2000 Oldsmobile Alero Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes13719.1%
- Exterior lighting13018.1%
- Engine8812.3%
- Electrical8712.1%
- Visibility496.8%
- Fuel system314.3%
- Body & structure294.0%
- Airbags273.8%
- Driver assistance233.2%
- Steering223.1%
- Suspension172.4%
- Transmission172.4%
- Tires & wheels172.4%
- Interior & seats142.0%
- Other / unspecified142.0%
- Powertrain (other)81.1%
- Seat belts40.6%
- Heating & air conditioning30.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING IN ICY CONDITIONS, I MOMENTARILY LOST TRACTION. THE POWER TO THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF, CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. MY CAR SPUN ABOUT THREE TIMES, AND I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP FACING TRAFFIC. THANKFULLY, THE ROAD WAS EMPTY, SO I WAS NOT INJURED. I AM ESPECIALLY WORRIED BECAUSE MY CAR IS PART OF GMS RECALL, BUT IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER. GM CLAIMS THAT A NEW KEY WILL FIX MY PROBLEM, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING ON MY KEY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, SO I KNOW THIS IS A LIE. GM IS CONTINUING TO ENDANGER THE LIVES OF ITS CUSTOMERS BY NOT FULLY ADDRESSING THIS DEFECT. *TR
DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD AT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK WENT IN THE DITCH JUST ABOUT FLIPPED THE CAR THE INS COMPANY SAID TO BAD CAN NOT DO NOTHING THE RECALL ENDED THAT NIGHT TO LATE. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FLICKERED VERY FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. WHEN THE CONTACT MANIPULATED THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL, SINCE THE CAR HAS A IGNITION PROBLEM AND IT IS AT THE PUTNAM GM BURLINGAME TILL NOW THEY DON'T DO ANY OF RECALL EVEN DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND THEY WANT ME TO REMOVE IT NOW OR I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT DIFFERENT FROM THE MANUFACTURE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS LAST TUESDAY WHEN I TOW THAT CAR TO THEIR PLACE AFTER I TELL TO THEM THE SITUATION THEY SAID THEY TAKING CARE OF IT, NOW THEY CHANGE. I FEEL LIKE BECAUSE I HAVE A OLDER CAR AND NO VALUE THEY DON'T THINK ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND THE DAMAGE COULD BE MADE TO OTHERS. I CAN'T. DRIVE THAT CAR NOT SAFE.I CAN'T WORK WITHOUT CAR PLEASE HELP . I'M NOT ASKING TO FIX THE PAINT OR WHEEL. JUST CHECK WHAT THEY HAVE TO FIX STOPPING OF ENGINE AND HARD TO START CAUSE BY IGNITION AND THE AIRBAG MUST WORK PROPERLY.
KEY TURNING CAR ON IN IGNITION GETS JAMMED AND FINALLY TURNS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT NOW CAR TRIES TO TURN OVER BUT WON'T START. ONLY HAVE ONE KEY. ALSO TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND I HAVE TO TURN ON HAZARDS TO GET TO OPERATE . CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LOOSE. IGNITION KEY RECALL 14350, CENTER CONSOLE RECALL OOV140000, EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL 03043, HAZARD /TURN SIGNAL RECALL ?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN THIS CAR FOR 3 WEEKS ALREADY AND IT STARTS TURN IT OFF WHILE DRIVING I CHANGE SOME SENSOR ALREADY BUT I READ ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND I THINK THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, I DON'T HAVE ANY PHOTO BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOKS OK FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE SWITCH, BUT THE INSIDE IDK
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY, THE RPM GAUGE DROPPED TO ZERO, THE THERMOSTAT NEEDLE RAPIDLY FLICKERED UP AND DOWN THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WON'T START, THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES MOVE BY THEMSELVES WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOW THE CAR HAS ZERO POWER. . THIS CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS CAR THE BACKSEATS WERE NOT ATTACHED TO THE CAR. THE DASHBOARD IS PEALING UP ALL THE WAY AND THE PAINT IS GONE FROM MY GEAR SHIFT. BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THE DRIVER SIDE I HAD TO GET FIXED FOR INSPECTION COST ABOUT $300. TIRES AND BRAKES NEED REPLACED CONSTANTLY. LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BLINKERS DON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME AND WHEN THEY DO IT IS THIS HORRIBLE LOUD CLICKING NOISE. CD PLAYER/RADIO STOP WORKING RANDOMLY. AC ONLY WORKS ON 3RD SETTING. REAR DEFROST DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. FOG LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON AND BULBS ARE BRAND NEW. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN WITH BUTTON FROM INSIDE CAR OR KEYLESS ENTRY. MY TRUNK RANDOMLY COMES OPEN FOR NO REASON AND ONCE WOULD NOT LATCH TO SHUT FOR A FEW DAYS BUT THEN RANDOMLY LATCHED SHUT. CAR LEAKS WATER IN THE FRONT AND BACK. RECENTLY MY CAR WON'T START EVERYTIME IT RAINS. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PLACE AND THEY RAN IT THROUGH THE COMPUTER AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW IT'S AT A WINDSHEILD PLACE BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAYS ITS LEAKING WATER INTO FUSE BOX. GLASS PLACE IS SAYING THAT IS NOT IT EITHER. I AM AT MY WITS END. IT DRIES OUT AND WILL START AND AS SOON AS IT RAINS WILL NOT START. I DON'T WANT TO PAY ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I SEE WHERE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT FUSES AND WATERS LEAKS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TWICE IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND HAD $600 WORTH OF WORK DONE ON MY CAR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR. I'M VERY AGGITATED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS CAR AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. I EVEN COMPLAINED TO THE BBB ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM TO NO AVAIL. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATES. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE CAN HEAR A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONING NO LONGER WORKS. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE MECHANIC HAS DONE SOMETHING TO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING TO FAIL. SHE FEELS THAT ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR WILL TURN OVER BUT WONT START. IT'S NOT GETTING SPARK. RAN IT TO TEST CODES. CAME BACK AS TPS. CHANGED IT AND IT ALL WON'T START. WAS TOLD POSSIBLY A RECALL ON THE IGNITION.
KEY TURNING CAR ON IN IGNITION GETS JAMMED AND FINALLY TURNS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT NOW CAR TRIES TO TURN OVER BUT WON'T START. ONLY HAVE ONE KEY. ALSO TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND I HAVE TO TURN ON HAZARDS TO GET TO OPERATE . CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LOOSE. IGNITION KEY RECALL 14350, CENTER CONSOLE RECALL OOV140000, EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL 03043, HAZARD /TURN SIGNAL RECALL ?
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE RACK AND PINION CONNECTS TO IT. BROKE FREE FROM THE SUBFRAME AT 25 MILES AN HOUR. GRATEFUL THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED. BUT I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE SUBFRAME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IS RUSTED AND STEERING BOX IS NOW LOOSE. UPDATED 03/2/2015 *JS
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL, FOLLOWUP AND CONCERN. TODAY IS I WANT TO GREET EVERY ONE A HAPPY 4 OF JULY. CELEBRATING THAT WE WANT PEOPLE OF UNITED STATES ARE SAFE AND NO ONE GET INJURED DUE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER BRANCH OF SERVICES NEGLECTING TO DO THE ORDER OF NHTSA RECALL AND SOME OWNERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE VEHICLE PROBLEM THAT TREATHS TO THE SAFETINESS AND LIVES OF OTHERS. SINCE THAT DAY TILL NOW THE CAR WAS STILL AT PUTNAM GM BURLINGAME MY OTHER CONCERN BY NOT DOING MY COMPLAIN BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS NOT A PART OF RECALL BUT IT IS BELONG TO THE SAME EXPERIENCE EFFECT AND COMPLAIN THAT MUST GIVES ATTENTION ITS FATAL. IF EVER THIS VEHICLE GOES TO OTHER IF I DONATED OR TRADE IT AND THEIR NEVER CHECKED OR DIAGNOSE IT BECAUSE THEIR JUST FOCUS ON SPECIFIC ORDER SOME DEFECT CAUSED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH AND SUDDEN STOP OF ENGINE WHILE RUNNING COULD CAUSE PROBLEM AND SAFETY OF OTHERS. FIXING THIS CAR HELPS A LOT NOT ONLY ME SAFETY OF OTHERS AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS LAWSUITS BY IGNORING IT. WE HONESTLY REPORTING THE UNUSUAL DEFECT EXHIBITS BY THE XARWERE NOT ABUSING TO FIX A DAMAGE CAUSE BY US BEFORE WE DID SOME ACTION THAT THEY THINK WE ONLY WANT TO FIX IGNITION PROBLEM, I AM TELLING THE TRUTH AGAIN FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS THE CAR HAS PROBLEM ITS STOP WHILE ON THE RUN, IT TURN AROUND WHEN I EXITING 280 FROM SKYLINE I THROWN OUT OFF THE ROAD CAUSE I CAN CONTROLLED IT ANOTHER THINK CAME ACROSS MY MIND WHY AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYED THAT TIME AND I'M JUST LUCKY THAT TIME SOME CAR ARE ALERT ACTUALLY THEIR ONE CALL COPS THAT TIME. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE WILL RECEIVED AND BY THEIR AUTHORITY BEFORE I REMOVED AND TRADE IT IF THEY WONT DO ACTION, FOR ME I DO MY PART TO REPORT FOR THE SAFE OF OUR FUTURE. THANK YOU.
TAKATA RECALL, SINCE THE CAR HAS A IGNITION PROBLEM AND IT IS AT THE PUTNAM GM BURLINGAME TILL NOW THEY DON'T DO ANY OF RECALL EVEN DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND THEY WANT ME TO REMOVE IT NOW OR I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT DIFFERENT FROM THE MANUFACTURE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS LAST TUESDAY WHEN I TOW THAT CAR TO THEIR PLACE AFTER I TELL TO THEM THE SITUATION THEY SAID THEY TAKING CARE OF IT, NOW THEY CHANGE. I FEEL LIKE BECAUSE I HAVE A OLDER CAR AND NO VALUE THEY DON'T THINK ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND THE DAMAGE COULD BE MADE TO OTHERS. I CAN'T. DRIVE THAT CAR NOT SAFE.I CAN'T WORK WITHOUT CAR PLEASE HELP . I'M NOT ASKING TO FIX THE PAINT OR WHEEL. JUST CHECK WHAT THEY HAVE TO FIX STOPPING OF ENGINE AND HARD TO START CAUSE BY IGNITION AND THE AIRBAG MUST WORK PROPERLY.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY, THE RPM GAUGE DROPPED TO ZERO, THE THERMOSTAT NEEDLE RAPIDLY FLICKERED UP AND DOWN THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WON'T START, THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES MOVE BY THEMSELVES WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOW THE CAR HAS ZERO POWER. . THIS CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS.
THE CAR WILL TURN OVER BUT WONT START. IT'S NOT GETTING SPARK. RAN IT TO TEST CODES. CAME BACK AS TPS. CHANGED IT AND IT ALL WON'T START. WAS TOLD POSSIBLY A RECALL ON THE IGNITION.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION NOW I CAN'T EVEN TURN THE CAR ON TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF- BEEPING WILL NOT STOP WHEN KEY IS REMOVED AND CAR BATTERY DRAINED. KEY ALSO GETS HOT WHEN IN IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING IN ICY CONDITIONS, I MOMENTARILY LOST TRACTION. THE POWER TO THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF, CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. MY CAR SPUN ABOUT THREE TIMES, AND I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP FACING TRAFFIC. THANKFULLY, THE ROAD WAS EMPTY, SO I WAS NOT INJURED. I AM ESPECIALLY WORRIED BECAUSE MY CAR IS PART OF GMS RECALL, BUT IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER. GM CLAIMS THAT A NEW KEY WILL FIX MY PROBLEM, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING ON MY KEY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, SO I KNOW THIS IS A LIE. GM IS CONTINUING TO ENDANGER THE LIVES OF ITS CUSTOMERS BY NOT FULLY ADDRESSING THIS DEFECT. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO IN JUNE OF 2002, SINCE THE PURCHASE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT MECHANICAL ISSUES. THE FIRST BEING BRAKES/ROTORS BEING REPLACED TWICE A YEAR, THEN MY HEAD GASKET WENT, TIRES WEAR TOO QUICKLY, AND NOW MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, NO TRACTION LIGHT (WHICH DOES NOT WORK), CHANGE OIL LIGHT IS ON, AND NOW I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY WHEEL BEARINGS, AND CV JOINTS, THE CAR ACTUALLY MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT AND OFTEN SOUNDS AND FEELS AS IF I HAVE A FLAT TIRE. I HAVE HAD ALL OF THESE REPAIRS DONE AND THE CAR WAS FINE FOR 1 WEEK AND NOW ALL OF THE PROBLEMS ARE BACK EXCEPT FOR THE HEAD GASKET. DID I MENTION I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AS WELL, I FEEL THAT FOR THE PRICE I PAID AND THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, THERE ARE MANY OTHERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME DIFFICULTY AS ME, WHEN I READ OTHERS PROBLEMS, I FEEL LIKE I AM READING ABOUT MY CAR. THIS WAS MY FIRST CAR I HAD EVER PURCHASED AND FEEL THAT MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS AT RISK BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND I AM ABOUT OUT OF MONEY REPLACING PARTS. PLEASE LOOK INTO ANYONE WHO OWNS A OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND GIVE ME SOME ADVICE. THANK YOU. *NM
FRONT TIRE AREA WAS MAKING LOTS OF NOISE. TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR SERVICE TO CHECK IT OUT - THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE POWER STEERING PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE BRAKES. I DID NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. TOOK THE CAR TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO CHECK THAT. HE HEARD THE NOISE AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE WHEEL BEARINGS. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THAT IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND SAID THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED - THAT THEY USUALLY LAST OVER 100,000 MILES (I ONLY HAD AROUND 60,000 MILES ON THE CAR). THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING FAN SWITCH DOES NOT WORK ON THE FIRST TWO SPEEDS - ONLY ON THE MIDDLE AND HIGHER SPEEDS. I WORK WITH A MAN WHO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AS MY CAR. *NM
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITHOUT WARNING, THE GEARSHIFT KNOB BROKE OFF. THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO PARK, REVERSE, ETC. *JB
I HAVE AN 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WHICH IS A PIECE OF CRAP SINCE I FIRST BROUGHT IT HOME. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE BRAKES ABOUT 7 TIMES!!! I HAVE ALSO HAD TO FIX ALL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WERE STATED IN THE RECALLS. I FIXED THE RECALL PROBLEMS BEFORE THERE EVEN WAS ANY RECALLS BECAUSE GM WOULD NOT HELP ME. THEN LATER I WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALLS. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS SHOT!! THE ETS SYSTEM IS NOT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT PROPERLY. WE FOUND A BOLT LAYING IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN WHEN WE FIRST SERVICED IT. IN THE BEGINNING WE THOUGHT WE ONLY NEEDED A TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE BUT COME TO FIND OUT THAT BOLT THAT WAS IN OUR TRANSMISSION PAN FILTERED THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION ALLOWING SOMETHING TO BECOME LOOSE IN THE TRANSMISSION MAKING IT SHIFT VERY HARD. WE HAD 2 MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND BOTH AGREED THAT WE NEEDED TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS BUT EVEN IN THE BEGINNING OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE THINGS STARTED TO GO WRONG. NOW OLDSMOBILE IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND GM/OLDSMOBILE WONT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME WHICH IS TYPICAL OF GM. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH GM ABOUT 5 TIMES NOW AND THEY JUST KEEP TELLING ME THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER. BASICALLY I'M OUT OF LUCK. NOW IT WILL COST 2000.00 TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION AND I DO NOT HAVE THAT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A GM VEHICLE EVER AGAIN. I THINK THAT A FOREIGN CAR LIKE HONDA OR NISSAN WOULD BE MORE RELIABLE AND WONT BE A PIECE OF JUNK THAT ISN'T EVEN WORTH 100.00. PLEASE HELP ME I NEED A VEHICLE FOR WORK. *NM
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS CAR THE BACKSEATS WERE NOT ATTACHED TO THE CAR. THE DASHBOARD IS PEALING UP ALL THE WAY AND THE PAINT IS GONE FROM MY GEAR SHIFT. BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THE DRIVER SIDE I HAD TO GET FIXED FOR INSPECTION COST ABOUT $300. TIRES AND BRAKES NEED REPLACED CONSTANTLY. LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BLINKERS DON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME AND WHEN THEY DO IT IS THIS HORRIBLE LOUD CLICKING NOISE. CD PLAYER/RADIO STOP WORKING RANDOMLY. AC ONLY WORKS ON 3RD SETTING. REAR DEFROST DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. FOG LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON AND BULBS ARE BRAND NEW. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN WITH BUTTON FROM INSIDE CAR OR KEYLESS ENTRY. MY TRUNK RANDOMLY COMES OPEN FOR NO REASON AND ONCE WOULD NOT LATCH TO SHUT FOR A FEW DAYS BUT THEN RANDOMLY LATCHED SHUT. CAR LEAKS WATER IN THE FRONT AND BACK. RECENTLY MY CAR WON'T START EVERYTIME IT RAINS. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PLACE AND THEY RAN IT THROUGH THE COMPUTER AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW IT'S AT A WINDSHEILD PLACE BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAYS ITS LEAKING WATER INTO FUSE BOX. GLASS PLACE IS SAYING THAT IS NOT IT EITHER. I AM AT MY WITS END. IT DRIES OUT AND WILL START AND AS SOON AS IT RAINS WILL NOT START. I DON'T WANT TO PAY ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I SEE WHERE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT FUSES AND WATERS LEAKS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TWICE IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND HAD $600 WORTH OF WORK DONE ON MY CAR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR. I'M VERY AGGITATED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS CAR AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. I EVEN COMPLAINED TO THE BBB ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM TO NO AVAIL. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? *TR
MY 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO HAS HAD SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE PURCHASING IT IN JUNE OF 2002. TO DATE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY WATERPUMP, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, TIRES, BRAKES AND ROTORS CONSISTENTLY (THREE OR MORE TIMES AYEAR) . THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM IS MY GAS GAUGE WILL INDICATE THAT I HAVE 1/4 TANK AND TO MY SURPRISE THE CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS MORE FUEL IS ADDED. THE ENGINE ALSO SOUNDS ROUGH, I HAVE BOTH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS ON, ALONG WITH MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ON AND I HAVE NEW TIRES, REPLACED A GAS CAP, AND THE LIGHTS WENT OFF, BUT THEN COME BACK ON. I AM ALSO POSITIVE THAT MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE COSMETIC DEFECTS ARE THAT OF THE DASH BOARD STARTING TO PEEL AND COME LOOSE. I HAVE READ UP ON THAT GM RESPONDED TO A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALEROS ABOUT THE GAS PROBLEM AND I CONTACTED THE DEALER DORSCHEL AND SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER LOU, GM AGREED TO ADD A DIFFERENT FILTER SO THAT THE GAS WAS DRAINING BACK INTO THE TANK, IT WAS ALSO MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE THAT DEALERS COULD BE FINED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DAILY IF NOT COMPLIED WITH, BUT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT AN ACTUAL RECALL, THE DEALER DENIED MY REQUEST TO FIX. AFTER READING THE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE VEHICLES, I AM SHOCKED THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, THE SHOULD BE AS THEY ARE NOT SAFE CARS IN MY OPINION. I AM CHALLENGING YOU TO TAKE A RIDE IN MY CAR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND SEE IF YOU FEEL SAFE, BECAUSE NOT ONLY AM I OUT 13,000 THAT I PAID FOR THE CAR, BUT ALSO IF I HAVE TO ESTIMATE PROBABLY ANOTHER 6,000 IN REPAIRS. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. I EXPECT A WRITTEN RESPONSE FROM YOUR OFFICE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO TO INVESTIGATE THESE PROBLEMS. NOT ONLY READ MY LETTER, BUT YOU SHOULD GOOGLE IN 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALEROS AND SEE THE DISGUST OF PERFORMANCE PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAC OFF LIGHT AND ANTI-LOCK LIGHT ON, CAR JERKS INTO DRIVE, AND WHILE CHANGING GEARS. HAS TO REPLACE SENSORY, DRIVE SHAFTS, ETC. BRAKES DON'T WORK, CAR JERKS AFTER 3000 RPMS, DANGEROUS, AND CAN CAUSE CRASH. *TR
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF MY 2000 ALERO HAS STOPPED LATCHING IN PLACE AND FREELY MOVES ON THE RAILS ON THE FLOOR BOARD. THIS HAPPEN RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW THE REPLACEMENT IS DOING THE SAME THING. I CAN NOT DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2000 OLDS ALERO. GL 6 CYL 3.4, 4 DOOR. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AGO AND THIS PAST SPRING THE HEAD GASKET BLEW, SO I HAD TO INVEST IN THAT. I AM VERY ADAMATE ON TAKING CARE OF MY CAR AND OIL CHANGES. ALSO, THE WHOLE DASH COVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER IS PEELING AWAY. I NOTICED THIS IS SEVERAL ALERO'S I HAVE SEEN IN A PARKING LOT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE ENGINE THOUGH. HOW MANY TIMES AM I GOING TO HAVE TO INVEST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THE MOTOR ISSUES. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE MOTOR ISSUE? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL IN ONE DIRECTION WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXHIBITED LOW AIR PRESSURE AND THE LOW PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RIMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES AND REPAIR. RECENTLY, THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT ALL FOUR RIMS BE REPLACED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY WHILE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
WHILE IN MOTION, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING (E.G., NO ENGINE HESITATION). AFTER VEHICLE STOPPED, AND TRANSMISSION PUT INTO PARK, THE ENGINE RESTARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM AND CAR OPERATED FINE. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN ON 3/22/2014. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 25 MPH. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE DRIVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER. *NM
THE BRAKE ROTORS TURNED TWICE AND REPLACED ONCE. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE DRIVERS DOOR AUTOMATIC WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE AND NOW THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WAS DOING THE SAME THING. THE INTERIOR LIGHT FELL OUT AND HAD TO BE PUT BACK IN. THE SUN VISOR CAME LOOSE AND HAD TO BE TIGHTENED AGAIN. THE CD PLAYER HAD TO BE REPLACED. A BACKLASH OF ELECTRICITY CAUSED A FUSE TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR DIED ON A HIGHWAY AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE INTACT MANIFOLD LEAKED, IT WAS TIGHTENED UP AND ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT DETRACT AUTOMATICALLY. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATES. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE CAN HEAR A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONING NO LONGER WORKS. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE MECHANIC HAS DONE SOMETHING TO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING TO FAIL. SHE FEELS THAT ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT NOTICED HOT AIR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WHEN IT WAS ACTIVATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COOLANT WAS LOW. AFTER THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED, SHE NOTICED LARGE PUDDLES OF COOLANT LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 150,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .