IllustrationFRONT ROTORS WARPED EVERY 5000 TO 10000 MILES. DEALER HAS REPLACED FRONT ROTORS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED BULLETIN.*AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SHAKES VERY BADLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP, BRAKING DISTANCE IS MUCH LONGER BECAUSE OF BRAKE DEFECT. *SLC
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 reportsAT 4,571M ON 01/13/2000 DEALER MACHINED ROTORS TO REMOVE SHIMMY FROM FRONTEND. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER NEW CARS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE DRIVEN IN THE CITY FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN ON 06/19/2000 AT 8,725M. SECOND TIME AROUND DEALER INSTALLED NEW FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS PER TSB FROM GM. I WAS TOLD PROBLEM WIL…
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AT 4,571M ON 01/13/2000 DEALER MACHINED ROTORS TO REMOVE SHIMMY FROM FRONTEND. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER NEW CARS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE DRIVEN IN THE CITY FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN ON 06/19/2000 AT 8,725M. SECOND TIME AROUND DEALER INSTALLED NEW FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS PER TSB FROM GM. I WAS TOLD PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN. ON 06/15/2001 AT 17,064M THE DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AND PADS AGAIN. NOW ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEED TO NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN OR THEY'LL CONTACT THE MAIN ENGINEERING OF GM TO RECTIFY SITUATION.*AK
ROTORS WARPED AT AROUND 40,000 MI. I HAD THEM TURNED AT AROUND 45,000 & THE PROBLEM WAS TEMORARILY FIXED UNTIL ABOUT 50,000 MI. I HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED AT AROUND 53,000 MI. & THE PROBLEM HAS ONCE AGAIN RECURRED AT 55,000 MI. I NOTICED IN CHECKING COMMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AT MSN CARPOINT.COM THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMP…
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ROTORS WARPED AT AROUND 40,000 MI. I HAD THEM TURNED AT AROUND 45,000 & THE PROBLEM WAS TEMORARILY FIXED UNTIL ABOUT 50,000 MI. I HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED AT AROUND 53,000 MI. & THE PROBLEM HAS ONCE AGAIN RECURRED AT 55,000 MI. I NOTICED IN CHECKING COMMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AT MSN CARPOINT.COM THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ALERO'S BRAKES AND ROTORS (ESPECIALLY ROTORS THAT WARP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ONCE PERSON EVEN COMMENTED THAT HER DEALERSHIP REPLACES HER ROTORS FREE OF CHARGE, WHICH INDICATES THAT THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ALERO). I HAD TO PAY $500.00 TO HAVE MY ROTORS AND FRONT TIRES REPLACED. THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT MY FRONT TIRES WERE WORN SO BADLY THAT THEY COULD HAVE BLOWN AT ANY MINUTE AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE AND INJURY. IT HAS ONLY BEEN A LITTLE OVER A MONTH SINCE I HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED & ONCE AGAIN MY CAR IS VIBRATING AND PULSATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE ROTORS.*AK
BRAKES WORN, ROTORS SCORED, DEALER TURNED ROTORS, IN AUGUST 2000 DEALER REPLACED ROTORS, NOW JUNE 2001 BRAKES AND ROTORS BAD AGAIN. DEALER SAYS NOT A PROBLEM WITH CAR, LUCKY I'M GETTING THAT MUCH USE OUT OF THE BRAKES.*AK
THE ROTORS ON MY 1999 ALERO HAVE HAD VIBRATION PROBLEMS BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2000. AT 12458 MILES, THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED. AT 24664 MILES, ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. AT 30964 MILES, THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. I NOW HAVE JUST OVER 38000 MILES AND THERE IS SEVERE PULSATION IN THE BRAKES AGAIN.
STARTED CAR WHILE DRIVER'S DOOR STILL OPENED, RELEASED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THEN SUDDENLY REAR WINDOW IMPLODED. 90% OF GLASS SHATTERED INTO PIECES AND FELL INTO BACK SEAT OF CAR. MY CAR WAS PARKED AT MY JOB'S PARKING LOT FROM 9:00AM TO 7:00PM. IT WAS 80F-85F DEGREES WEATHER THIS DAY. IT WAS HOT IN MY CAR. NO SIGNS OF VANDALISM.
ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED 5 TIMES, PLEASE RECALL. ALSO, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND VAGUE STEERING FEEL. *AK
TWICE I HAVE HAD GET MY ROTORS RESURFACED OR REPLACED, MY GAS GAUGE EVERYTIME I FILL UP IT BOUNCES UP AND DOWN AND THE CLEAR COAT ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE IS COMING OFF. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM DUE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT I HAVE TALKED WITH AND MANY ON THE INTERNET COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING TO RE…
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TWICE I HAVE HAD GET MY ROTORS RESURFACED OR REPLACED, MY GAS GAUGE EVERYTIME I FILL UP IT BOUNCES UP AND DOWN AND THE CLEAR COAT ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE IS COMING OFF. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM DUE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT I HAVE TALKED WITH AND MANY ON THE INTERNET COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING TO REPLACE THERE ROTORS OR GET THEM RESURFACED WAY BEFORE THE MANUFACTURED TIME LIMIT. I BOUGHT MY CAR WITH 29, 000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE HAD TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE ROTORS TWICE. IS THIS NORMAL???
SCRATCHES ON WINDOW GLASS WHEN EVER POWERING UP OR DOWN. *AK
ROTORS WARPED. *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.