IllustrationDURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR THE RAIN ENTERS THE PASSENGER CABIN THROUGH DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. *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
What owners actually said
462 reportsI BOUGHT MY CAR WITH 14 MILES ON IT. IN THE FIRST YEAR, I HAD TO HAVE THE MOLDING ON THE DOORS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY LEAKED. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS MY REGULATOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ALSO FOUND A BROKEN CLIP JUST SITTING INSIDE MY DOOR. YOU CAN'T BUY JUST A REGULATOR OR CLIPS…
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I BOUGHT MY CAR WITH 14 MILES ON IT. IN THE FIRST YEAR, I HAD TO HAVE THE MOLDING ON THE DOORS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY LEAKED. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS MY REGULATOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ALSO FOUND A BROKEN CLIP JUST SITTING INSIDE MY DOOR. YOU CAN'T BUY JUST A REGULATOR OR CLIPS SO I WILL NEED TO BUY THOSE PARTS PLUS THE MOTOR WHICH WILL COST AT LEAST $280. MY ROTORS ALSO NEEDED TO BE SHAVED DOWN BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED AND MY BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NOW, ONLY 5 MONTHS LATER, THEY NEED TO BE TOTALLY REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE WARPED AGAIN AND MY BRAKES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THIS IS THE WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED! MY FIRST AND LAST EXPERIENCE I WILL EVER HAVE WITH GM!! I REALIZE THINGS HAPPEN TO CARS, BUT I WOULD EXPECT OLDSMOBILE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE RE-OCCURRING PROBLEMS AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO FIX THEM. *NLM
THE MATERIAL THAT COVERS THE DASH HAS PEELED AWAY AND THE DASH HAS LIFTED. *NLM
DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MECHANISM BROKEN. WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. WHAT WAS FOUND AFTER DOOR INSIDE PANEL TAKEN OFF WAS MANY BROKEN PLASTIC CLIPS. THESE CLIPS ATTACH TO THE WINDOW AND WINDOW REGULATOR. AFTER INVESTIGATION THROUGH SEVERAL OLDS DEALERS AND USED CAR PARTS DEALERS WAS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR…
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DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MECHANISM BROKEN. WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. WHAT WAS FOUND AFTER DOOR INSIDE PANEL TAKEN OFF WAS MANY BROKEN PLASTIC CLIPS. THESE CLIPS ATTACH TO THE WINDOW AND WINDOW REGULATOR. AFTER INVESTIGATION THROUGH SEVERAL OLDS DEALERS AND USED CAR PARTS DEALERS WAS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR WHICH A SERVICE BULLETIN IS IN EFFECT. OF NOTE, YOU CANNOT PURCHASE REPLACEMENT CLIPS FOR THE WINDOW. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, YOU MUST PURCHASE THE ENTIRE WINDOW MOTOR, REGULATOR AND CLIPS FOR WHICH ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO NOT BREAK AGAIN. THIS UNIT COSTS OVER $250. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY VIOLATION DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SLIGHTEST NICK IN THE WINDOW CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE IF DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD.
1999 OLDS ALERO 3.4L; STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, AT IDLE IN DRIVE, SPEEDOMETER PEGGED TO 140MPH, AND HELD FOR ~10 SEC. UPON CHANING OF THE LIGHT, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, AND THROTTLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SIMILAR TO WHAT OCCURS WHEN THE SPEED LIMITER IS EXCEEDED. THE CONDITION OCCURED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO …
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1999 OLDS ALERO 3.4L; STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, AT IDLE IN DRIVE, SPEEDOMETER PEGGED TO 140MPH, AND HELD FOR ~10 SEC. UPON CHANING OF THE LIGHT, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, AND THROTTLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SIMILAR TO WHAT OCCURS WHEN THE SPEED LIMITER IS EXCEEDED. THE CONDITION OCCURED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL SPEED REPORTING AND ENGINE OPERATION. NO SES LIGHT NOT TRACTION CONTROL ALRET WERE WITNESSED DURING THE EVENT. SUBSEQUENT READING OF THE ECM TROUBLE CODES SHOWS NO 'SNAPSHOT' DATA OF AN IMPENDING FAULT.
THE PLASTIC COVER THAT COVERS THE BUCKLE HAS BROKEN OFF AND THE SEAT BELT IS HARD TO USE AS THE BUCKLE ALWAYS FALLS TO THE FLOOR. IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO REACH THE BUCKLE TO HOOK UP. *JB
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JULY 2002 FROM CLASSIC CHEVROLET IN OWASSO, OK. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN DECEMBER THE CAR WAS HIT FROM THE REAR BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER. IN JANUARY THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK. I CALLED THE WARRANTY PLACE AND GOT PERMISSION TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD …
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WE PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JULY 2002 FROM CLASSIC CHEVROLET IN OWASSO, OK. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN DECEMBER THE CAR WAS HIT FROM THE REAR BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER. IN JANUARY THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK. I CALLED THE WARRANTY PLACE AND GOT PERMISSION TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, REPLACED IT WHEN IT STILL KNOCKED HE SAID IT WOULD TAKE AWHILE FOR ALL THE WATER TO GET OUT OF THE ENGINE. WE TOOK IT BACK, AND GOT A RUN AROUND FOR 4 WEEKS, FINALLY CALLED THE WARRANTY PLACE TOLD THEM HE WASN'T GETTING IT FIXED AND REQUESTED PERMISSION TO TAKE IT TO A DIFFERENT SHOP. GRANTED THEN WHEN THEY FOUND OUT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT, SAID THEY WOULD ONLY CONTRIBUTE A SUM OF MONEY TOWARD FIXING IT. I CALLED GMAC BECAUSE THEY FINANCED THE WARRANTY, ONE PERSON TOLD ME THAT GM SHOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY AND SO I HAVE A CALL IN TO A DEALER IN PITTSBURGH, KS. WE NO LONGER HAVE A GM DEALER IN OUR TOWN. MY POINT IS THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT AND PUT A NEW ENGINE IN MY CAR AT NO MORE EXPENSE TO ME. WHEN I TALK TO GM I WILL BE LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I FOUND YOUR SITE AND CHECKED IT OUT, AND LODGED A COMPLAINT. I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATE OF THE INCIDENT AND SINCE IT IS 4:15AM AM UNABLE TO CALL AND GET IT. *NLM
WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING ALL THE DIGITAL GAUGES FAILED BUT BECAME FUNCTIONAL A FEW DAYS LATER. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE BUT THE CAUSE WAS NOT FOUND AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NLM.
WARPED ROTORS CAUSED NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *NLM
THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS TORQUE LOCK BUT THE CONSUMER DISAGREED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *NLM
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.