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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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
111 reportsTHE CAR'S BRAKE ROTORS WARP EVERY 1500 MILES RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN MACHINED AND/OR REPLACED ON 3 OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM REOCCURS. WHEN BRAKING WITH THE WARPED ROTORS, THE ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS HIT THE "BAD" SPOT ON THE ROTORS AND ASSUME A LOCK-UP IS EMMINENT. THE ABS SYSTEM THEN RELEASES PR…
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THE CAR'S BRAKE ROTORS WARP EVERY 1500 MILES RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN MACHINED AND/OR REPLACED ON 3 OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM REOCCURS. WHEN BRAKING WITH THE WARPED ROTORS, THE ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS HIT THE "BAD" SPOT ON THE ROTORS AND ASSUME A LOCK-UP IS EMMINENT. THE ABS SYSTEM THEN RELEASES PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES AND BRAKING DISTANCE EXCEEDS SAFE LEVELS. *AK
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY AND TAKES LONGER TO SLOW DOWN. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND HAS REPLACED ROTORS SEVERAL TIMES. BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES EXCESSIVELY. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES SINCE JANUARY 1999. DEALER CAN'T A FIND PERMENANT SOLUTION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, VEHICLE SKIDDED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A FRONTAL IMPACT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
I DROVE THE VEHICLE OVER A SNOW MOUND CREATED BY THE SNOW PLOWS AFTER A PASS ALONG THE STREET. AFTER THAT THE VEHICE MADE A TERRIBLE SCAPPING NOISE. I STOPPPED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES TO CHECK AND SEE IF ICE OR SNOW WAS PACKED UP IN THE WHEEL WELL OR UNDER CAR. AFTER GETTING BACK TO WORK ONE OF THE GUYS CRAWLED UNDER MY VEHICLE …
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I DROVE THE VEHICLE OVER A SNOW MOUND CREATED BY THE SNOW PLOWS AFTER A PASS ALONG THE STREET. AFTER THAT THE VEHICE MADE A TERRIBLE SCAPPING NOISE. I STOPPPED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES TO CHECK AND SEE IF ICE OR SNOW WAS PACKED UP IN THE WHEEL WELL OR UNDER CAR. AFTER GETTING BACK TO WORK ONE OF THE GUYS CRAWLED UNDER MY VEHICLE AND SAID THERE WAS A METAL LINE HANGING TO THE GROUND THAT WAS LEAKING WHAT SMELLED LIKE BRAKE FLUID. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISSTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP. THE BRAKE LINE WAS DISLODGED AND DRAGGING THE PAVEMENT FROM JUST DRIVING OVER SNOW. THE MANUFACTURER SAYS IT IS ROAD DAMAGE AND I MUST PAY FOR IT. ANYTHING I DRIVE OVER IS CONSIDERED ROAD DAMAGE. BUT YOU CAN'T DRIVE IN ALASKA WITHOUT DRIVING OVER SNOW. BUT IF SIMPLY DRIVING OVER SNOW CAN DISLODGE MY BRAKE LINE THIS SEEMS PRETTY DANGEROUS TO ME, SINCE I LIVE IN ALASKA. I ASKED IF THEY PROTECTED THE BRAKE LINES. I THINK THEY SHOULD BE BETTER PROTECTED BETTER THEN WHAT THEY ARE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE NOW. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE. PLEASE HELP.
THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND REPLACED WHICH HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE IS JERKING AND LURCHING FORWARD. ALSO, WHEN TAKING KEY OUT OF IGNITION ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS KEEP COMING ON, AND BRAKE ROTORS CONTINUE TO WEAR OUT. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF PROBLEMS. *AK
VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED FOR THE THIRD TIME BECAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A BAD CONNECTION WITH THE SENSOR. THE SECOND TIME THERE WAS MOISTURE IN THE SENSOR. THE CURRENT PROBLEM HAS NOT BE DETECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO LUGS AND HUBS COMING OFF VEHICLE. ALSO, BRAKE CABLE WAS CUT AND VEHICLE WAS WITHOUT BRAKES. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED . *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.