← New search

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 →

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

Steering complaints

30 reports
Clear category filter
117,000 miles · Dec 19, 2017
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOTICED THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE AND DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOTICED THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE AND DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE FOR THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11055484

90,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10658797

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

POWER WINDOWS HAVE BOTH WENT OUT HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR FOR THAT, 2 TIMES NOW THE RACK AND PINION HAS CAME OUT AND 2 TIMES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALTENATOR HAD TO REPLACE OVERFLOW RESORVOIR I DONT FIND THIS TO BE A RELIABLE OR SAFE CAR TO BE IN. I BOUGHT IT USED SO WHO KNOWS WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE I GOT IT I FORGOT TO MENTION…

Read full complaint

POWER WINDOWS HAVE BOTH WENT OUT HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR FOR THAT, 2 TIMES NOW THE RACK AND PINION HAS CAME OUT AND 2 TIMES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALTENATOR HAD TO REPLACE OVERFLOW RESORVOIR I DONT FIND THIS TO BE A RELIABLE OR SAFE CAR TO BE IN. I BOUGHT IT USED SO WHO KNOWS WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE I GOT IT I FORGOT TO MENTION MY PART-TIME SIGNAL LIGHTS THEY WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO AND I HAD TO REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSER I HAVE ONLY HAD CAR 5 YRS MYSELF AND ITS SO NOT WORTH THE MONEY I HAVE PUT INTO IT THE DATES VARY BUT THE FIRST WAS IN 2004 AND THE LAST WAS 2009. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355125

10,375 miles · May 1, 2009
Fuel System, GasolineSteeringVisibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REGULATOR AND MOTOR. IN ADDITION, THE RUBBER CHANNEL THAT IS LOCATED INSIDE THE WINDOW WAS NOT TIGHT AND COULD CAUSE THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT AND SHATTER. THE WINDOW FAILURE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE ALS…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REGULATOR AND MOTOR. IN ADDITION, THE RUBBER CHANNEL THAT IS LOCATED INSIDE THE WINDOW WAS NOT TIGHT AND COULD CAUSE THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT AND SHATTER. THE WINDOW FAILURE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS FAILING. HE HEARD A TICKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DROVE DIFFERENTLY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STEERING CORRECTLY. THE DEALER STILL REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE HIS COMPLAINT TO BE A PRIORITY BECAUSE HE IS A VIETNAM VETERAN WITH MULTIPLE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES AND A LIMITED INCOME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,375 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

NHTSA ODI #10267483

75,000 miles · Jan 26, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE HAD AN 99' OLDSMOBILE ALERO FOR 7 YEARS. IT HAS HAD ALMOST EVERY PROBLEM LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE. IT HAS HAD AN OVER HEATING PROBLEM EVERY YEAR SINCE I GOT IT AND I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, POOR INTERIOR MANUFACTURER, AC/HEATER BLOWER MOTOR SETTINGS FAILURE, FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, TRA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD AN 99' OLDSMOBILE ALERO FOR 7 YEARS. IT HAS HAD ALMOST EVERY PROBLEM LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE. IT HAS HAD AN OVER HEATING PROBLEM EVERY YEAR SINCE I GOT IT AND I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, POOR INTERIOR MANUFACTURER, AC/HEATER BLOWER MOTOR SETTINGS FAILURE, FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE, POOR SPRINGS/STRUTS, GEAR SLIPPING, HARD STARTING, WATER LEAKING IN FROM RAIN UNDER GLOVE COMPARTMENT, OFF ALIGNMENT (SET THREE TIMES IN YEAR), POOR GAS MILEAGE, OVERHEATING OR RUNNING ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND SUDDEN OVERHEATING WITHOUT NOTICE OF GAUGE LIGHTS OR SOUNDS. HAS HAD FRONT RIGHT CALIPER FAILURE LOCKING BRAKE PADS DOWN AGAINST ROTOR CAUSING BURNOUT OF PADS,ROTOR WARPING, CALIPER CYLINDER DAMAGE. HAS HAD POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKAGE. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH SELLING UNSAFE, WORTHLESS VEHICLES. THE ONLY REASON I STILL HAVE MINE RUNNING IS BECAUSE I HAVE PUT A LOT OF PERSONAL AS WELL AS PAID LABOR INTO ITS UPKEEP OVER THE YEARS DUE TO THAT I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10180772

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2005
Steering

NOTICED PLAY AND LOOSENESS IN STEERING HAD IT CHECK OUT BY MECHANIC AND FOUND IT WAS MY RACK AND PINION I AM REPLACING IT WITH ANOTHER USED PART. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136662

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Air

REAR DEFROSTER, STEERING, BRAKES (3X'S), ENGINE, RADIATOR, BELT, SECURITY SYSTERM, TAPE DECK, POWER WINDOWS.

NHTSA ODI #10128844

32,000 miles · Nov 11, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentSteering

PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY'03. BAD VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH, TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED 4+ TIMES, BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING/HUB KITS REPLACED IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, STILL OCCURS AND HAVE JUST GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO THE SHAKING. ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS: REPLACED PUMP AND "O" RING. POWER STEERING …

Read full complaint

PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY'03. BAD VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH, TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED 4+ TIMES, BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING/HUB KITS REPLACED IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, STILL OCCURS AND HAVE JUST GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO THE SHAKING. ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS: REPLACED PUMP AND "O" RING. POWER STEERING PUMP AND RETURN HOSE REPLACED. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT ROLL BACK UP(BELIEVE DEALERSHIP REPLACED PRIO TO PURCHASE). DRIVER SIDE MIRROR MOTOR HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, DEALER(IN ROCHESTER) PUT ON RECEIPT OF LAST REPAIR THAT THEY REPLACED MOTOR, BUT DIDN'T ACTUALLY HAVE PART, BUT WAS ON ORDER. NEVER RECEIVED A PHONE CALL BACK WHEN OR IF PART CAME IN(DEALERSHIP IS OVER 300 MILES FROM MY HOME, PURCHASED CAR ON THE INTERNET).*JB

NHTSA ODI #10098708

134,000 miles · Feb 26, 2004
Steering

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID, THAT STOPPED THE NOISE. ALSO, CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING SOUND WHEN RIGHT TURNS WERE MADE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10059867

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringStructure

WITHIN MY 36,000 OF DRIVING FROM 50,222 TO 86,119 MY INTAKE GASKETS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. MY RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT THE RACK WAS REPLACED WHILE THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE CAR. RECENTLY I REALIZED WHY WATER WAS GETTING INTO MY PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHIC…

Read full complaint

WITHIN MY 36,000 OF DRIVING FROM 50,222 TO 86,119 MY INTAKE GASKETS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. MY RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT THE RACK WAS REPLACED WHILE THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE CAR. RECENTLY I REALIZED WHY WATER WAS GETTING INTO MY PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE WINDOW SEAL IS SHIFTED CAUSING THE WINDOW TO LEAK IF THE CAR IS PARKED AT CERTAIN INCLINES. THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY MY PRE-OWNED VEHICLE WARRANTY. ALL MAJOR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COVERED BY MY WARRANTY AND ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS HAVE BEE QUOTE "EATEN" BY REPAIR FACILITIES.

NHTSA ODI #10069523

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.