Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
The turn signals on my 2004 Alero goes in and out all of the time. The hazards will work but no turn signals. It is very hazardous because people can't see that I'm turning or changing lanes. I also got pulled over for not using my blinker because it wouldn't work. Also my horn hasn't worked for a long time. That is also a safety hazard.
Last summer my family and I loaded into my 2003 olds Alero gl for a trip. The passenger seat would click but not lock in place. The first time I tried to stop the vehicle, the seat slid forward with my wife in it. I've been to a local dealership 3 or 4 times and this still happens. Now that my warranty is expired I don't let anyone sit in that seat or I use my wife's car when carrying passengers to avoid the repair costs. A couple of months ago the drivers side window fell off track and and broke the mounting bracket on the glass, the repair bill was almost $400. About 2 weeks ago the window has started squeaking and rattling. I have stopped using it until I can get it to the dealership that did the repairs. …
Bought this 2003 olds Alero in 2005 with original warranty still in force, also purchased extended warranty. This vehicle had dash peeled back and material over glove box peeled when purchased, also cracked plastic on back passenger side. Molding around windshield was coming off and has since blown away. Had to purchase battery almost immediately and 4 new tires after purchase. Contacted dealership where purchased to get interior items repaired and was informed they did not do warranty work on this brand of vehicle, that I would have to call another dealer who sold this type of car. I did and was told that none of these repairs were covered under warranty. Also, running lights only one was working, found out it had been fixed and the bracket under which held the light was broken. Was told I would have to pay for all repairs out of pocket. …
On 9/26/2007 my 2002 olds Alero refused to start, I finally had to leave at at my job, it started the next day, I called the dealer (I had purchased it from drivetime) in nov 2006, they stated that I had to bring it to their approved mechanic, I took it there, their mechanic stated it was the fuel pump and it would cost 755.00. That included the drivers window which fell into the door for the second time, I called drivetime who then put me on a repair assistance program, I drove the car home, that same day the car would not start again, it is now January 2008 and I still do not have a working vehicle and am refusing to pay for it. The mechanic called me back and said that it is the computer and he cannot fix it I now have to have it towed to the nearest dealer who May or May not fix it free of charge. …
I have a 2 door 2002 olds. Alero that has many problems. My window regulators have broken on 3 different occasions. When this happens,my windows fall into the door and have no working capability. I went to an olds. Dealership to have this problem fixed. The dealership stated that the problem was not caused by anything I did. It costs a little over 1000.00 to fix both windows on every occasion that they break. I have paid this amount on two separate occasions and I feel that it's not right for me to be paying anything at all. I can't afford to get them fixed again nor do I feel that I have to. I continually drive around in the freezing cold weather w/broken windows that shouldn't have broken in the first place. I would really like someone to recall this problem because I have researched it and have found that I am not the first one to have this problem. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The module that controls the rear window defogger, located underneath the back panel by the rear window, becomes very hot and melts. It melted the connection and the box that contains the module. As a result, the defogger does not work. The vehicle has not been to a dealer or repair shop. The contact has found several complaints for this failure and believes a recall should be issued. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 80,000.
In the spring of 2003 my window, drivers side slid into the door jam. My boyfriend took the door off and we realized that the window regulator was bent and the plastic pieces that attach to the window to hold it up were broken. I called the dealership and was informed that it would cost $500.00 to fix it. $300.00 for the part and the rest in labor. I looked into getting a used part, so I began calling junk yards. A few had no regulators, however at fitzgeralds in Lincoln de I was told that I was the 4 or 5th person to call in regards to a regulator for an Alero. He stated that he could order the part wholesale and it would cost $120.00. I also began a search online and found a mechanic in ny that would fix my regulator or give me a repaired one for around $80.00, so I sent it to him. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Alero years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (48), 2000 (44), 2001 (28), 2002 (13) and 2003 (12) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Alero window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (92 mentions), followed by the glass, side/rear (13).
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.