Illustration1999 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
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
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
25 reportsTL*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…
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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.
GAS GAUGE IS ALWAYS OFF, I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS TANK UP ATLEAST 2-3 A DAY. MAYBE THERE IS A LEAK FROM RECALL, OR THE RECALL FORM THE GAS TANK. ALSO SPENT $700.00 FOR A RECALLED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *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
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…
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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
DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THE HUB BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END WENT OUT. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER OF THE PROBLEM, AND SAID IF SHE DROVE IT MUCH LONGER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE HEAD GASKETS ALSO …
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DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THE HUB BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END WENT OUT. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER OF THE PROBLEM, AND SAID IF SHE DROVE IT MUCH LONGER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE HEAD GASKETS ALSO BLEW OUT THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE AIR SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE GARAGE BEING FIXED FOR THE HEAD GASKETS. ALSO, FUEL PUMP WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THEN, THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT STATED , IN ADDITION, THERE HAVE BEEN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD TO BE RESET A COUPLE OF TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. *AK
MY DAUGHTER WILL BE DRIVING HER 99 ALERO ALONG AND AT ANY GIVEN TIME THE CAR STALLS, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DON'T WORK AND SHE HAS A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY PULLING OVER TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS, NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SHE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *NM
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAR STARTED TO RUMBLE WHEN IDLE AND WOULD SPUTTER WHEN FOOT ON GAS. *BF THE FUEL INJECTOR #6 WAS STICKING AND THE SAME THING PROBLEM OCCURRED. *SC
1999 ALERO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MANIFOLD LEAKING OIL AND FAILED FUEL INJECTORS. *MR THE FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN SUDDENLY AS THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE MANIFOLD AND INJECTOR PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHIN ONE WEEK. RECALL #3V473000 AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION. *SC *JB
1. CAR BEGAN TO RUN ROUGHT 2. #2 INJECTOR ELECTRICALLY FAILED 3. #2 INJECTOR REPLACED. *AK
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.