Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
[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. …
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile alera. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the temperature gauge increased and white smoke or mist emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine block was cracked and recommended that the vehicle be taken to a radiator specialist, who diagnosed that there was a crack in the block and the engine manifold. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 215,015. The VIN was not available. ....updated 07/05/16
2002 oldsmobile alero was driving on interstate and very low on fuel when i exited the interstate at the street light it turned green and as i was accelerating my car stalled out and since then ive pur 2 gallons of fuel in it and now it cranks but wont start up and now it back fires when trying to start it and my security light is off and I'm getting fuel pressure in the front rail and I got spark and yea my fuel pump is humming.
These cars are nightmares. I replaced the intake manifold gasket (extremely common issue, well documented online), the oil pressure sensor broke off the engine and leaked all of oil out, replaced the thermostat, learned how to deal with a constantly defective security system (passlock defect causes a no start, extremely common and well documented online), and now the car will crank but not fire (also extremely common, but due to the nature of the problem, the online resources can only provide one of a hundred different places to start attempting to diagnose). A no start should not require a mechanic to throw a full battery of tests at the car. There is no way this car should have been legal to sell, it is a money pit and a hazard to anybody around them. …
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.
After having recall of ign. Key performed, the key became hard to turn on, catching and having to wiggle to start the engine. Vehicle has stalled while driving 3 times, loosing power breaks and steering, coast to stop, and vehicle starts again. Feel this is directly connected and caused by the faulty key and ignition system, appears the faulty key has caused the tumbler to wear-out, and any jarring of the key and or dash results in ignition to shut off. I have contacted GM and they refuse to address the problem, saying this recall would not cause the system to fail.. Saying because of the high mileage on the vehicle, it is not there fault. And I must pay for the repair.. But I pray to differ, if the defective key and ign. Unit were not at fault, then the key/tumbler would not have worn-out.
The intake manifold gasket is failing, introducing coolant to engine oil. This problem is a result of a poor design. General motors has been aware of the problem for years. However, GM currently does not have a recall on these vehicles. While the part itself isn't costly, the labor to repair it is very intensive, and has been quoted around $800. Recalls should be mandated in all cases of incompetence, not solely when it affects public safety!
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Alero years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (88), 1999 (85), 2001 (61), 2002 (41) and 2003 (29) model years. Engine complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Alero engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Oldsmobile Alero model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Alero engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (48 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (34).
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.