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2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 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

183 reports with mileage · 96 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

133 reports
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74,000 miles · Apr 25, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. IT TOOK HIM APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE FUEL PUMP. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. IT TOOK HIM APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE FUEL PUMP. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR SEVEN WEEKS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,000.

NHTSA ODI #10225694

68,500 miles · Mar 6, 2008
Electrical System

PASSLOCK THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM KEEPS DISABLING VEHICLE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, THEN THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY WILL NOT START. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220246

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2008
Electrical SystemVisibility

REAR DEFROSTER CIRCUIT FAILURE. FUSE OK, RELAY OK, WINDOW IMPRINT OK. REAR ELECTRICAL DEFROST AND ANTENNA MODULE FAILS. REAR VISIBILITY IN COLD CLIMATE COMPLETELY BLOCKED WHEN REAR. WINDOW FROSTED. *TR MANY CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM AND SOME HAVE REPORTED THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE ELEC…

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REAR DEFROSTER CIRCUIT FAILURE. FUSE OK, RELAY OK, WINDOW IMPRINT OK. REAR ELECTRICAL DEFROST AND ANTENNA MODULE FAILS. REAR VISIBILITY IN COLD CLIMATE COMPLETELY BLOCKED WHEN REAR. WINDOW FROSTED. *TR MANY CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM AND SOME HAVE REPORTED THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE ELECTRICAL MODULE INSIDE THE REAR-COLUMN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS OVERHEATING AND MELTING, BREAKING THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT.

NHTSA ODI #10216688

56,000 miles · Jan 7, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVisibility

ON 9/26/2007 MY 2002 OLDS ALERO REFUSED TO START, I FINALLY HAD TO LEAVE AT AT MY JOB, IT STARTED THE NEXT DAY, I CALLED THE DEALER (I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM DRIVETIME) IN NOV 2006, THEY STATED THAT I HAD TO BRING IT TO THEIR APPROVED MECHANIC, I TOOK IT THERE, THEIR MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND IT WOULD COST 755.00. …

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ON 9/26/2007 MY 2002 OLDS ALERO REFUSED TO START, I FINALLY HAD TO LEAVE AT AT MY JOB, IT STARTED THE NEXT DAY, I CALLED THE DEALER (I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM DRIVETIME) IN NOV 2006, THEY STATED THAT I HAD TO BRING IT TO THEIR APPROVED MECHANIC, I TOOK IT THERE, THEIR MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND IT WOULD COST 755.00. THAT INCLUDED THE DRIVERS WINDOW WHICH FELL INTO THE DOOR FOR THE SECOND TIME, I CALLED DRIVETIME WHO THEN PUT ME ON A REPAIR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, I DROVE THE CAR HOME, THAT SAME DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, IT IS NOW JANUARY 2008 AND I STILL DO NOT HAVE A WORKING VEHICLE AND AM REFUSING TO PAY FOR IT. THE MECHANIC CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THAT IT IS THE COMPUTER AND HE CANNOT FIX IT I NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO MAY OR MAY NOT FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE. I THINK ITS A DISGRACE, THAT A COMPANY CAN MAKE SUCH A PIECE OF JUNK HAVE ALL THESE COMPLAINTS ON IT AND NOTHING IS DONE. I FOR ONE AM NOT GOING TO PAY ONE MORE CENT, THE DEALER COULD KEEP THE CAR, AND DO WITH IT WHATEVER HE WANTS, I REALIZE THIS IS A REPOSESSION BUT I AM NOT A RICH PERSON AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT PROBLEMS WILL ONLY GET WORSE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST GM, OLDS, DRIVETIME FOR SELLING THE LEMON KNOWING ALL THE PROBLEMS THESE VEHICLES HAVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10214132

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2007
Electrical System

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WORKED ON BY A MECHANIC, SUCH AS REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL FILTER, IT DISRUPTS SOME COMPONENT IN THE CAR AND MAKES THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM THINK THAT THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. THIS SHUTS THE CAR DOWN AND DOESN'T ALLOW IT TO BE STARTED AGAIN. THIS COULD BE DEADLY IF TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR IN HEAVY TRA…

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WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WORKED ON BY A MECHANIC, SUCH AS REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL FILTER, IT DISRUPTS SOME COMPONENT IN THE CAR AND MAKES THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM THINK THAT THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. THIS SHUTS THE CAR DOWN AND DOESN'T ALLOW IT TO BE STARTED AGAIN. THIS COULD BE DEADLY IF TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #10202838

22,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION AND THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION AND THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND MADE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10198953

181,000 miles · Apr 17, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 181,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH BEGAN DECELERATING AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND 75 DEGREES. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER 30 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…

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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 181,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH BEGAN DECELERATING AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND 75 DEGREES. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER 30 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PART OF RECALL 07E021000 FOR FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES. THE RECALLED FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE RECALL FAILURE TO DATE. SHE SPOKE WITH DELPHI, GM AND OLDSMOBILE DEALERS, AND NONE OF THE DEALERS WERE WILLING TO COMPLETE THE RECALL WORK FREE OF CHARGE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL MONIES BESIDES THE $417.21 THAT WAS ALREADY PAID. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE DEALERSHIPS POSSESSION AND SHE WANTS THE VEHICLE RETURNED WITH THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON 06/07/07 THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE THAT IT WAS READY WHEN CONSUMER CAME TO PICK UP VEHICLE THE MANAGER INFORMED HER HE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE RETURNING THE CAR TO HER AND THE DEALERSHIP IS REQUESTING AN ADDITIONAL $262.00 FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH. UPDATED 06/25/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10188123

103,678 miles · Feb 25, 2007
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR SHUT OFF, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSLOCK ENGAGED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OPERATION THEREBY TELLING THE COMPUTER THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN "STOLEN" AND TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS "PASSLO…

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR SHUT OFF, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSLOCK ENGAGED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OPERATION THEREBY TELLING THE COMPUTER THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN "STOLEN" AND TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS "PASSLOCK" FAILURE IN GM VEHICLES IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND ONLY THE "DEALERSHIP" IS ABLE TO REPAIR IT. THE APPROX COST IS $900.00 IN WHICH THE DEALERSHIP WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION AND BCM MODULE WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE BROKEN DOWN AT NIGHT IN UNSAFE LOCATIONS, ON THE HIGHWAY, ETC AND ALTHOUGH GENERAL MOTORS HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINT'S THEY HAVE FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10183438

94,974 miles · Jan 24, 2007
Electrical System

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO GL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THERE WAS A A SENSOR CYLINDER FAILURE IN THE IGNITION THAT WAS EFFECTED BY THE THEFT SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER BELIEVED ITAS BEING STOLEN, AND KILLS THE ENGINE, THIS HAPPENED ON 4…

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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO GL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THERE WAS A A SENSOR CYLINDER FAILURE IN THE IGNITION THAT WAS EFFECTED BY THE THEFT SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER BELIEVED ITAS BEING STOLEN, AND KILLS THE ENGINE, THIS HAPPENED ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10180627

70,200 miles · Jan 19, 2007
Electrical System

TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND THE HORN WOULD SOUND AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO TAKE THE FUSE OUT OF THE HORN TO KEEP IT FROM SOUNDING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE HORN PAD AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AN…

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TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND THE HORN WOULD SOUND AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO TAKE THE FUSE OUT OF THE HORN TO KEEP IT FROM SOUNDING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE HORN PAD AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND AIRBAG WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THE HORN PAD IS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *JB THE HORN HAS BEEN REPLACED. UPDATED 02/22/07. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10179103

Official recalls

1

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.

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

PE05055 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Sep 27, 2005 · Closed Jan 13, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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.