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
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2002
Service Brakes, Air
HAVE REPLACED ROTARS AND PADS ON FRONT 3 TIMES AT PINEBELT. THERE IS A SERVICE REPORT OUT (#00-05-23-002A). GM PROTECT PLAN TELLS ME THEY DON'T PAY FOR THAT AND THE DEALER TELLS ME I WILL PROBABLY PAY. I NEED HELP FROM SOMEWHERE. THE FRONT IS VIBRATING TERRIBLY AND THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER OLDS DEALER STATES THAT…
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HAVE REPLACED ROTARS AND PADS ON FRONT 3 TIMES AT PINEBELT. THERE IS A SERVICE REPORT OUT (#00-05-23-002A). GM PROTECT PLAN TELLS ME THEY DON'T PAY FOR THAT AND THE DEALER TELLS ME I WILL PROBABLY PAY. I NEED HELP FROM SOMEWHERE. THE FRONT IS VIBRATING TERRIBLY AND THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER OLDS DEALER STATES THAT THEY DON'T COVER SOMEONE ELSES WORK. I CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT PAY FOR AN INFERIOR PRODUCT. IT HAS A SERVICE REPORT SO THERE IS A PROBLEM AND IT IS NOT GETTING FIXED. DT
NHTSA ODI #768900
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2002
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS DO NOT ALWAYS OPERATE OR CONTINUE FLASHING WHEN ACTIVATED BY LEVER WHETHER THEY FUNCTION OR NOT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND PRESENTS A DANGEROUS ROAD HAZARD! DT
NHTSA ODI #768616
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2002
Seats
THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HAS COME DETACHED. IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIFT THE SEAT UP, AND I CAN SEE NO WAY TO RE-ATTACH IT. IT SEEMS UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. DT
NHTSA ODI #768613
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED HEAD GASKET BLOW OUT. *MR
NHTSA ODI #8020245
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2002
Exterior Lighting
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE TRYING TO USE THE HAZARD BUTTON THE BUTTON WILL GO STRAIGHT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE HAZARD LIGHT TO STAY ON EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT RUNNING CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN QUICKLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
NHTSA ODI #8019539
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2002
Power Train
WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE KNOB ON THE SHIFT COLUMN FELL OFF AND COULD NOT BE PLACED IN GEAR. (ALL DONE WITH THE CONSUMERS FOOT ON THE BRAKE) CONSUMER HAD IMMEDIATELY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER-IN WHICH HE AND A SERVICE TECH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF (CONSUMERS FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE). *SC…
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WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE KNOB ON THE SHIFT COLUMN FELL OFF AND COULD NOT BE PLACED IN GEAR. (ALL DONE WITH THE CONSUMERS FOOT ON THE BRAKE) CONSUMER HAD IMMEDIATELY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER-IN WHICH HE AND A SERVICE TECH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF (CONSUMERS FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE). *SCC
NHTSA ODI #567625
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WITHIN 47000 MILES CONSUMER HAS HAD ROTORS REPLACED FOUR TIMES DUE TO WARPING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8019083
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS BRAKE LIGH ILLUMINATES AND REMAINS ON WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. BRAKES WILL LOCK UP. DEALER CANNOT CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8018689
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT ROTORS TURNED 3 TIMES IN FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THEN REPLACED BY DEALER. APPROX. 3,000 MILES LATER, NEW ROTORS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. ROTORS ARE MADE OF DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, OR FRONT BRAKES ARE WORKING TOO HARD/GETTING TOO HOT AND WARPING ROTORS EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. SHOCKED TO SEE SO MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH …
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FRONT ROTORS TURNED 3 TIMES IN FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THEN REPLACED BY DEALER. APPROX. 3,000 MILES LATER, NEW ROTORS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. ROTORS ARE MADE OF DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, OR FRONT BRAKES ARE WORKING TOO HARD/GETTING TOO HOT AND WARPING ROTORS EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. SHOCKED TO SEE SO MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOPING FOR A RECALL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #766711
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO THE LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD. *SLC
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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