RoadVitals

2002 Oldsmobile Alero Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 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

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

134
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2022

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 · filed May 18, 2020
All 134 reports naming electrical

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

78
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"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 · filed Sep 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,762.

NHTSA ID 10885927 · filed Jul 19, 2016
All 78 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 20, 2019

IT JUST STARTED AFTER THE SECURITY GOT LOCK AND HAD TO BE OVER DRIVE. WHEN YOU DRIVE YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR IDLE BAD WHEN YOU HAVE TO STOP FOR A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR IF YOU HAVE TO STOP TO TURN AND YOU GET BELOW 1 MGA TURNS OFF. YESTERDAY IT DID THIS AND TURN OFF AND ALL IT WOULD DO IS JUST TURNS BUT DOESN'T START. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE IT'S NOT GET FUEL OR AIR WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. YOU CAN DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT AND WATCH THE MGA, I THINK, 1,2,3, ILDEL DOWN A LITTLE. STARTED END OF SEPT OR NO TROUBLER

NHTSA ID 11033379 · filed Oct 14, 2017
All 40 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY TENSOR PULLEY IS GOING OUT AND MY SAFETY SENSORS LIKE ANTI LOCK, TRAC OFF AND NOW SERVICE ENGINE SOON KEEP COMING ON HAD IT IN SHOP AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW ITS MAKING LOUD NOISES.IT HAPPENS WHEN IM STOPPED AND MOVING

NHTSA ID 11056758 · filed Dec 27, 2017

JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A BAD SCRUBBING NOISE, AND I HAD NO TURN SIGNAL AT ALL I NOTICED A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT .DURING THE CLICKING SOUND THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD WORK AT TIMES AND I WOULD SMELL SOMETHING LIKE A BURNING SMELL. WHILE THE CAR WAS PARK AND NO ONE AROUND IT THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON INSIDE AND OUT BY THEIR SELF AND THIS CAUSES MY BATTERY TO GO DEAD AND I HAVE TO BOOST IT OFF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE CAR DEALER THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND HATEFUL AND TOLD ME IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THAT THEY SOLD IT TO ME AT A GOOD DEAL AND THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10669781 · filed Jan 2, 2015
All 20 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2022

"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 · filed Sep 20, 2019
All 18 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO SINCE 2002. WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HAVING THIS CAR THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT BAD AND WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AND IT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THIS WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM BECAUSE THE COMPANY THAT WAS IN CHARGE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WENT BANKRUPT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE A GASKET IN THE ENGINE THAT KEEPS ENGINE COOLANT AND ENGINE OIL FROM MIXING TOGETHER BECAUSE THE GASKET THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH THE CAR WAS NOT THE RIGHT THICKNESS. (SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT BY MECHANICS WHY WASN'T THIS RECALLED OR A SERVICE BULLETIN INITIATED?) I CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER DOOR CONTROL PANEL THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOWS AND THE SIDE MIRRORS AND WINDOW LOCKS. THE WINDOWS IN MY CAR CAN ONLY BE CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER BECAUSE THE WINDOW LOCK IS STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS FALLING DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND HAVE HAD ONE WINDOW REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2007 BUT NOW IN SEPTEMBER 2008 THE PASSENGER WINDOW IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND NOW WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THIS WINDOW AS WELL. RIGHT NOW THE MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS CAR IS THE TURN SIGNALS. THEY FUNCTION AS THEY SHOULD BUT THE CLICKING NOISE FOR THE TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE MADE A TURN (IT ACTUALLY MAKES A CLICKING NOISE ABOUT 3 TIMES AS FAST AS THE REGULAR TURN CLICK). I HAVE HAD THIS LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE HAZARD LIGHT RECALL WHICH MY CAR FALLS UNDER SO IT WAS NOT FIXED. IT IS A VERY DISTRACTING PROBLEM AND THE ONLY TIME I CAN GET RELIEF FROM THE CLICKING NOISE IS WHEN I ACTUALLY GET READY TO MAKE A TURN BY TURNING ON THE ACTUAL TURN SIGNAL. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING. I AM HOPING THAT SOME THING IS DONE ABOUT THE WINDOWS AND THE ENGINE GASKET. I DON'T THINK CONSUMERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR POOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN. GM SHOULD MAKE THINGS RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10240999 · filed Sep 4, 2008

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW ON MY 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO FAILS TO ROLL UP. I HAVE CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE A "MANY" COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM, IN ADDITION TO THE ELEVEN (11) NHTSA AND SERVICE BULLETINS YOU ALREADY HAVE ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10233295 · filed Jul 6, 2008
All 15 reports naming visibility

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 19, 2018

IT JUST STARTED AFTER THE SECURITY GOT LOCK AND HAD TO BE OVER DRIVE. WHEN YOU DRIVE YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR IDLE BAD WHEN YOU HAVE TO STOP FOR A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR IF YOU HAVE TO STOP TO TURN AND YOU GET BELOW 1 MGA TURNS OFF. YESTERDAY IT DID THIS AND TURN OFF AND ALL IT WOULD DO IS JUST TURNS BUT DOESN'T START. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE IT'S NOT GET FUEL OR AIR WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. YOU CAN DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT AND WATCH THE MGA, I THINK, 1,2,3, ILDEL DOWN A LITTLE. STARTED END OF SEPT OR NO TROUBLER

NHTSA ID 11033379 · filed Oct 14, 2017
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 2, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (JERRY SEINER CHEVROLET, 1530 S 500 W, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ORIGINAL KEY WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,111.

NHTSA ID 11080966 · filed Mar 22, 2018
All 11 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2022

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 · filed Aug 20, 2019
All 10 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 2, 2022

FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS KNOW MY AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS LIFTED UP IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650265 · filed Oct 27, 2014
All 9 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. ..UPDATED 09-21-12*BF

NHTSA ID 10471766 · filed Aug 21, 2012
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TURN SIGNALS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK AND CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS START, NEED TO WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR CAR TO START IR RESET WITH KEY IN THE ON POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10348111 · filed Aug 9, 2010

I PURCHASED A 2002 ALERO FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT HAD A CERTIFIED STICKER AND A WARRANTY ON THE WINDOW. AFTER SIGNING ALL PAPERS AND PUTTING $2,000 DOWN ON IT, THE SALES MAN INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEH. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH IT. 9-5-07 THE BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING AND MAKING LOUD NOISES. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. ON 9-10-07, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO SHAKE AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS IF THE WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. THIS HAPPENED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS I WAS GOING TO WORK. I DROPPED IT OFF AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THEY SAID IT WAS THEIR FAULT DUE TO A FEW NUTS OR BOLTS FELL OFF. 5-6-08 IS WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY LEFT ME STRANDED. TURN THE KEY, ALL LIGHTS COME ON AND SEAT BELT ALERT CAME ON. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WANTED TO START BUT IT WOULDN'T. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT COST ME $588.00 TO REPAIR IT. THEY SAID IT WAS THE PASS LOCK SENSOR. 9-3-08 MY CAR LEFT ME STRANDED AGAIN. IT HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS THE FIRST TIME. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WANTED TO START BUT IT WOULDN'T. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THEY QUOTED ME $350 FOR REPAIR IT. THEY SAID IT WAS THE ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER SPEAKING TO THE MANAGER, I PAID A $50 DEDUCTIBLE AND THE VEH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED. ON ABOUT 5-9-09 THE VEH LEFT ME STRANDED AGAIN. IT DISPLAYED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE PRIOR 2 INCIDENCES. I HAD THE VEH TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THIS TIME THEY SAID AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC, IT WAS THE BCM AND WOULD BE APPROX $480 TO REPAIR IT. A FEW DAYS LATER, I HAD A FRIEND TO HELP ME TOW IT TO MY HOME. I TURNED THE KEY AND IT STARTED UP FINE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD IT IS THE BCM AND IF THE VEH SITS LONG ENOUGH, IT MAY RESET AND START UP. HE ALSO SAID IT MAY LEAVE ME STRANDED AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEH LOCALLY AND ON 11-27-09, THE VEH WILL NOT START. *TR

NHTSA ID 10293758 · filed Nov 28, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 2, 2022

I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS IN FEB. OF THIS YEAR(2005). THE CAR WOULD NOT START. TOWED IT TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. 3 DAYS LATER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY THEN REPLACED THE HOUSING. BEGINING OF JUNE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURE AGIAN. TOWED IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. OF COURSE IT STARTED AT THE DEALER. 2 WEEKS LATER AND IT STILL WILL NOT START AGIAN. THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS COMMING ON BEFORE IT STOPED RUNNING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. IF YOU GO TO WWW.AUTOMOTIVEHELPER.COM AND GO UNDER ALERO, YOU WILL FIND LOTS OF COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA ID 10129646 · filed Jul 21, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRES- I HAVE HAD MY 2002 OLDS-ALERO FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW,I HAVE REPLACE AND REPAIRED THE TIRES ABOUT AS MUCH TIME AS I OWNED IT LITERALLY!!!!!!!! I AM TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON TIRES I HAVE REPLACE SENSORS AND EVERYTHING THIS IS NOT MY FAULT AND I SHOULD NOTTT HAVE TO KEEP COMING OUT OF POCKET WITH MONEY TO FIX A PROBLEM I NOW KNOW IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM, AFTER LEARNING AND READING ON THIS SITE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS IM HAVING WITH MY CAR. I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING AIR IN MY TIRE, FEARING A BLOWOUT ON THE INTERSTATE WHICH I USED TOO TRAVEL TO WORK EVERY DAY CAN SOMEONE REFER ME TO ASSISTANCE?? *TR

NHTSA ID 10317298 · filed Mar 6, 2010

HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL; SAME AS THE 2001...THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUED ON THE 2001, BUT NOT THE 2002? I LOSE MY TURN SIGNALS APPROXIMATELY 2-3 TIMES PER 10 MILE TRIP. I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION...YET. NO REPAIRS SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE INCIDENT DATE IS THE LAST TIME THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED (I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS), BUT IT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ALERO'S REGUARDLESS OF THE MODEL YEAR. THE VEHICLE ALSO WON'T START WHEN IT RAINS, AND SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THE TRUNK OPENS BY ITSELF, AND THE DOOR LOCKS DON'T ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES THE STEREO WON'T TURN ON, AND MOST RECENTLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW WON'T OPEN. I REPLACED THE WHEEL HOUSE ASSEMBLY 3 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. THIS CAR IS AN ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE! FREQUENTLY IT WON'T START BECAUSE IT THINKS I'M TRYING TO STEAL IT. I ALSO PUT AIR IN ALL MY TIRES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK BECAUSE THEY WON'T HOLD AIR...APPARENTLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WHEELS. I HAVE TO MANUALLY CHECK THE TIRES BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE IS ALSO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10290323 · filed Oct 29, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN MY 2002 ALERO TURNED 37,500 THE FUSE TO THE TAIL AND DASH LIGHTS BLEW LEAVING ME DRIVING AFTER DARK WITH NO TAIL AND DASH LIGHTS. *AK SO FAR THE MECHANICS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TRACE DOWN THE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN ORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY KEEP PUTTING IN NEW FUSES AND THEY JUST KEEP BLOWING. THEY HAVE ORDERED A SWITCH, AND IT IS TO GO BACK INTO THE SHOP AGAIN TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AGAIN, AND TO TRY ONCE MORE TO TRACK DOWN THE ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT IS CAUSING THE FUSE TO BLOW THAT TAKES OUT THE TAIL AND DASH LIGHTS. I CAN'T DRIVE THIS 2002 ALERO AFTER DARK EVEN IF I HAVE JUST PUT IN A NEW FUSE BECAUSE IT WILL JUST BLOW AGAIN. IF IT DOESN'T BLOW WHILE I AM DRIVING IT, IT WILL JUST BE BLOWN THE NEXT TIME I START IT. IT MAKES DRIVING THIS 2002 ALERO VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY AFTER DARK.

NHTSA ID 10052438 · filed Jan 5, 2004

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 ID 10049159 · filed Dec 3, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ALERO CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WON'T START BACK FOR HOURS. DEALERSHIP AND MECHANICS CAN'T FIND OUT WHY THIS IS OCCURRING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, THE CAR RANDOMLY CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS FORUM WHERE OTHERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE VERY SAME ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/OLDSMOBILE/ALERO/2000/ENGINE/ENGINE_CUTS_OFF_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML.

NHTSA ID 10981528 · filed Apr 30, 2017

CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FAILED ON FEBRUARY 5 AND HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE THE MORNING OF THE 6TH. GM IS UNABLE TO FIND REPLACEMENT PART. THIS PART IS ALSO USED ON THE 2002 GRAND AM WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSION. AS THIS RENDERS THE CAR INOPERABLE (WON\\'T SRART AND CAN\\'T SHIFT GEARS). I FIND IT INCREDIBLE THAT THERE ISN\\'T ONE TO BE FOUND IN THE US

NHTSA ID 10069217 · filed Jan 15, 2004

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

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