SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← 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 →
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

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

14 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HERNIATED DISK TO THE NECK AND INJURIES TO THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HERNIATED DISK TO THE NECK AND INJURIES TO THE LOWER BACK AND HIP, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10633171

49,000 miles · May 27, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

LOCKED UP IGNITION SWITCH CRUISE CONTROL FELL APART GEAR SHIFT SHIFTER NOT SECURE AND SLIDES UP THE SHIFT.. BOTH OXYGEN SENSORS FAILED ALL FOUR WINDOWS ELECTRIC MOTORS, AND RACKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FRONT END VIBRATION WHEN STOPPED OR PARKED ON INCLINE DASH BOARD LEATHER COVER CAME LOOSE AND ROLLED UP LIKE A USED RUG OR…

Read full complaint

LOCKED UP IGNITION SWITCH CRUISE CONTROL FELL APART GEAR SHIFT SHIFTER NOT SECURE AND SLIDES UP THE SHIFT.. BOTH OXYGEN SENSORS FAILED ALL FOUR WINDOWS ELECTRIC MOTORS, AND RACKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FRONT END VIBRATION WHEN STOPPED OR PARKED ON INCLINE DASH BOARD LEATHER COVER CAME LOOSE AND ROLLED UP LIKE A USED RUG ORIGINAL FUEL FILTER HAVE TO BE PRIED OUT OF LINE AND THEN PIECES LEFT HAD TO BE REMOVED WITH NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS. FUEL GAUGE AS NEVER WORKED. NOW ITS RUNNING ABOUT 4 MILES AND THEN QUITS, SETS FOR 30 MINUTES AND DRIVE ANOTHER 4 MILES THEN QUITS. CODE READER SAYS ENGINE RUNNING LEAN, (PROBLEM IS 4 TO 5 SENSORS INCLUDING THE INJECTORS COULD BE CAUSING THIS, NO WAY TO TELL WITH REPLACING THEM UNTIL IT RUNS. THE EXPENSE OF THIS COULD BE 1000 TO 3000 DOLLARS. ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED , REPLACE SWITCH, ONLY WORKS PART OF THE TIME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10158446

58,588 miles · Nov 3, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE PARK POSITION AND VEHICLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND IN A 360 MOTION. THE PASSENGER JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A DEAD STOP WHEN IT HIT A DITCH HEAD ON. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI #10074064

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2004
Exterior LightingVehicle Speed ControlVisibility

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

NHTSA ODI #10093863

110,000 miles · Jun 25, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10079976

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2003
StructureVehicle Speed ControlVisibility

CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD MATERIAL PEELED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MATERIAL PEELED BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.*AK THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND BOTH DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS MOTOR BROKE. *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI #10032192

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2001
Electrical SystemEquipmentSteering

I HVE HAD THIS CAR FOR A YEAR NOW AND THEY HAVE DID OVER 7,000 DOLLARS REPAIRS ON IT SO FAR THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS ALERO. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #744966

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2001
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND OCCUPANT USED BRAKES TRYING TO STOP. ONCE VEHICLE WENT UP TO 80RPMS, SHIFTED GEARS AND IT WENT BACK DOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #878899

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2000
Vehicle Speed Control

I DID NOT HAVE THE CRUSE CONTROL SET, NOR WAS I USING IT. AS I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION AFTER I STOPPED, I TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR UNAIDED AND SPED ME INTO THE INTERSECTION. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON TWO DIFFERENT OCASSIONS ON MY WAY TO WORK. I AM SO AFRAID OF THIS CAR THAT I AM NOW DRIVING NOT OVER 30 MPH …

Read full complaint

I DID NOT HAVE THE CRUSE CONTROL SET, NOR WAS I USING IT. AS I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION AFTER I STOPPED, I TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR UNAIDED AND SPED ME INTO THE INTERSECTION. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON TWO DIFFERENT OCASSIONS ON MY WAY TO WORK. I AM SO AFRAID OF THIS CAR THAT I AM NOW DRIVING NOT OVER 30 MPH TO AND FROM WORK AND PARKING THE CAR - NOT TO DRIVE IT ELSEWHERE. OLDSMOBILE REFUSES TO RELEASE ME FROM MY LEASE. THE SHOP CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. OLDSMOBILE SAYS THEY MUST DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID IT WILL DUPLICATE WHILE I AM DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I CAN GET NO HELP FROM GM OR OLDSMOBILE. SINCE IT IS A LEASED VEHICLE, ALL I WANT IS RELEASED FROM THE LEASE SO THAT I CAN PURCHASE A SAFER CAR. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #733365

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2000
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH SUDDEN DEACCELERATION WHILE GAS PEDAL WAS STILL PRESSED, AND RPMS WERE BETWEEN 5 AND 6000. THAT HAD HAPPENED TO OTHER VEHICLES, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS THE CAUSE. CONSUMER HAD FIXED THE ROTORS AT THAT TIME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #868973

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.