RoadVitals

2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
278
Latest Feb 2, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 3, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 278 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 446 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V400000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Jul 3, 2014
5,877,718 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14350View on NHTSA.gov
07E021000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

Mar 12, 2007
742 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
DELPHIView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE05055ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TURN SIGNAL FAILURES

Opened Sep 27, 2005
Closed Jan 13, 2006

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:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 278
AirbagsSeat beltsSteering
Filed Feb 2, 2022

1. Security turns on while driving, making the vehicle to spin but not drive normally on road or highway when driving 2. Horn malfunctioning, stops working when security turns on while driving 3. Seatbelt warning and airbag light flashing when security turns on while driving, seatbelt becomes locked preventing driver from being able to move to check blind spots or rear while driving 4. Emergency lights become disabled when security lights turn on Key ignition was inspected and fixed according to recall. The above are things that have been noticed by new driver/owner. Only drive when necessary to avoid traffic accidents. Do not have money to pay a dealership or GM to check problems. These problems occurred since day 1 after purchasing the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11450066
Incident
Sep 13, 2013
ElectricalFuel systemSuspension
Filed Jan 2, 2022

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 ID
11445865
Incident
Oct 13, 2021
Body & structureElectrical
Filed May 18, 2020

2002 OLDS ALERO,PRESENT MILEAGE@5/17/20-187,037. WHERE DO I START? OKAY,THE TRUNK HAS STARTED TO ARBITRARILY DECIDE TO POP OPEN...APPARENTLY DURING RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS...I WONDER IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE DOOR LOCKS RECENTLY DECIDING TO NOT LOCK THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN USING SWITCH ON DR,SIDE DOOR...AND NOW SINCE THE TRUNK'S BEEN POPPING OPEN FOR THE LAST 3WKS,THE KEY FOB WON'T OPEN THE TRUNK,AND THE BUTTON ON INTERIOR DOOR TO THE TRUNK WON'T WORK EITHER,UNLESS THE CAR IS RUNNING(AND NOT ALL THE TIME THEN,EITHER) INTERIOR DOOR LOCKS WON'T RESPOND TO THE INTERIOR SWITCH ANYMORE..WHAT A PAIN IN THE A**....I'M KEEPING A BUNGEE CORD OVER THE SPOILER TO THE BUMPER TO KEEP THE TRUNK CLOSED. FYI~I KEEP THE CAR ON A TRICKLE CHARGE TO THE BATTERY24/7 ,SINCE I AVOID DRIVING THE THING-THE PASSLOCK BS SEEMS TO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DRAIN SINCE IT HAS TO SIT WITH THE KEY ON.ALSO CARRY A NOCO CHARGER AT ALL TIMES IN CASE I NEED A JUMP..THE RUST IS UNBELIEVABLE. REAR FENDERS ARE ALL BUT CRUMBLED OFF.HAVE TO FIX DR,SIDE WINDOW NOW~HAD TO FIX PASS. SIDE 2YRS AGO.REGULATOR AFU,PROBABLY NEED NEW SWITCH,WINDOW WENT OFF THE TRACK, GETTING GOOD AT TAPING THEM UP DISCREETLY.THE ALUMINUM RIMS CAUSE SLOW LEAKS IN TIRES,BUY YOURSELF AN INFLATOR..MASSIVE POWER STEERING LEAK NOW,BRAKE LINES REPLACED TWICE..THEY'RE UNDER THE CAR EXPOSED TO WHERE THEY GET TO RUST AWAY CONSTANTLY~I LIVE IN NORTH WEST OHIO WHERE IT SNOWS&RAINS ALOT,SO I'M HOSED. ONCE I MASTERED THE PASSLOCK 2STEP I THOUGHT THAT IT COULDN'T GET ANY WORSE~BUT IN READING ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS& STARTING TO HAVE WHAT MAY BE A BCM ISSUE,I'M NOT DRIVING THIS THING IF I DON'T HAVE TO! I PAID MY AAA DUES AND FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE.. OH,YEAH-HAD THAT"RECALL" A FEW YRS AGO AND ALL THEY DID WAS MONKEY AROUND WITH THE KEYS,NOT THE IGNITION! I'VE BEEN TOLD A 100 TIMES I'LL NEED A NEW IGNITION~ANYBODY OUT THERE HAVE $700??? *TR

NHTSA ID
11324921
Incident
May 17, 2020
Mileage
187,037 mi
ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Sep 20, 2019

"TAKATA RECALL" I OWN A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND MY BLINKERS ONLY WORK MAYBE 2 TIME A MONTH WHEN I USE MY TURNING SIGNALS IN EITHER DIRECTION I JUST HEAR A BUZZING SOUND SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY IN ONE DIRECTION AND SOMETIMES THERE IS NO SOUND AND NO BLINKER AT ALL. NOW MY GAS GAUGE SAYS EMPTY AND I JUST PUT $30 OF GAS IN IT AND ONCE I RAN OUT OF GAS AND AND WAS STUCK ON THE HWY FOR 4 HOURS BECAUSE MY GAS GAUGE SAID FULL TANK B

NHTSA ID
11256865
Incident
May 7, 2019
Suspension
Filed Aug 20, 2019

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 ID
11245249
Incident
Feb 1, 2018
Mileage
230,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.

NHTSA ID
11221539
Incident
Jun 21, 2018
Mileage
203,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 19, 2018

CAR OFTEN STALLS STARTING. EASILY CUTS OFF WHEN PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER IS IN PLACE OR IF RADIO IS ON AFTER 5 MINUTES WITH DISCONTINUING ENGINE. CUT OFF AT A STOP SIGN RECENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL SOME TIME LATER. HAS NEW BATTERY LESS THAN 8 MONTHS OLD. DID THE SAME THINGS WITH OLD BATTERY AND WAS THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT CONTINUES WITH THE SAME ISSUES. SEEMS TO HAVE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SOMEWHERE.

NHTSA ID
11112413
Incident
Jul 17, 2018
Mileage
97,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2018

TAKATA RECALL- I BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST YEAR AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION. WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KEY I FEEL THE IGNITION MOVE. I ALSO HAVE A HARD THE KEEPING IT STARTED. WHEN I'M DRIVING WITH MY SEAT BELT ON MY NO SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF AS IF IT WASN'T ON.

NHTSA ID
11092130
Incident
May 2, 2018
Mileage
167,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Oldsmobile Alero by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011000—
20041092050.8
20031843050.9
2002Viewing2782151.7
20013645358.7
20005575557.8
19994624153.1
1998200—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.