Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Oldsmobile Alero owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and turning the ignition switch with the key, the ignition switch caught on fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
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
Noticed the windshield was leaking which cause to leak on equipment under inside and out dashboard witch caused erosion and defects to other operating equipment lead to car stalling while driving,some operations of will work, some won't. It has a mind of it's own,the security system on car does not work. I do not feel safe since I was driving down road on highway 55mph. And the car completely turn off, I turned ignition switch to turn car back on it was very scary moment. I didn't know what to do. But I wish I can afford to fix the car problems that has caused me a lot of misery financially emotionally feel safe with GM sealing front window properly on Alero I wouldn't have these problems in the first place! So not properly sealing and wiring diagram needs to be examined in my opinion all I want is to feel safe in any GM motors models not just me but others too . …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,640.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start due to the faulty pass lock system. The contact replaced the pass lock system and ignition switch but the failure recurred after the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fuel pump, the starter and the alternator were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle would only start by loosening the battery and the ignition key turned into the on position. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. After driving and arriving at her destination, the contact stated that the vehicle key came out of the ignition switch on its own. The contact stated that this was an every day occurrence ever since the vehicle was repaired for an ignition switch recall issued by the manufacturer in April of 2017. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and case number: 8-2930117201 was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The NHTSA campaign number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to autonation Chevrolet amarillo (2200 e I-40, amarillo, tx 79103) to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The contact received two new keys from the dealer, but they did not start the vehicle and the security indicator flashed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the engine stalled without warning while driving 35 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who performed diagnostic testing, which located a failure code at the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) would only update the keys; it would not replace the ignition switch. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 52% of the model year's 109 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical 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.