. This is working but not always. Apparently GM is fully aware of this problem but has taken no action to correct it. I am afraid that I May be stranded somewhere or the security system could possibly turn the car off. Also there is discussion that this May also be a bad ignition switch but there is no recall for this vehicle for the switch, only the key!
Purchased 2003 Alero on oct 8, 2009 on oct. 9th car would not start or jump, ABS and security light was on, radio turned off. Had it towed back to dealer who looked at it the next day and the car started right up and they could not duplicate the problem so they did not do any work to it. On oct 15 while my daughter was driving the vehicle onto the interstate the ABS light and security light came on and the steering wheel turned sharply to the left and she could not control the vehicle. This caused an accident with injuries. The diagnostic report was limited due to the extent of damage to the vehicle and the only code they could get to register was that the ABS code was on. Was told that the diagnostic did not show anything else but diagnostics was limited anyways because the vehicle was not drivable anymore.
Engine & cooling all 29 →
Tried to start car and it would not start, only crank. Started next morning and had it towed to repair shop and it would not start intermittently. Repair shop said to take it home because they could not diagnose or fix. I checked the internet and discovered that this has been an ongoing problem with certain GM vehicles and many people are complaining. There is a way to start it sometimes by waiting ten minutes with key in acc and then turning off and then removing the key and then re starting. This is working but not always. Apparently GM is fully aware of this problem but has taken no action to correct it. I am afraid that I May be stranded somewhere or the security system could possibly turn the car off. Also there is discussion that this May also be a bad ignition switch but there is no recall for this vehicle for the switch, only the key!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile alera. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the temperature gauge increased and white smoke or mist emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine block was cracked and recommended that the vehicle be taken to a radiator specialist, who diagnosed that there was a crack in the block and the engine manifold. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 215,015. The VIN was not available. ....updated 07/05/16
Air bags all 24 →
The contact owned a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and crossing an intersection, a speeding police vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the front driver's side wheel was bent. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact hit her chest against the steering wheel. Additionally, the left side of the contact' body hit the driver's side window. The contact was knocked unconscious for approximately 30 minutes. The police officers removed the driver's side door and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where she spent one night. The contact was then transported to another hospital where she spent two weeks. The contact sustained severe head, collarbone, neck, and back pain. Additionally, the contact sustained chest pain bruises, and a broken left foot. …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard, where it was deemed destroyed. The contact sustained minor injuries which required medical attention. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 4/15/15
2003 Oldsmobile Alero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero a good car?
Based on 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Alero rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Alero at the same age. It is one of the best Alero years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?
The electrical system — 103 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (29) and air bags (24).
How many recalls does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Alero?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999 and 2001. See the full Oldsmobile Alero years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Oldsmobile Alero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.