Most common 2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Share of the 109 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 →
2004 Oldsmobile Alero recalls (1)
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.
What 2004 Oldsmobile Alero owners say
Electrical system all 57 →
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
Lights all 21 →
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
Engine & cooling
[redacted]: after a day of light driving after being stationary for about an hour and a half in colorado springs co (cool weather) upon starting the vehicle the temp needle went from cool to almost overheated in the under 30 mins it took to go from one store parking lot to the next nearby one. The vehicle became fully overheated & sparks / 1' flames emerged from the sides of the front hood. Upon being shut off the flames receded, after approx 30mins sitting the hood was lifted & fluids checked (all were at appropriate levels). The vehicle was started again & ran idle for 20 mins & the sparks / flames reappeared again so the vehicle was shut down & a ride called. Upon being picked up the next day the vehicle ran fine again for the most part with only slight overheating - it was taken for an engine wash / under hood at an appropriate facility to remove any flammable / combustible residue. …
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
2004 Oldsmobile Alero engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero a good car?
Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Alero rates better than average: 83% 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?
The electrical system — 57 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the lights (21) and engine & cooling (17).
How many recalls does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 22% 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.