2003 Oldsmobile Alero Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Cooling system
  2
• Exhaust system
  2
• Engine
  2
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  416%
• 25k–50k
  312%
• 50k–75k
  312%
• 75k–100k
  936%
• 100k–150k
  416%
• 150k+
  28%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off and the check engine warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000. Ma 09/25 updated 11/28/2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all the instrument panel warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Tl contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted after waiting a while but the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle loss power without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed and needed to have the pass lock assembly and the lock cylinder replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,227. Updated 02/19/16

Today I started my car with my automatic starter then 7 minutes later I hear a horn non stop beeping I lookout my door and my car is smoking and in flames from hood. Investigator tells me it totaled. After they put the fire out I look in car and only one air bag came out.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. While the key was in the ignition, the engine failed to engage without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning four times on the interstate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 117,000.

I was driving on the interstate and the car jumped up ito 6 and 7 rpms in the red got stuck even when pedal was not pressed stayed there I the red for a few seconds with no warning lights finally dropped and started knocking.

Engine complaints in other Alero years