Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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
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!
Purchased 2003 Alero on oct 8, 2009 on oct. 9th car would not start or jump, ABS and security light was on, radio turned off. Had it towed back to dealer who looked at it the next day and the car started right up and they could not duplicate the problem so they did not do any work to it. On oct 15 while my daughter was driving the vehicle onto the interstate the ABS light and security light came on and the steering wheel turned sharply to the left and she could not control the vehicle. This caused an accident with injuries. The diagnostic report was limited due to the extent of damage to the vehicle and the only code they could get to register was that the ABS code was on. Was told that the diagnostic did not show anything else but diagnostics was limited anyways because the vehicle was not drivable anymore.
Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation someone referred me to this site
I was driving along, I had defroster on, rear window defroster started smoking, melted the rear window trim and rear passenger panel. I stopped the car and turn off engine. Called fire department, took the car to the mechanic, found that the defroster module went bad. The defroster module and wire harness for rear window was replaced. Lots of smoke damage to interior of car.
The contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The consumer stated the vehicle was junked 3 or 4 yrs ago because of the computer going out on the vehicle.
The car will shut off while driving/idling. There are no check engine lights. Took it to get the latest recall fixed that had to do with this and they just gave us new keys. It did not remedy the situation! Now we are paying to fix it because it is still shutting off while driving.
Related 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Alero years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (133), 2001 (130), 2003 (103), 1999 (89) and 2000 (89) model years. Electrical complaints make up 48% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition › anti-theft › control module (44 mentions), followed by the ignition › switch (38).
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.