IllustrationTHE CAR SIGNAL LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN THE SIGNALS ON THEY COME ON. THEN SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN THEM ON THEY DO NOTHING. THEY DON'T COME ON AT ALL. *TR
1999 Oldsmobile Alero
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 279.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Alero years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
150–25K
3625–50K
5550–75K
3575–100K
21100–150K
7150K+
169 reports with mileage · 293 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports11 fire reports13 injury reports
Exterior Lighting complaints
43 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNALS TO SWITCH LANES. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH BEGAN MAKING A RAPID, LOUD CLICKING NOISE THAT LASTED FOR AN HOUR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNALS TO SWITCH LANES. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH BEGAN MAKING A RAPID, LOUD CLICKING NOISE THAT LASTED FOR AN HOUR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDOW REGULATORS FIVE TIMES BECAUSE THE PLASTIC BREAKS AND CAUSES THE REGULATORS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 142,000.
ON THE 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO THE TURNING SIGNAL WORKS OCCASIONALLY. I CONTACT GM TO REPORT THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE SENT A FORM TO FILL OUT FOR RECALL AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED. THIS RAISES A PROBLEMS DRIVING AND IS NOT A SAFE WAY TO DRIVE. I HAVE HAD MY FUSES' CHANGED AND THE TURNING SIGNALS STILL DOESN'T WORK ALL THE T…
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ON THE 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO THE TURNING SIGNAL WORKS OCCASIONALLY. I CONTACT GM TO REPORT THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE SENT A FORM TO FILL OUT FOR RECALL AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED. THIS RAISES A PROBLEMS DRIVING AND IS NOT A SAFE WAY TO DRIVE. I HAVE HAD MY FUSES' CHANGED AND THE TURNING SIGNALS STILL DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME. *TR
THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS LIGHTS WORK PERIODICALLY. IT APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING FAULTY IN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO. IF YOU HIT THE DASH HARD ENOUGH THEY WILL BEGIN WORKING BUT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS B/C YOU DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK OR WHEN THEY WILL NOT WORK. *JB
IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS THREE OUT OF 4 WINDOWS ON MY VEHICLE ARE NOW HELD UP WITH DUCT TAPE SO THAT THEY DON'T FALL INTO THE CHANNEL AND I CAN'T GET THEM UP. LUCKILY, ONLY ONE OF THEM MANAGED TO DO THAT AND A FRIEND MANAGED TO GET IT BACK UP FOR ME. THAT OCCURRED AT THE END OF JANUARY 2006. I COULD UNDERSTAND ONE- MAYBE- BUT THR…
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IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS THREE OUT OF 4 WINDOWS ON MY VEHICLE ARE NOW HELD UP WITH DUCT TAPE SO THAT THEY DON'T FALL INTO THE CHANNEL AND I CAN'T GET THEM UP. LUCKILY, ONLY ONE OF THEM MANAGED TO DO THAT AND A FRIEND MANAGED TO GET IT BACK UP FOR ME. THAT OCCURRED AT THE END OF JANUARY 2006. I COULD UNDERSTAND ONE- MAYBE- BUT THREE!!! NO. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. I SUSPECT THE ONLY REASON THAT MY ONE WORKING WINDOW, THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE, IS STILL WORKING IS BECAUSE I HAVEN'T TRIED TO PUT IT DOWN- OR THE RESULT WOULD BE THE SAME. I AM SURE THAT IS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, SO I GUESS I'LL GO WITH THE DUCT TAPE FOR A WHILE. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, THE GASKETS ON THAT WERE REPLACED IN JANUARY, 2006. I WAS LOSING ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OVERFLOW TANK, AND HAVING TO FILL IT EVERY DAY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY FOUND THE WATER PUMP LEAKING AND THE INTAKE GASKETS LEAKING. THEY WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. AND... THE INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL IS ALSO A PROBLEM. THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THAT, LIKE YOU DID FOR THE 2000- 2001 VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT. THE INTERIOR TRIM ON THIS VEHICLE IS SHODDY, AND THAT IS BEING KIND. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 23 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT TO OUR HOUSE IN JUNE, 1999. IN LESS THAN A YEAR A DOOR PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAD COME APART. THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN PEELING FOR ABOUT 11/2 YEARS BECAUSE THEY USED CHEAP GLUE TO HOLD THE COVERING ON THE PLASTIC. I REALIZE THAT YOU CONSIDER THAT COSMETIC, BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING: I CHECK EVERY ALERO I SEE IN A PARKING LOT AND THERE ARE A LOT WITH PEELING DASHBOARDS. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THAT- THEY CAUSED THE PROBLEM. GM CAUSED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE BY DOING IT ON THE CHEAP. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THEM, AND IT SHOULDN'T BE. I DON'T MIND PAYING FOR ROUTINE REPAIRS, I EXPECT THAT, BUT THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT "ROUTINE".*NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COMPUTER COMPONENT TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V327000/ INVESTIGATION NUMBER RQ04005. THERE WAS A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN …
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COMPUTER COMPONENT TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V327000/ INVESTIGATION NUMBER RQ04005. THERE WAS A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEING DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK UPDATED 12/7/2005. *NM
DT: 1999 WITH 22,000 MILES ON THE CAR. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO PUSH THE HAZARD SWITCH IT SUNK INTO THE DASHBOARD. AND COULDN'T GET THE FLASHER TO GO OFF. CONSUMER TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING BROKE BEHIND THE SWITCH, WHEN THE SWITCHED WAS PUSHED. CONSUMER HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR TO T…
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DT: 1999 WITH 22,000 MILES ON THE CAR. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO PUSH THE HAZARD SWITCH IT SUNK INTO THE DASHBOARD. AND COULDN'T GET THE FLASHER TO GO OFF. CONSUMER TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING BROKE BEHIND THE SWITCH, WHEN THE SWITCHED WAS PUSHED. CONSUMER HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD REPAIRS DONE.*AK
THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WORKS INTERMITTANTLY ON MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. AFTER LOOKING INTO SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MANY 2000 ALEROS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IT STOPS I CAN NORMALLY GET IT TO WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES LONGER BY PUSHING THE TOP OF THE SWITCH DOWN OR WIGGLING IT. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $100 TO …
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THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WORKS INTERMITTANTLY ON MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. AFTER LOOKING INTO SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MANY 2000 ALEROS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IT STOPS I CAN NORMALLY GET IT TO WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES LONGER BY PUSHING THE TOP OF THE SWITCH DOWN OR WIGGLING IT. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $100 TO REPLACE IT. I REFUSED AND PURCHASED THE SWITCH MYSELF FOR $30. SEEMS VERY ODD THAT GM WOULD RECALL MANY CARS WITH THE SAME SWITCH AND SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT OTHERS. WANTED TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THIS SWTICH IS A PROBLEM IN EARLIER MODELS OF THE ALERO AS WELL. *AK
I HAVE A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BLINKERS AND HAZARD LIGHTS. BOTH DO NOT ALWAYS WORK AND I HAVE HAD THEM CHECKED OUT BY MY DEALER. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE MY WARRANTY RAN OUT, AND THERE IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ME, BUT MUST BE SOME KIND OF MALFUNCTION. *AK
BOTH WINDOWS ON MY CAR HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR. BEFORE FALLING INTO THE DOOR THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE AND THE A LOUD POP. *NM
Official recalls
314V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
00V140000 · Structure:body
May 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
98V320000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Dec 15, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.