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
What owners actually said
462 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2000
Suspension
THIS PROBLEM ARISES FROM SOMETHING IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE STRUTS OR WHEEL WELL RUBBING AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE FRONT TIRES AND ABRATING THE THREAD AND STEEL BELTING AWAY UNTIL THE TIRE FAILS. THIS PROBLEM MAY ARISE FROM CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL WELL WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS, AS THE TIRE DID NOT FAIL UNTIL ABOUT 30,000 MILES OF NO…
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THIS PROBLEM ARISES FROM SOMETHING IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE STRUTS OR WHEEL WELL RUBBING AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE FRONT TIRES AND ABRATING THE THREAD AND STEEL BELTING AWAY UNTIL THE TIRE FAILS. THIS PROBLEM MAY ARISE FROM CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL WELL WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS, AS THE TIRE DID NOT FAIL UNTIL ABOUT 30,000 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING, AND AS THE LEFT HAND SIDE FRONT TIRE IS SOMEWHAT LESS ABRATED ROUND THE SAME CIRCUMFERENCE AREA. THIS PROBLEM MADE MY CAR A DEATH TRAP. REPLACING THE TIRES WILL NOT MAKE THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE FOR VERY LONG, IF AT ALL. THIS PROBLEM IS URGENT REGARDING THE SAFETY OF HUGE NUMBER OF OTHER ALERO DRIVERS AND EVERYONE WHO IS AROUND IT IN TRAFFIC. TIME IS OF ESSENCE IN GIVING ATTENTION TO THIS PROBLEM. MANY LIVES MAY BE AT STAKE. AS THE CLOCK TICKS, IF FEAR WHAT OTHER ALERO DRIVERS AND THOSE IN TRAFFIC AROUND IT MAY FACE IF THE OTHER ALEROS' HAVE FRONT TIRES TO BLOW OUT. PLEASE ASSURE ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING THE ATTENTION THAT IT SHOULD HAVE FROM THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #725841
Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2000
Electrical System
ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, 10 THOUSAND MILES AND SEVERAL MONTHS APART THE IGNITION CYLINDER FROZE LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO START AND THE DRIVER STRANDED. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT DEALER DURING SERVICE AND CUSTOMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. SECOND FAILURE HAPPENED IN CUSTOMERS DRIVEWAY AND REQUIRED TOWING. TOW TRUCK OWN…
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ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, 10 THOUSAND MILES AND SEVERAL MONTHS APART THE IGNITION CYLINDER FROZE LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO START AND THE DRIVER STRANDED. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT DEALER DURING SERVICE AND CUSTOMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. SECOND FAILURE HAPPENED IN CUSTOMERS DRIVEWAY AND REQUIRED TOWING. TOW TRUCK OWNER MENTIONED HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON OTHER ALERO'S RECENTLY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #724936
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2000
Parking BrakePower Train
WHEN EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED VEHICLE WOULD ROLL OR JERK. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBELM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #864143
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND UPON APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY VIBRATED AND TREMBLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #864086
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2000
Structure
WHEN VEHICLE SITS IN HEAVY RAIN REAR FLOOR FLOODS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #863910
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Seats
PASSENGER'S SEAT WON'T LOCK IN PLACE. CUNSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF A COLLISION THE OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT WILL PLUNGE FORWARD INTO THE WINDOW BECAUSE THE SEAT NOT SECURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #863805
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Suspension
WHEN VEHICLE IS GOING AT A FAST PACE AND BRAKES ARE GENTLY PRESSED, VEHICLE STARTS TO VIBRATE VERY LOUDLY AND SHAKE. THIS CAUSES DIFFICULTY FOR CONSUMER TO SLOWDOWN WHILE COMING OFF AN EXIT OR HIGHWAY, AND MAY RESULT IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #863802
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Steering
THE STEERING SHAFT WAS STRIPPED, REPLACED UNIT DUE TO NOISE, DURING REPAIR WE FOUND OUT THE CONDITION OF THE SHAFT, THE RECALL (98V-320) INDICATES THE SAME FAILURE. *MJS
NHTSA ODI #784049
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Electrical SystemEquipmentVisibility
WATER LEAKING INTO FUSE BOX, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. DEALERS SAYS COMING FROM SUNROOF. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED LEAK TWICE. 1ST TIME,ALSO REPLACED FUSE BLOCK. WEEK LATER, WATER STILL GETTING IN FUSE BLOCK. 2ND TIME, FIXED LEAK-CLAIMED SCREW FOR SUNROOF NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND IN WRONG POSITION. RELOCATED SCREW AND SEALED UNI…
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WATER LEAKING INTO FUSE BOX, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. DEALERS SAYS COMING FROM SUNROOF. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED LEAK TWICE. 1ST TIME,ALSO REPLACED FUSE BLOCK. WEEK LATER, WATER STILL GETTING IN FUSE BLOCK. 2ND TIME, FIXED LEAK-CLAIMED SCREW FOR SUNROOF NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND IN WRONG POSITION. RELOCATED SCREW AND SEALED UNIT. ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER LEAK. WATER GETTING INTO FUSE BLOCK AGAIN, CAUSING STEREO AMPLIFIER TO MAKE LOUD HUMMING NOISE, WHILE CAR IS OFF. CONSUMER REMOVED FUSE FOR AMPLIFIER TO STOP HUMMING. CONTACTING DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY.
NHTSA ODI #724181
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
1)THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS WEAK AND A SUBSTANTIAL VIBRATION OF THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT PANEL OF THE CAR OCCURS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CAR DOES NOT STOP SUFFICIENTLY UNLESS BRAKES ARE FULLY DEPRESSED. 2)THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY START MULTIPLE TIMES AND IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO START. THE BATT…
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1)THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS WEAK AND A SUBSTANTIAL VIBRATION OF THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT PANEL OF THE CAR OCCURS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CAR DOES NOT STOP SUFFICIENTLY UNLESS BRAKES ARE FULLY DEPRESSED. 2)THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY START MULTIPLE TIMES AND IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO START. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IS FINE. NO RECHARGING OF BATTERY OCCURS EVEN AFTER JUMP-STARTING AND RUNNING THE ENGINE FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME. 3) LEFT REAR DOOR PANEL HAS PARTS THAT ARE FALLING OFF AND LOOSE. 4) PARKING BRAKES ARE WEAK AND FAIL TO PREVENT ROLLING ON INCLINES. ADDITIONALLY, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL PLACED ON THIS MODEL FOR FAILURE TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL/CANADA MOTOR VEHICLE SAFTEY STANDARD 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." *AK
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.
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.
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 ↗
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.
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.
1999 Oldsmobile Alero Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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