Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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. While driving various speeds, the turn signals functioned intermittently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 08/02/16
I own a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. Recently, the turn signal and hazard lights work intermittently, occasionally, or sometimes not at all. I have viewed several complaints of owners via the internet with the same problem. I was informed via the makers of my vehicle that the year my vehicle was made, the problem, "if any" were fixed. I found that there had been work orders to allow the years before 2004 Oldsmobile Alero to be fixed free of charge for this same malfunction. I have called several part providers, and this part is unavailable. I have contacted the dealer, and for "fee", they first have to look at the vehicle, before they can tell me if they are able to get the part and if they can fix it. This is not only unsafe for me as a driver, but also for drivers and pedestrians who May be unsure of my turning intentions. …
I own a 2004 Alero Oldsmobile I purchased the car used in 2008. It later only had one recall which was for the ignition issues. While the car is on and in drive the key is still able to be pulled out of the ignition and the car still remains on and in drive. I am also experiencing my blinkers not working 100% of the time, (NHTSA campaign # for this issue is 03V327000). I can press the hazard light button quickly and frequently while pushing on the signal stick and that sometimes will make them work, other times that doesn't work and neither my signals nor hazard signals work at all. Lastly, and most frightening, in the midst of driving the vehicle has stalled, and will jump as the RPM's bounce back and forth, (NHTSA campaign # for this issue is 07e021000). …
Dt: beginning in November 2004 the consumer began to have problems with the electrical system in the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. When the vehicle was purchased the air bag light came on. The consumer was concerned that the air bag light will cause the air bags not to deploy in case of an accident. Also, she was concerned that the air bags would deploy when there was no accident. The vehicle has been to the repair shop 6 times due to brake problems.. When the vehicle had 20,000 miles it had to have the rotors turned and brake shoes replaced. The brakes were still making a humming noise. The dealership could not figure out why the vehicle was having problems with the air bag light or with the brakes. The cruise control, door panels, windows were inoperative. …
Vehicle turn signals work intermittently. The hazard lights, and turn signals will stop functioning going down the road, and will randomly start functioning again. Often in the middle of traffic I will be unable to signal because they have stopped functioning. I feel that this is very dangerous, as well as causes the vehicle's operator to inadvertently break traffic laws. I believe this exact problem was recalled in the same make, and model, but an earlier year. I think that the recall should be expanded to cover later model years, because the issue continued into the later model years. A simple internet search will show that this is a major problem with this vehicle, and many owners of this make and model have experienced it.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. While driving (MPH unknown) he heard a clicking noise when he activated the turn signal. In addition, the hazard lights were inoperable. There is a recall for the exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch (NHTSA campaign id #03V327000) however, the 2004 model year was not included. The switch interrupter was replaced however, the failure continued to occur. The current mileage was 55,203 and failure mileage was 55,150.
The blinkers only work 5 % of the time. I have almost been hit in the rear several times due to this issue. Neither blinker will work. I notice a recall was done on the 2001 olds Alero for this problem. I have a 2004 olds Alero that is having the same issue. The blinkers do not work due to a defective hazard warning light switch. A recall should be done on 2004 olds Alero.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that intermittently, the turn signals would independently activate and the hazard lights became operable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Headlight complaints in other Alero years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 19% of the model year's 109 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Oldsmobile Alero headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, though it has 1 recall 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 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.