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
68,000 miles · Oct 17, 2003
Visibility
GLASS IN PASSENGER WINDOW FELL IN CHANNEL. I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT BACK UP BUT IT KEEPS FALLING IN AGAIN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS, COMPLAINTS AND DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. HERE ARE THE DEFECT INVESTIGATION NUMBERS: 754557,10016869,10032972,10039036,752099,563702,10011989. SERVICE BULLETINS: 01086…
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GLASS IN PASSENGER WINDOW FELL IN CHANNEL. I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT BACK UP BUT IT KEEPS FALLING IN AGAIN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS, COMPLAINTS AND DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. HERE ARE THE DEFECT INVESTIGATION NUMBERS: 754557,10016869,10032972,10039036,752099,563702,10011989. SERVICE BULLETINS: 010864018B, 010857007A,010864012B,010864018A,010864018. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON THESE CARS - WHO KNOWS HOW MANY WE HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT. I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS KIND OF DEFECT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043101
38,000 miles · Oct 17, 2003
Structure
REAR FLOOR IN CAR IS SOAKED WHENEVER THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043100
69,000 miles · Oct 14, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND CHECKED. NOTICED COOLANT WAS LEAKING ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC HAD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAKAGE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10042841
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2003
Exterior Lighting
THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE 1999 ALERO AS WELL AS THE 2000-2001 MAKE: OLDSMOBILE MODEL: ALERO YEAR: 2000 RECALL NUMBER: 03V327000 SUMMARY: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDE…
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THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE 1999 ALERO AS WELL AS THE 2000-2001 MAKE: OLDSMOBILE MODEL: ALERO YEAR: 2000 RECALL NUMBER: 03V327000 SUMMARY: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE. CONSEQUENCE: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10041307
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2003
Structure
THE DASHBOARD MATERIAL HAS COME UNGLUED AND SHRUNK. THE DEALER SAID IT COST $900 TO FIX. I CONTACTED GM TO TELL THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SINCE SEEN 5 OTHER ALERO'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM WRITING ANOTHER COMPLAINT LETTER TO GM AFTER SEEING OTHER SIMILAR REPORTS ON THIS W…
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THE DASHBOARD MATERIAL HAS COME UNGLUED AND SHRUNK. THE DEALER SAID IT COST $900 TO FIX. I CONTACTED GM TO TELL THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SINCE SEEN 5 OTHER ALERO'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM WRITING ANOTHER COMPLAINT LETTER TO GM AFTER SEEING OTHER SIMILAR REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10041304
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10042129
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2003
Structure
DASH MATERIAL IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE BASE, AIR BAG COVER IS COMING OFF OF THE DASH. DEALER STATES THAT IT WILL COST OVER $300.00 TO REPAIR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10039315
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I OWN A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WITH A V-6 3.4 LITER ENGINE, AND IT USES DEX-COOL. OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS MY LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND AS INSTRUCTED IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL I HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE DEX-COOL/WATER MIXTURE IN THE OVERFLOW TANK. JUST RECENTLY MY ABS LIGHT AND LOW TRACK LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND OVER THE…
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I OWN A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WITH A V-6 3.4 LITER ENGINE, AND IT USES DEX-COOL. OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS MY LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND AS INSTRUCTED IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL I HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE DEX-COOL/WATER MIXTURE IN THE OVERFLOW TANK. JUST RECENTLY MY ABS LIGHT AND LOW TRACK LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND OVER THE WEEKEND I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN MY FAN BELT PREMATURELY BROKE AND STRANDED ME ALONG SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10039210
60,000 miles · Sep 19, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
99 ALERO WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEMS. FIRST IT WAS A FAULTY WATER PUMP AND NOW THERE IS A LOWER INTAKE GASKET FAILURE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10039161
62,339 miles · Sep 17, 2003
Power Train
CAR WOULD NOT EXCEED BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. AT THE TIME I WAS ON MAJOR HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED AND WAS CONSEQUENTLY REPLACED WITH USED TRANSMISSION SUPPLIED BY PURCHASED WARRANTY TO AUTO SHOP. *JB
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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