IllustrationFRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE CAUSING IT TO RUB AGAINST THE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING! THIS HAPPENED ON A COUNTRY ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH! *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
Suspension complaints
46 reports1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SS ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR INVOICE, THE VEHICLE HAD AN EVAP LEAK AND THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. *JB
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND MY FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING SNAPPED IN HALF AND DESTROYED THE TIRE. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED AND REPAIRED AT A SHOP. WITH COST OF NEW TIRE IT WAS NEARLY 400 DOLLARS. JUST A FEW DAYS AGO NOW I HAD MY CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND WENT TO MOVE SOME BOXES AND NOTICED A PIECE OF COIL LA…
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ABOUT A YEAR AGO I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND MY FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING SNAPPED IN HALF AND DESTROYED THE TIRE. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED AND REPAIRED AT A SHOP. WITH COST OF NEW TIRE IT WAS NEARLY 400 DOLLARS. JUST A FEW DAYS AGO NOW I HAD MY CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND WENT TO MOVE SOME BOXES AND NOTICED A PIECE OF COIL LAYING UNDER MY CAR BY THE BACK RIGHT TIRE. THIS COIL HAS SNAPPED AS WELL WHILE JUST SITTING IN THE GARAGE. I WAS LUCKY TO NOTICE IT THIS TIME BEFORE I DROVE OFF. THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEEDS. THERE IS NO REASON THE COIL SPRINGS SHOULD BE RANDOMLY BREAKING LIKE THIS. *TR
I AM ASHAMED TO SAY I OWN A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I BOUGHT IT LAST YEARS AS A BACK-UP CAR, SO WE WOULD HAVE TRANSPORTATION SHOULD ONE OF OUR NEWER VEHICLE HAVE PROBLEMS. I GAVE $2000 FOR IT AND HAVE SPENT JUST AS MUCH ON REPAIRS. THE TURN SIGNALS ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY THOUGH EVERY FUSE IN IT HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE ANTI-LOCK …
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I AM ASHAMED TO SAY I OWN A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. I BOUGHT IT LAST YEARS AS A BACK-UP CAR, SO WE WOULD HAVE TRANSPORTATION SHOULD ONE OF OUR NEWER VEHICLE HAVE PROBLEMS. I GAVE $2000 FOR IT AND HAVE SPENT JUST AS MUCH ON REPAIRS. THE TURN SIGNALS ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY THOUGH EVERY FUSE IN IT HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE ANTI-LOCK BREAK LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS ON. THE FRONT PASSENGER STRUT BROKE AND BLEW OUT THE TIRE IN THE PROCESS. I WAS FORTUNATE I WASN'T KILLED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AND NOW THE HEATER BLOWER HAS STARTED MAKING AN AWFUL NOISE, SO IT WILL LIKELY NEED TO BE REPLACED SOON. IN ADDITION THE CHANGE OIL LIGHT STAYS ON, I HAVE HAD IT TO NUMEROUS SHOPS AND NO ONE CAN DETERMINE WHY IT WON'T RESET. THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH FROM ALL OF THIS ARE A CONSIDERABLE DISTRACTION AS WELL AS ALL THE PROBLEMS THEY POINT TO. I AM APPALLED THAT IN THE USA WE PUT A STAMP OF APPROVAL ON SUCH A HORRIBLE VEHICLE. IN MY OPINION THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH ONE THAT RUNS PROPERLY. IT IS ABSURD AND DANGEROUS. I AM FORTUNATE I WAS NOT GOING A HIGH SPEED WHEN EITHER STRUT BROKE...OH NEARLY FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE STRUT ALSO BROKE JUST THIS WEEK. MY BIGGEST QUESTION IS, WHO'S NAME DO I GIVE TO MY LAWYER WHEN I AM FORCED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND SOMEONE IS HURT? IT IS LIKELY, GIVEN THE HAZARDS THAT COME WITH THIS CAR THAT EVENTUALLY SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN. I JUST PRAY I WON'T HAVE TO DRIVE IT MUCH. *TR
1999 ALERO PARKED IN GARAGE WITH 110000 MILE ON IT. I LIVE IN ND . BAKE UP AND FRONT LEFT TIRE BLOWOUT COIL SPRING HAD BUSTED I LOOKED AT I DID NOT SEE ANY RUST
PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK ON 5/4/07 AND HEARD A LOUD POP, STOPPED VEHICLE AND CHECKED BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME (ABOUT 1/2 MILE) AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT TIRE AREA. PULLED UP TO MY HOME AND THERE WAS A SOUND LIKE A GUN SHOT AND MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. TRIPLE "A"…
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PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK ON 5/4/07 AND HEARD A LOUD POP, STOPPED VEHICLE AND CHECKED BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME (ABOUT 1/2 MILE) AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT TIRE AREA. PULLED UP TO MY HOME AND THERE WAS A SOUND LIKE A GUN SHOT AND MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. TRIPLE "A" TOW TRUCK FOUND THAT MY RIGHT FRONT STRUT SPRING HAD BROKEN IN A WEAK SPOT AND OBLITERATED MY TIRE. CAR WAS TOWED TO BUCKEYE COLLISION AND I AM WAITING ON A ESTIMATE OF DAMAGE/REPAIR COST. I DON'T KNOW IF BUCKEYE COLLISION IS A CERTIFIED REPAIR PLACE FOR GM BUT I WOULD LIKE GM TO PAY FOR THIS AND MAKE IT RIGHT. I NOW WORRY ABOUT THE LEFT STRUT AND CANNOT AFFORD THIS KIND OF MAJOR REPAIR. PLEASE POST THIS MESSAGE AND CONTACT GM AND ANY OTHER REPORTING AGENCIES. THIS COULD LEAD TO A DEATH OF AN INNOCENT PERSON IF DRIVING FAST ON HIGHWAY. *TR
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…
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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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERABLE, A BURNING SMELL APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSING WATER. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY, WIRING, SPARK PLUG…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERABLE, A BURNING SMELL APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSING WATER. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY, WIRING, SPARK PLUG WIRING AND A BELT WERE REPLACED. THE WATER PUMP AND WINDOW SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE BLOWER MOTOR NEEDED TO CLEANED OUT. THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE UPDATED 05/01/06.*JB
FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. SPRING WAS NOT RUSTED. PIECES WERE EXTREMELY SHARP AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED TIRE EASILY. COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEED. I REPLACED BOTH SPRINGS BUT DID NOT THINK TO KEEP BUSTED ONE. *JB
DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO - CONSUMER'S CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE HUB ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS THE REAR PASSENGER STRUTS SHEARED OFF. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF AND THE CAR TURNED SIDEWAYS AND WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, BUT THE CAR DID FLIP SIDE WAYS. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE FR…
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DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO - CONSUMER'S CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE HUB ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS THE REAR PASSENGER STRUTS SHEARED OFF. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF AND THE CAR TURNED SIDEWAYS AND WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, BUT THE CAR DID FLIP SIDE WAYS. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO BREAK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PART. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS ONE INJURY.*AK *JB
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.