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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 →
462Owner complaints

Model-year median: 279

3Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
2
1998462
1999557
2000364
2001279
2002
Compare all Alero years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
111Electrical System
89Engine And Engine Cooling
85Visibility
56Suspension
46
All reported categories
Exterior Lighting
43Power Train
34Steering
30Structure
29Fuel System, Gasoline
25Air Bags
14Vehicle Speed Control
14Seat Belts
11Seats
10Unknown Or Other
10Wheels
9Equipment
8Fuel System, Other
5Parking Brake
5Service Brakes, Air
5Fuel/propulsion System
3Interior Lighting
2Tires
2Latches/locks/linkages
1Service Brakes
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Power Train complaints

34 reports
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27,600 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVisibility

1. PERSISTANT SCRAPING NOISE FROM FT END SINCE 10/21/01. CAVENDAR MECHANICS EVALUTED PROBLEM 4-6 SEPARATE TIMES W/ DIFFERENT PROGNOSIS EACH TIME, LATER DETERMINED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 3/18/02. CURRENTLY STILL HAVING SAME SCRAPING NOISE AND FLUID(REDISH) LEAKAGE FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE 2. 3 WINDOW MOTORS FAILED /REPAIRED 3.…

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1. PERSISTANT SCRAPING NOISE FROM FT END SINCE 10/21/01. CAVENDAR MECHANICS EVALUTED PROBLEM 4-6 SEPARATE TIMES W/ DIFFERENT PROGNOSIS EACH TIME, LATER DETERMINED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 3/18/02. CURRENTLY STILL HAVING SAME SCRAPING NOISE AND FLUID(REDISH) LEAKAGE FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE 2. 3 WINDOW MOTORS FAILED /REPAIRED 3. TWICE ALTERNATOR FAILURE/REPAIRED W/2 SEPERATE ALTS

NHTSA ODI #10068827

62,339 miles · Sep 17, 2003
Power Train

CAR WOULD NOT EXCEED BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. AT THE TIME I WAS ON MAJOR HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED AND WAS CONSEQUENTLY REPLACED WITH USED TRANSMISSION SUPPLIED BY PURCHASED WARRANTY TO AUTO SHOP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10039085

65,000 miles · Aug 27, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

BAD VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.HAD WHEELS ALIGNED,TIRES BALANCED, TIE RODS ,BOTH FRONT AXLES, BOTH FRONT BEARINGS, FRONT DISC BRAKES(ROTORS AND PADS), BOTH FRONT STRUTS REPLACED. VIBRATION AT TIMES GETS BAD ENOUGH TO LOSE CONTROL. NONE OF THE ABOVE SOLUTIONS FIXED THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10036687

48,750 miles · May 1, 2003
Power Train

1999 OLDS ALERO 3.4L; STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, AT IDLE IN DRIVE, SPEEDOMETER PEGGED TO 140MPH, AND HELD FOR ~10 SEC. UPON CHANING OF THE LIGHT, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, AND THROTTLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SIMILAR TO WHAT OCCURS WHEN THE SPEED LIMITER IS EXCEEDED. THE CONDITION OCCURED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO …

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1999 OLDS ALERO 3.4L; STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, AT IDLE IN DRIVE, SPEEDOMETER PEGGED TO 140MPH, AND HELD FOR ~10 SEC. UPON CHANING OF THE LIGHT, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, AND THROTTLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SIMILAR TO WHAT OCCURS WHEN THE SPEED LIMITER IS EXCEEDED. THE CONDITION OCCURED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL SPEED REPORTING AND ENGINE OPERATION. NO SES LIGHT NOT TRACTION CONTROL ALRET WERE WITNESSED DURING THE EVENT. SUBSEQUENT READING OF THE ECM TROUBLE CODES SHOWS NO 'SNAPSHOT' DATA OF AN IMPENDING FAULT.

NHTSA ODI #10016820

65,950 miles · Mar 10, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, ANYMORE. ROARS LOUDLY RATHER THAN SHIFTS. WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AT 30+ MPH CAR ACTS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON - DECELERATES EXTREMELY SLOW. RPMS STAY AT 2200+ AT 35 MPH. ALSO NOW A LITTLE HIGHER ON TEMPERATURE GAUGE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10010237

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2002
Power Train

WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE KNOB ON THE SHIFT COLUMN FELL OFF AND COULD NOT BE PLACED IN GEAR. (ALL DONE WITH THE CONSUMERS FOOT ON THE BRAKE) CONSUMER HAD IMMEDIATELY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER-IN WHICH HE AND A SERVICE TECH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF (CONSUMERS FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE). *SC…

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WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE KNOB ON THE SHIFT COLUMN FELL OFF AND COULD NOT BE PLACED IN GEAR. (ALL DONE WITH THE CONSUMERS FOOT ON THE BRAKE) CONSUMER HAD IMMEDIATELY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER-IN WHICH HE AND A SERVICE TECH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF (CONSUMERS FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE). *SCC

NHTSA ODI #567625

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2002
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

BOUGHT CAR NEW WITH 23MILES.IN LESS THAN 3 MTHS, FRONT STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED.CAR NOW HAS 21000MILES AND HAVE ALSO HAD ROTORS SANDED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, EVENTUALLY REPLACED.GEAR SHIFT BROKE RIGHT OFF,STUCK IN PARKING LOT UNABLE TO SHIFT.EXTERIOR PAINT MOULDINS AT DOOR/WINDOW CLOSURE CHIPPED AWAY,HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRONT PASSENG…

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BOUGHT CAR NEW WITH 23MILES.IN LESS THAN 3 MTHS, FRONT STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED.CAR NOW HAS 21000MILES AND HAVE ALSO HAD ROTORS SANDED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, EVENTUALLY REPLACED.GEAR SHIFT BROKE RIGHT OFF,STUCK IN PARKING LOT UNABLE TO SHIFT.EXTERIOR PAINT MOULDINS AT DOOR/WINDOW CLOSURE CHIPPED AWAY,HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRONT PASSENGER DASH LEAKING WATER,FIXED. DRIVER&PASSENGER DOOR /FLOOR MOULDINGS LEAKING WATER,FIXED. BLINKERS WORKED WHENEVER THEY FELT LIKE IT,FIXED.SHAKING WHEN TRYING TO STOP OVER 35MPH. PULLING TO THE LEFT OVER 35MPH.PLEASE LOOK INTO!! THIS IS NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND WHEN I BOUGHT A NEW CAR. I HAVE 1 YEAR LEFT ON 3/36, WHAT THEN? I DIDN'T INTEND ON PAYING $350/A MONTH FOR A CAR AND $$$ TO HAVE IT FIXED CONSTANTLY.NEVERMIND THE AGGRAVATION OF HAVING TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER AND BE WITHOUT A CAR ALL THE TIME. JUST TO HAVETO RETURN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.IF I WANTED TO BE WITHOUT A CAR ALL THE TIME, I COULD HAVE JUST TAKEN THE BUS.THEY'RE COVERING IT UP.THEY'RE MAKING SHORT-TERM,CHEAP FIXES TO MAJOR PROBLEMS, IN HOPES THAT OUR WARRANTIES WILL RUN OUT BEFORE THEY HAVE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.PLEASE LOOK INTO!! ANY INFO WILL BE APPRECIATED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #757868

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT BRAKES ARE BAD, DEALERSHIP MADE REPAIRS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #563702

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSeat Belts

ENGINE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED TWICE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #785716

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2001
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE GOING INTO GEAR AT 45 TO 50 MPH, BUT VEHICLE WILL EVENUTALLY GO INTO GEAR. MOST PROBLEM IS WHEN GOING INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION WITH A FACTORY REBUILT ONE. ALSO, AS SOON AS VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE LOT REBUILT TRANSMISSION HESITATED T…

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TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE GOING INTO GEAR AT 45 TO 50 MPH, BUT VEHICLE WILL EVENUTALLY GO INTO GEAR. MOST PROBLEM IS WHEN GOING INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION WITH A FACTORY REBUILT ONE. ALSO, AS SOON AS VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE LOT REBUILT TRANSMISSION HESITATED TO GO INTO FIRST GEAR. DEALER THEN STATED IT WAS THE PRESSURE VALVE ASSEMBLY. *AK *YH

NHTSA ODI #896837

Official recalls

3

14V400000 · 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

1

RQ04005 · 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.