IllustrationDRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR REGULATORS ARE FAILING AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO WINDOWS. *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
What owners actually said
462 reportsBOTH FRONT SIDE WINDOWS DO NOT ROLL DOWN. OWNER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK
WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO START, AND IT IDLES VERY ROUGHLY. WHEN VEHICLE MAKES RIGHT TURNS THERE IS AN ANNOYING SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES.*AK
CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD MATERIAL PEELED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MATERIAL PEELED BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.*AK THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND BOTH DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS MOTOR BROKE. *PH *JB
COOLANT IS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *AK
THE TURN SIGNALS FAIL AT LEAST 3 TO 4 TIMES A DAY WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES STOP AS IM SITTING AND WAITING TO MAKE A TURN . EMERGENCY FLASHERS DO THE SAME THING ,THEY WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO . HAVE HAD SOME CLOSE CALLS ON GETTING HIT DOING LANE CHANGES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM .
BAD VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.HAD WHEELS ALIGNED,TIRES BALANCED, TIE RODS ,BOTH FRONT AXLES, BOTH FRONT BEARINGS, FRONT DISC BRAKES(ROTORS AND PADS), BOTH FRONT STRUTS REPLACED. VIBRATION AT TIMES GETS BAD ENOUGH TO LOSE CONTROL. NONE OF THE ABOVE SOLUTIONS FIXED THE PROBLEM.*AK
1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO/VIN #[XXX] SUMMER I LOST THE AIR CONDITIONING IN MY CAR. IN NOV, I DEPLOYED WITH THE AF TO THE MIDDLE EAST. UPON RETURN I WAS DISAPPOINTED SINCE I HAD COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN THE AC DIDN'T WORK IN MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A RECHARGE AND FREON. AFTER THAT, IT WORKED FOR LESS THAN 2 DAYS AND STAR…
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1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO/VIN #[XXX] SUMMER I LOST THE AIR CONDITIONING IN MY CAR. IN NOV, I DEPLOYED WITH THE AF TO THE MIDDLE EAST. UPON RETURN I WAS DISAPPOINTED SINCE I HAD COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN THE AC DIDN'T WORK IN MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A RECHARGE AND FREON. AFTER THAT, IT WORKED FOR LESS THAN 2 DAYS AND STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR AGAIN. I RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP, THIS TIME THEY PUT IT ON ALL THE GAUGES AND SAW IT WOULDN'T HOLD A CHARGE. THEY TOOK THE CAR FOR A QUICK RIDE, AND RAN THE AC FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. WHEN WE STOPPED, THERE WAS A REALLY BAD SMELL. THEY SPRAYED EVERYTHING WITH A BLUE SPRAY AND SAW BUBBLES ON THE HOSE LINE. THEY LOOKED CLOSER AND NOTICED THE SIDE AND UNDERSIDE OF THE HOSE WAS BURNED THROUGH BOTH THE COVERING AND THE HOSE ITSELF, AND MAINTAIN IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HOSE BEING A LITTLE TOO LONG AND BEING ABLE TO REST UP AGAINST THE ENGINE. AM I REALLY THE ONLY OWNER OF A 1999 ALERO THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM? I CAN'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS HOSE (WHICH IS A PRETTY EXTENSIVE JOB). THIS IS THE SECOND SUMMER I'VE BEEN WITHOUT AC, AND THEY HAVE BEEN PRETTY HOT AND UNPLEASANT SUMMERS, (ALTHOUGH NOT QUITE AS BAD AS THE MIDDLE EAST). I'VE ALREADY INVESTED $79.95 TO HAVE THE AC CHECKED OUT, CHARGED, FREON ADDED. RIGHT NOW I'M I VERY DISSATISFIED OLDSMOBILE OWNER. I'VE CHECKED THE DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS AND RECALLS, AND FOUND NO OTHER MENTION OF THIS DESIGN DEFECT, BUT I STILL MAINTAIN THAT THIS COULDN'T BE A ONE OF A KIND. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST I DO FROM HERE? I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE HOSE REPLACED, SINCE I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE HOSE TO BURN/MELT. ONE TIE WRAP WOULD HAVE BEEN A SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE SOLUTION, BUT NOW IT'S WAY BEYOND THAT POINT. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS. THE SUMMER ISN'T COOLING OFF, AND I CAN'T BUY ANY CHOCOLATE CANDY BARS TO CALM ME DOWN BECAUSE THEY ALL MELT FASTER THAN I CAN EAT THEM. THANKS, AND I'M ANXIOUS TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
THE MECHANISM THAT RAISES AND LOWERS THE SIDE WINDOWS ON MY 1999 ALERO GLS COUPE FAILED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO -- IN BOTH WINDOWS. THEY WERE REPAIRED AFTER FAILING, AND EVEN THE REPAIRED MECHANISM FAILED. THE WINDOW CAN NOT BE RAISED FROM ITS CURRENT LOWERED POSITION.*AK
I HAVE A 1999 V-6 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND IT CONTINUALLY OVERHEATED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND THAT IT HAD TO DO WITH A FAULTY GASKET. *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.