IllustrationINTERIOR DOOR TRIM ON ALL FOUR DOORS HAS LIFTED AND DETACHED AWAY FROM THE DOOR THIS HAS HAPPENED TREE TIMES ON ALL DOORS. *AK
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
Structure complaints
29 reportsTHE INTERIOR TRIM PIECES AND DOOR PANELS WERE REPLACED DUE TO WARPING. *MJS
THE CAR HAS HAD FIVE COMPLAINTS ISSUED TO THE DEALER IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS, REGARDING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK, AUTOMATIC TRUNK LATCH, POWER FAILURES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY GOOD ABOUT ATTEMPTING REPAIRS, FINDING IN THE LAST TWO COMPLAINTS THAT WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE FUSE PANEL. THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT RESULTED IN A NEW FUS…
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THE CAR HAS HAD FIVE COMPLAINTS ISSUED TO THE DEALER IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS, REGARDING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK, AUTOMATIC TRUNK LATCH, POWER FAILURES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY GOOD ABOUT ATTEMPTING REPAIRS, FINDING IN THE LAST TWO COMPLAINTS THAT WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE FUSE PANEL. THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT RESULTED IN A NEW FUSE BOX, AND COMPUTER. THE LAST COMPLAINT RESULTED IN ANOTHER NEW FUSE BOX. WHILE I DO LIKE THE CAR, AND MY DEALER, I AM LOSING FAITH QUICKLY IN THE CAR ITSELF. I AM UNCOMFORTABLE GOING LONG DISTANCE WITH IT DUE TO ITS APPARENT REGULAR POWER FAILURES. IT IS A NUISANCE TO HAVE IT TOWED AND TO BE WITHOUT IT FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT SHORTS AND FIRES SINCE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS INVOLVED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS, BUT THE CAR IS NOT RELIABLE TO ME.
WHEN VEHICLE SITS IN HEAVY RAIN REAR FLOOR FLOODS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES;MECHANIC SAID, THE ROTOR IS WARPED AND THAT HAPPENS SOMETIMES UNDER NORMAL WERE./POWERSTEERING MAKES NOISE WHEN CAR IS IDLING; MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE OIL IS LOW./I FIND WATER ON THE BACK SEAT FLOOR AFTER IT RAINS
THE VEHICLE INTERIOR FLOOR IS STAYING WET. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED, HOWEVER IT IS NOT AND WE ARE TAKING THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN. WE HAVE HEARD OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND WILL CONTACT YOU WITH FURTHER INFORMATION WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR CONTINUES AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CAME AJAR, NOT ABLE TO CLOSE AND LATCH PROPERLY. REPETETIVE PROBLEMS WITH REAR DEFROSTER. LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT INACCURATE. *AK.ET. THERE WERE TWO INCIDENT OF CRACKED RADIATOR CAP. THERE WERE THREE INCIDENTS OF INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON FAILURE. GAS GUAGE M…
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WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CAME AJAR, NOT ABLE TO CLOSE AND LATCH PROPERLY. REPETETIVE PROBLEMS WITH REAR DEFROSTER. LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT INACCURATE. *AK.ET. THERE WERE TWO INCIDENT OF CRACKED RADIATOR CAP. THERE WERE THREE INCIDENTS OF INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON FAILURE. GAS GUAGE MALFUNCTIONED. *YH
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *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.