Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
57
Latest May 27, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
52%
of 109 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1
What this page shows
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 57 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming electrical
The 25 most recent of 57, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA ID
11740303
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Mileage
63,000 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 14, 2024
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
NHTSA ID
11625161
Incident
Nov 7, 2024
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 3, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
NHTSA ID
11580823
Incident
Jan 3, 2022
Electrical
Filed Oct 30, 2020
THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. I BOUGHT A NEW TURN SWITCH, PUT A NEW FUSE IN AND EVERYTHING AND NOTHING WORKS. WHEN I DRIVE ON THE ROAD THE TURN SIGNAL DOESNT COME ON AND SOMETIMES IT CAUSES A LOT OF PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ID
11372378
Incident
Oct 30, 2020
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 18, 2019
NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSE TO LEAK ON EQUIPMENT UNDER INSIDE AND OUT DASHBOARD WITCH CAUSED EROSION AND DEFECTS TO OTHER OPERATING EQUIPMENT LEAD TO CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING,SOME OPERATIONS OF WILL WORK, SOME WON'T. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN,THE SECURITY SYSTEM ON CAR DOES NOT WORK. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE SINCE I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD ON HIGHWAY 55MPH. AND THE CAR COMPLETELY TURN OFF, I TURNED IGNITION SWITCH TO TURN CAR BACK ON IT WAS VERY SCARY MOMENT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. BUT I WISH I CAN AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR PROBLEMS THAT HAS CAUSED ME A LOT OF MISERY FINANCIALLY EMOTIONALLY FEEL SAFE WITH GM SEALING FRONT WINDOW PROPERLY ON ALERO I WOULDN'T HAVE THESE PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST PLACE! SO NOT PROPERLY SEALING AND WIRING DIAGRAM NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED IN MY OPINION ALL I WANT IS TO FEEL SAFE IN ANY GM MOTORS MODELS NOT JUST ME BUT OTHERS TOO . I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HELP ME AS MUCH I HELP OTHERS IN MY CAR N MY DAILY LIFE TO GET BY NOT MUCH TO ASK TO FEEL SAFE! THE CAR WAS NOT SEALED RIGHT IN FIRST PLACE. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED MY PROBLEMS OWNING THIS CAR. I NEED EITHER HELP WITH CAR TO GET FIX PTHE RIGHT WAY. OR I NEED A NEW CAR I HAVE A DISABLED MOTHER AND GRANDPA THAT DEPEND ON ME AND I NEED A RELIABLE CAR TO PROVIDE DAILY TASKS APPOINTMENTS THE LIST GOES ON. I COULD REALLY USE A PIECE OF MIND JUST TO KNOW I'M DRIVING A SAFE RELIABLE CAR TO DO MY GOD SERVICES EVERY DAY I'M BEGGING!!
NHTSA ID
11180995
Incident
Dec 14, 2018
Mileage
198,765 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET AMARILLO (2200 E I-40, AMARILLO, TX 79103) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO NEW KEYS FROM THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT START THE VEHICLE AND THE SECURITY INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA ID
11150336
Incident
Nov 9, 2018
Mileage
133,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 25, 2017
THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON FELL INTO THE DASHBOARD AND THE BLINKER SIGNALS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WORK. THEY WILL SOMETIMES STOP WORKING WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN, OTHER TIMES WILL WORK FOR A FEW DAYS, AND THEN RANDOMLY STOP AGAIN FOR NO CONSISTENT AMOUNT OF TIME. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE TO REPAIR I SEE THAT IT IS VERY COMMON WITH OTHER CARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
NHTSA ID
10991614
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 17, 2017
I OWN A 2004 ALERO OLDSMOBILE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2008. IT LATER ONLY HAD ONE RECALL WHICH WAS FOR THE IGNITION ISSUES. WHILE THE CAR IS ON AND IN DRIVE THE KEY IS STILL ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR STILL REMAINS ON AND IN DRIVE. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING MY BLINKERS NOT WORKING 100% OF THE TIME, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # FOR THIS ISSUE IS 03V327000). I CAN PRESS THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON QUICKLY AND FREQUENTLY WHILE PUSHING ON THE SIGNAL STICK AND THAT SOMETIMES WILL MAKE THEM WORK, OTHER TIMES THAT DOESN'T WORK AND NEITHER MY SIGNALS NOR HAZARD SIGNALS WORK AT ALL. LASTLY, AND MOST FRIGHTENING, IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED, AND WILL JUMP AS THE RPM'S BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # FOR THIS ISSUE IS 07E021000). THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED AND A FEW TIMES THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY DID SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, I'VE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, AND WAIT 10-15 MINUTES BEFORE I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TESTED FOR OVER 3 HOURS AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OR BATTERY, WHICH IS WHY I AM CERTAIN IT IS THE FUEL PRESSURE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE KEY RECALL I BROUGHT THIS UP TO THEM AS WELL, (AS MY WINDOWS ALSO DO NOT WORK), I PURCHASED A NEW GAS CAP AS INSTRUCTED HOPING THAT WOULD FIX THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE CAR STALLING OUT, IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THERE ARE RECALLS THAT MY CAR FALLS UNDER AND THAT I AM EXPERIENCING, I ASKED WHY THESE LIFE THREATENING RECALLS WEREN'T ABLE TO BE FIXED ON MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THEY WEREN'T LISTED ON MY VIN. PLEASE HELP MY VEHICLE AND THE MILLIONS OTHERS BE UPDATED WITH THE NHTSA TO REQUEST THE MANUFACTURER TO REVIEW THIS MORE CLOSELY IN RELATION TO THE ONES ACTUALLY AFFECTED BY THESE ISSUES. THESE ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND POSE AS A THREAT NOT ONLY TO MYSELF AND FAMILY BUT TO OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME.
NHTSA ID
10986256
Incident
Apr 2, 2014
Mileage
136,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. AFTER DRIVING AND ARRIVING AT HER DESTINATION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN APRIL OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CASE NUMBER: 8-2930117201 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ID
10983123
Incident
May 2, 2017
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,640.
NHTSA ID
10983078
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Mileage
202,640 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 25, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTTING MY CAR SO I WENT TO AUTO DEALERSHIP AND BOUGHT A KEY WHICH COST $38.. IT WORKED GREAT FOR MAYBE A MONTH. THEN I TOOK MY CAR TO CAR WASH AND TURNED THE IGNATION SWITCH OFF AND GOT OUT OF CAR. WHEN I WAS READY TO GO, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO HIRE A WREAKER TO HAUL IT TO THE HOUSE. THE CAR STILL WON'T START.
NHTSA ID
10980495
Incident
Apr 12, 2017
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 6, 2017
BOUGHT CAR A YEAR AGO, IT HAD ISSUES WITH TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING. I GOOGLED ISSUE AND REPLACED HAZARD SWITCH 125,000 MILES. NOW AT 155,000 TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED, IT'S REPLACEMENT WORTH MORE THAN CAR VALUE. I HEARD AFTER 2004 A CHANGE WAS MADE BECAUSE OF ISSUES BUT NO RECALL. CAR WAS PULLED TO END OF DRIVEWAY BEFORE TAKING A CLOSE OUT OF TOWN TRIP, TURNED OFF TO CHECK OIL AND SUCH, WOULDN'T START. ESTIMATE RECEIVED TO REPAIR 2,500$. I AM FURIOUS!
NHTSA ID
10970841
Incident
Mar 11, 2017
Mileage
158,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Mar 21, 2017
MY TURNING SIGNALS WORK, BUT WHEN NOT IN USE THE SIGNAL NOISE DOES A RAPID BEEP, BEEP NOISE, EVEN WHEN I DRIVE AND SIT IDLY.
NHTSA ID
10967545
Incident
Mar 20, 2017
Mileage
114,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNALS FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ
NHTSA ID
10874339
Incident
Jun 17, 2015
Mileage
125,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WOULD ONLY UPDATE THE KEYS; IT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA ID
10863644
Incident
May 2, 2016
Mileage
200,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 25, 2015
Fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH THE KEY, THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ID
10806734
Incident
Nov 23, 2015
Mileage
90,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Oct 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SECURITY AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ID
10782393
Incident
May 15, 2015
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ID
10763614
Incident
Aug 12, 2014
Electrical
Filed Aug 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE FAULTY PASS LOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM AND IGNITION SWITCH BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL PUMP, THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY START BY LOOSENING THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION KEY TURNED INTO THE ON POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
NHTSA ID
10747098
Incident
Aug 7, 2013
Mileage
196,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 8, 2015
2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 19, 2014, SHE ASSUMED THE RECALL HAD PERFORMED. HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 20, 2015, SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE RECALL HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED AND THE CURRENT PROBLEM WAS WITH THE KEY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE INITIAL RECALL. *JB
NHTSA ID
10702636
Incident
Feb 20, 2015
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 14, 2014
WAS DRIVING ON IN TOLL ROAD WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THEM BACK ON BY GOING TO MANUAL. THEY ALSO FLICKERED ON & OFF EVEN WITH CAR OFF AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION. HAD RECALL ON IGNITION, RECALL 143510, ADVISED GM AND DEALER OF PROBLEM. THEY SAID WASN'T COVERED BY RECALL. STILL A RECURRING PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ID
10664129
Incident
Oct 5, 2014
Mileage
141,271 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 2, 2014
2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON IS PUSHED BACK WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVE MY HAZARD LIGHTS IF NEEDED. ALSO, THERE WERE SOME UNIDENTIFIED LIGHTS STUCK ON THE DASHBOARD. *MW
NHTSA ID
10654351
Incident
Dec 1, 2014
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PROBLEM RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, LOCK AND KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ID
10659625
Incident
Nov 23, 2009
Mileage
160,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 13, 2014
IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL. ALL THEY DID WAS STICK PLASTIC ON KEYS. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSE TO DO SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS STILL FALLING OUT OF PLACE? ALSO, WHY DIDN'T THEY REPLACE THE IGNITION MODULE SINCE IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT? THE SWITCH IS THE PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE. NOT THE KEYS!!! *TR
NHTSA ID
10654801
Incident
Jul 10, 2012
ElectricalEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 13, 2014
2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AND THEN GOING OFF. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB
NHTSA ID
10652265
Incident
Nov 3, 2014
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.
Other components reported on this vehicle
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