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2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 279.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

183 reports with mileage · 96 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Suspension complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2022
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation someone referred me to this si…

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Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation someone referred me to this site

NHTSA ODI #11445865

230,000 miles · Aug 20, 2019
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AFTERMARKET STRUTS INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE STRUTS CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR AND PULLED APART THE CONTROL ARMS AT THE CENTER BUSHINGS, WHICH CAUSED THE GEOMETRY OF THE SUSPENSION TO CHANGE. AS A RESULT, IT WAS DANGEROUS WHEN MAKING…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AFTERMARKET STRUTS INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE STRUTS CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR AND PULLED APART THE CONTROL ARMS AT THE CENTER BUSHINGS, WHICH CAUSED THE GEOMETRY OF THE SUSPENSION TO CHANGE. AS A RESULT, IT WAS DANGEROUS WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE PART MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY FAILURES WITH THE STRUTS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

NHTSA ODI #11245249

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2014
Electrical SystemSuspension

MY IGNITION KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING. CALLED ON 10/30/14 @ 2:51 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT I SPOKE TO [XXX] & WAS TOLD THEY CAN'T GET ME IN UNTIL 12/1/14 AND HE ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS BUT THEY ONLY ACCEPT 35 CARS AND IF I WAS NUMBER 36 I WOULD BE TURNED AWAY. THIS IS A VEHICLE S…

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MY IGNITION KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING. CALLED ON 10/30/14 @ 2:51 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT I SPOKE TO [XXX] & WAS TOLD THEY CAN'T GET ME IN UNTIL 12/1/14 AND HE ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS BUT THEY ONLY ACCEPT 35 CARS AND IF I WAS NUMBER 36 I WOULD BE TURNED AWAY. THIS IS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE & I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE EXACT THING YOUR COMPANY HAS RECALLED MY VEHICLE FOR AND THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651473

72,000 miles · Feb 2, 2012
Suspension

DRIVER SIDE STRUT SPRING FRACTURED WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10446231

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2012
Fuel System, GasolineSuspension

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FUEL SMELLS SEEPING THRU MY AIR VENTS WHEN I DRIVE AND I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME THE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THAT MY ORINGS AND SOME OTHER ITEMS NEED REPLACING. THESE EXPENSES ARE VERY COSTLY AND I HAVE NO JOB! I'VE DRAWN ALL MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BUT I NEED MY CAR TO KEEP B…

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I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FUEL SMELLS SEEPING THRU MY AIR VENTS WHEN I DRIVE AND I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME THE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THAT MY ORINGS AND SOME OTHER ITEMS NEED REPLACING. THESE EXPENSES ARE VERY COSTLY AND I HAVE NO JOB! I'VE DRAWN ALL MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BUT I NEED MY CAR TO KEEP BEING ABLE TO SEARCH FOR EMPLOYMENT OR GO TO WORK WHEN I GET THESE TEMP OFFERS FOR WORK!!! I SAW MY CAR HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN A RECALL, BUT GM SAYS IT'S NOT MY CAR--BASED ON THEIR SYSTEM OF KNOWING THE LAST 8 DIGITS OF MY VIN. BUT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES! EVEN WHEN I FILL UP ON GAS, THE SMELL IS ALL ON MY CAR, ON ME! I EVEN HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS AFTER I RE-FILL!!! CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME???? I AM SO SICK OF THE VIRTUES IN THIS COUNTRY! PEOPLE DON'T DO THE RIGHT THING FOR FEAR OF IT COSTING THEM A DOLLAR!! THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THE LIVES THEY ARE IMPACTING--JUST THEIR [XXX] WALLETS! EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE AND CHOICE OF VERBAGE, BUT IT REALLY MAKES ME SICK! IHAVE TO QUIT NOW BECAUSE IT REALLY BOTHERS ME TO KNOW THAT BETWEEN THE MANUFACTURERS AND THESE AUTOMAKERS, NEITHER WANTS TO VALUE ANYTHING OVER MONEY! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444730

80,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

I BOUGHT MY 2002 OLDS ALERO IN MAY OF 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED 2 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP PAID FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR THAT TIME, BUT I WAS ON MY OWN FROM THERE. FREQUENTLY I WAS HAVING THE PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE TURNING OVER, BUT NOT STARTING. I…

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I BOUGHT MY 2002 OLDS ALERO IN MAY OF 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED 2 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP PAID FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR THAT TIME, BUT I WAS ON MY OWN FROM THERE. FREQUENTLY I WAS HAVING THE PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE TURNING OVER, BUT NOT STARTING. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK 6 TIMES IN 2 MONTHS. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AND A WEEK LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME IT THE BODY MODULE WAS REPLACED. 2 DAYS LATER I WAS CALLING THE TOW TRUCK AGAIN. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THIS TIME. THE NEXT TIME I THREATENED TO SUE THE MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED ON MY CAR. THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP FOR THE MECHANIC. HE CONTACTED GM TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE AND OF COURSE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP A FEW MORE TIMES THE MECHANIC FINALLY GOT A HOLD OF ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZED IN GM REPAIRS. THAT MECHANIC TOLD HIM ABOUT THE FAULTY SECURITY SYSTEM. HE PASSED ON THE INFO TO ME. IF THE CAR WON'T START, TURN THE KEY ON FOR 10 MIN. UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING, TURN THE KEY OFF, TAKE IT OUT OF THE IGNITION AND TRY IT AGAIN. THIS HAS WORKED EVERY TIME FOR ME, BUT REALLY, WHO HAS THE EXTRA 10-15 MINUTES TO SPARE EVERY TIME THEY NEED TO GO SOMEWHERE, JUST IN CASE THEIR CAR WON'T START? I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TURNING SIGNALS WORKING ONLY WHEN THEY WANT TO. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG ALERO OWNERS. AFTER THE NIGHTMARES I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR AND THE DISRESPECT SHOWN BY GM TO THEIR "VALUED CUSTOMERS", I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM MODEL AS LONG AS I LIVE! BUYER BEWARE!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258946

75,000 miles · Oct 19, 2006
Suspension

LAST YEAR I HAD A RUBBING TYPE SOUND COMING FROM MY FRONT END, UPON TAKING IT TO TUFFY I LEARNED THAT I NEEDED A LEFT WHEEL BEARING. I REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING AND 7 MONTHS LATER I HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING. CURRENTLY I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS STILL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND T…

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LAST YEAR I HAD A RUBBING TYPE SOUND COMING FROM MY FRONT END, UPON TAKING IT TO TUFFY I LEARNED THAT I NEEDED A LEFT WHEEL BEARING. I REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING AND 7 MONTHS LATER I HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING. CURRENTLY I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS STILL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND THERE IS A POPPING SOUND WHEN MY CAR TURNS. I HAVE A NEW TIE ROD SO THAT RULES THE NOISE COMING FROM IT. THE BEARINGS ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AND I ONLY HAD THE CAR THREE YEARS AND I HAD TO REPLACE BEARINGS, THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, A TIE ROD, AND HOSES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171374

30,000 miles · May 23, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DT: WITHOUT WARNING CALLER HEARS A NOISE ,AND AT THE SAME TIME, THE BELL SOUNDS , AND THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON. THE LIGHTS THAT COME ON ARE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TRACK OFF LIGHT, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS THE BRAKES WILL NOT WORK. HAS HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED IN THE FRONT, AND IS ABOUT TO…

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DT: WITHOUT WARNING CALLER HEARS A NOISE ,AND AT THE SAME TIME, THE BELL SOUNDS , AND THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON. THE LIGHTS THAT COME ON ARE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TRACK OFF LIGHT, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS THE BRAKES WILL NOT WORK. HAS HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED IN THE FRONT, AND IS ABOUT TO GET IT DONE AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10121928

19,076 miles · Dec 16, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

WHILE BRAKING, THE FRONT END WOULD WOBBLE. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10051593

29,000 miles · Dec 3, 2003
Electrical SystemStructureSuspension

LEATHER ON FRONT DASHBOARD AND BACK PASSENGER DOOR IS DETACHING FROM SURFACE AND BUBBLING. IT IS RATHER SEVERE ON THE FRONT DASH. CIGARETTE LIGHTER (ONE NEAR FRONT PASSENGER FOOT) WAS POORLY INSTALLED. IT POPS OUT ALL OF THE TIME. FRONT END MAKES LOUD SCRATCHING NOISE WHEN MOVING SLOWLY OR BREAKING AND TURNING. DRIVERS SIDE W…

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LEATHER ON FRONT DASHBOARD AND BACK PASSENGER DOOR IS DETACHING FROM SURFACE AND BUBBLING. IT IS RATHER SEVERE ON THE FRONT DASH. CIGARETTE LIGHTER (ONE NEAR FRONT PASSENGER FOOT) WAS POORLY INSTALLED. IT POPS OUT ALL OF THE TIME. FRONT END MAKES LOUD SCRATCHING NOISE WHEN MOVING SLOWLY OR BREAKING AND TURNING. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING TODAY. IT WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. TRUNK SMELLS LIKE THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH WATER LEAKS. I'VE FOUND INTERIOR TRUNK TO BE DAMP ON OCCASION. OCCASIONAL WATER LEAKS ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE (AT FEET). APPEARS TO BE CONDENSATION OF SOME SORT. BACK CUP HOLDER POPS OUT OF PLACE. BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT, DRINK SPILLS RESULTED IN STAINED CARPETING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10049159

Official recalls

1

14V400000 · 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.

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

1

PE05055 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Sep 27, 2005 · Closed Jan 13, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.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 LATE APRIL 2006.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.