Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The contact called multiple local dealers: Les Stanford Cadillac (21730 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, [phone]), Gordon Chevrolet, INC. (31850 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI 48135, [phone]) and James-Martin Chevrolet, INC. (6250 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, [phone]) and was informed that the accelerator pedal was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V528000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
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. …
While driving on a city road at approximately 40 MPH, the car randomly began accelerating on its own. I immediately pushed on the brake pedal only to discover the car continued to accelerate. I stomped on the brake as hard as possible to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I moved the gear shift to neutral to try to keep the car from accelerating but that did nothing. I was barely able to turn off onto a side street where I was able to shut of the engine and make the car stop before hitting other vehicles. The car's engine revved up so high that it sounded as if it were going to blow up the engine. Now there is oil leaking severely under the car after this incident.
I noticed an issue but thought it was all in my head because I had been pulled over for speeding on the way home from work because the car accelerated by without my foot on the pedal...although I was pulled over already to investigate why the car accelerated yet I still received a ticket .wasn't too sure what happened on 11/4 at about 3:10 pm I was involved in a motor vehicle accident turning the corner , the pedal stuck or wouldn't stop not too sure but I lost all control of vehicle trying to avoid a car on the right I swerved and hit the car on the left thus destroying my car and the other car in the process.
The accelerator pedal on my 2002 olds Alero is sticking. The first time this happened I was going down a mountain I live on and had to brake the entire time; I have never had to do that before. The second time it happened I was ended up going 40 on a flat road and my foot never hit the gas pedal. This has happened on several occasions since then and I'm not sure how to fix it. Thank you.
The accelerator (throttle) got stuck while my daughter was driving approx. 45 miles per hour and caused the car to run fast causing her not to be able to stop at a intersection sending the vehicle over a ditch and hurting her and the passenger. We have police report and pictures, no other car was involved.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. While traveling 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle immediately accelerated to 80 MPH and then slowed back down. When the contact stopped to get fuel, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the fuel pump failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who stated that the ignition switch, casing, and relay switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failures ceased. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign numbers: 07e021000 (fuel system) and 03V327000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 8/21/15 updated 10/18/2017
On July 25, 2005 I contacted Oldsmobile customer assistance center regarding service needed on my 2001 Alero. I stated that it was my understanding that the speed control accelerator pedal on my vehicle was the subject of a recall by the manufacturer. I have not, however, received any notice that corrective repairs will be performed. Specifically, my vehicle fails 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 I lift my foot from the accelerator pedal. As a result, failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA investigations
Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Alero years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (18), 1999 (14), 2003 (14), 2001 (13) and 2002 (6) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Alero acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-528 (accelerator pedal, Nov 1, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Alero acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (17 mentions), followed by the cruise control (16).
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.