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
84,990 miles · Jan 4, 2004
Latches/locks/linkagesCrash
DEFECTIVE DESIGN/LOCATION OF HOOD LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED TOTAL FAILURE OF HOOD LATCH AND RELEASE OF HOOD (RAISING HOOD INTO THE AIR AND TEARING IT OFF THE HINGES) DURING A LOW SPEED FRONT END IMPACT INTO A STANDARD INTERSTATE HIGHWAY METAL GUARD RAIL. THE DESIGN OF THE "NOSE" TRIM OF THE CAR IS SUCH THAT WHEN THE "NOSE" TRIM …
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DEFECTIVE DESIGN/LOCATION OF HOOD LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED TOTAL FAILURE OF HOOD LATCH AND RELEASE OF HOOD (RAISING HOOD INTO THE AIR AND TEARING IT OFF THE HINGES) DURING A LOW SPEED FRONT END IMPACT INTO A STANDARD INTERSTATE HIGHWAY METAL GUARD RAIL. THE DESIGN OF THE "NOSE" TRIM OF THE CAR IS SUCH THAT WHEN THE "NOSE" TRIM IS PRESSED DOWN AND BACK BY A LOW SPEED DIRECT IMPACT INTO A STANDARD HIGHWAY GUARD RAIL, THE PLASTIC "NOSE" TRIM PUSHES THE HOOD LATCH RELEASE LEVER DOWN AND BACK, WHICH IN TURN RELEASES THE HOOD--INSTEAD OF SECURING IT. THE LOW SPEED IMPACT, WHICH DAMAGED ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND DID NOT EVEN BREAK THE GRILL, RELEASED THE HOOD, SENDING IT ALOFT, BLINDING THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT, AND RESULTING IN THE WIND TEARING OFF THE HOOD AND UNLEASHING IT AS A POTENTIAL MISSILE ON THE HIGHWAY. PROPER DESIGN (OF THE TRIM IN RELATION TO THE LATCH) SHOULD FORCE THE HOOD TO LOCK DOWN DURING AN IMPACT, INSTEAD OF RELEASING IT. IMPROPER DESIGN OF THE HOOD HINGES ALSO PROBABLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE HOOD TEARING AWAY INSTEAD OF BEING RETAINED/TRAPPED DURING THE ACCIDENT. I MUST EMPHASIZE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STRUCTURALLY DAMAGED, THE BUMPER WAS NOT DAMAGED, THE GRILL WAS NOT DAMAGED--BUT THE NOSE TRIM STILL WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE HOOD LATCH WITH MINIMAL FORCE REQUIRED. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10052349
102,350 miles · Dec 24, 2003
Exterior Lighting
I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 03V327000. SPECIFICALLY, MY VEHICLE'S HAZARD-LIGHT SWITCHES MALFUNCTION WHEN THERE IS A TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE CAUSING MY TURN SIGNALS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. I CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE I HAVE A…
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I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 03V327000. SPECIFICALLY, MY VEHICLE'S HAZARD-LIGHT SWITCHES MALFUNCTION WHEN THERE IS A TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE CAUSING MY TURN SIGNALS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. I CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE I HAVE A 1999 ALERO, THAT MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED AND THEREFORE, THEY WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THIS PROBLEM FREQUENTLY PUTS ME IN HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS DUE TO TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING AT TIMES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10051065
40,479 miles · Dec 10, 2003
Steering
POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN LINE LEAKED AND LOST ALL FLUID, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. CONNECTION FROM METAL HOSE TO REINFORCED RUBBER HOSE HAD FAILED. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10049542
40,000 miles · Nov 28, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
GM V6 INTAKE MAINFOLD LEAK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10048793
19,000 miles · Nov 24, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE FRONT LEFT ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 55,000 MILES. THE FRONT LEFT HUB ASSEMBLY WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SO FREQUENTLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10048595
46,000 miles · Nov 22, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ENGINE ABRUPTLY OVERHEATED. AFTER IMMEDIATELY PULLING OVER, THE ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING. CAR WAS TOWED TO NEARBY SERVICE CENTER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ENGINE LOWER INTAKE GASKET WAS FAULTY. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047368
55,000 miles · Nov 19, 2003
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10048336
60,000 miles · Nov 14, 2003
Suspension
REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING IN JUNE OF 2002. WHEEL BEARING IS GOING OUT AGAIN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 30,000 MILES. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW HAD AN OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE THAT HE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVERS WHEEL BEARING ON TWICE BEFORE GETTING RID OF THE CAR. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10046935
120,000 miles · Nov 4, 2003
Exterior Lighting
THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY STOPS OPERATING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10046345
72,000 miles · Oct 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE "COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON - THEN THE CAR DIED & OVERHEATED...APPARENTLY COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE BECAUSE A GASKET FAILED...NOW THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES. STARTING AT 3,000 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON & IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS EVER SINCE!!! GM HASN'T DONE A THING TO HE…
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THE "COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON - THEN THE CAR DIED & OVERHEATED...APPARENTLY COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE BECAUSE A GASKET FAILED...NOW THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES. STARTING AT 3,000 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON & IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS EVER SINCE!!! GM HASN'T DONE A THING TO HELP ME! I JUST SPENT $1,300 TO GET THE GASKET REPLACED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD & NOW THEY TELL ME THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED!!! PLEASE HELP ME - I NEED A CONTACT FOR GM - THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE HAS NOT DONE A THING TO HELP & APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM... *LA
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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