2004 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 2004 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
- Electrical5734.5%
- Exterior lighting2112.7%
- Engine1710.3%
- Airbags137.9%
- Brakes106.1%
- Fuel system74.2%
- Suspension63.6%
- Visibility63.6%
- Powertrain (other)53.0%
- Body & structure53.0%
- Steering53.0%
- Driver assistance42.4%
- Interior & seats31.8%
- Other / unspecified31.8%
- Seat belts10.6%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
- Transmission10.6%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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!!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
RECENTLY STARTED FINANCING A VEHICLE THROUGH CAR HOP. THEY HAD ME SIGN A FORM SAYING THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY OF A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT DIDN'T SPECIFY WHAT. READING IT OVER NOW THE FORM STATES THEY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THIS RECALL. RECALL NUMBER IS 14V400.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. HE HAD NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING CAUSING HIM TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND CRASH INTO A FENCE. THE CRASH DIDN'T DEPLOY THE AIRBAG, BUT CAUSED SEVER DAMAGE TO THE CAR, RESULTING IN IT BEING TOTALED. IT WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD WHERE IT WAS SOLD AS SCRAP. FORTUNATELY MY SON WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED, AND DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I CONTACTED GM AFTER RECEIVING THEIR RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER, 2014. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE THERE ASKING JUST FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE CAR SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR CRASHED. THE REPRESENTATIVE DECLINED THE CLAIM STATING THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE CAR. THE CLAIM # IS [XXX]. I FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR AS AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL NOTICE AND FELT NO OBLIGATION AT THE TIME TO REPORT IT TO GM. I ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT, AND CAN FORWARD THAT TO YOU IF NEEDED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
"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.
THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER WARMED UP . AND WHEN SITTING AFTER STARTED IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO DIE . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY HAS GONE BAD IN THIS 2004 ALERO. WE HAD HIT A DEER WITH OUR 2002 ALERO AND TWO WEEKS BEFORE WE HIT THAT DEER THAT CAR'S WHEEL HUB WENT BAD. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TURN SIGNALS ON MY 2004 ALERO GOES IN AND OUT ALL OF THE TIME. THE HAZARDS WILL WORK BUT NO TURN SIGNALS. IT IS VERY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN'T SEE THAT I'M TURNING OR CHANGING LANES. I ALSO GOT PULLED OVER FOR NOT USING MY BLINKER BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T WORK. ALSO MY HORN HASN'T WORKED FOR A LONG TIME. THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
I HAVE A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WAS PAUSING WHILE BEING PUT DOWN. THEN IT STARTED SHAKING WHEN IT WAS GOING UP. ONE DAY WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT DOWN THE WINDOW ITSELF DIDN'T MOVE. AS I WAS DRIVING THE WINDOW PROCEEDED TO LITERALLY FALL INSIDE THE DOOR. TO GET IT BACK UP I HAD TO PULL UP ON THE GLASS ITSELF AND PUSH THE WINDOW CONTROL TO GET IT UP. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS HAD BROKEN OFF. THEY TRIED TO GLUE IT WITH A KIND OF GLASS GLUE. IT HELD FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN FELL AGAIN. I HAVE NOT PUT THE WINDOW DOWN SINCE THEN,ABOUT SIX MONTHS. NOW THE PASSENGER WINDOW IS DOING THE SAME THING. MY GRANDMOTHER ALSO HAS ON OLDSMOBILE AND HER DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW HAS DONE THE SAME THING AS MINE. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!
[XXX]: AFTER A DAY OF LIGHT DRIVING AFTER BEING STATIONARY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF IN COLORADO SPRINGS CO (COOL WEATHER) UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE TEMP NEEDLE WENT FROM COOL TO ALMOST OVERHEATED IN THE UNDER 30 MINS IT TOOK TO GO FROM ONE STORE PARKING LOT TO THE NEXT NEARBY ONE. THE VEHICLE BECAME FULLY OVERHEATED & SPARKS / 1' FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE SIDES OF THE FRONT HOOD. UPON BEING SHUT OFF THE FLAMES RECEDED, AFTER APPROX 30MINS SITTING THE HOOD WAS LIFTED & FLUIDS CHECKED (ALL WERE AT APPROPRIATE LEVELS). THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AGAIN & RAN IDLE FOR 20 MINS & THE SPARKS / FLAMES REAPPEARED AGAIN SO THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN & A RIDE CALLED. UPON BEING PICKED UP THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE RAN FINE AGAIN FOR THE MOST PART WITH ONLY SLIGHT OVERHEATING - IT WAS TAKEN FOR AN ENGINE WASH / UNDER HOOD AT AN APPROPRIATE FACILITY TO REMOVE ANY FLAMMABLE / COMBUSTIBLE RESIDUE. HAD TO BE DRIVEN AT SPEEDS UNDER 50MPH TO RETURN HOME WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN CAUSING A T-BONE COLLISION. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF MY AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING I HIT MY HEAD ON THE FRONT WINDOW PANE. IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED I WOULD HAVE NEVER HIT THE FRONT WINDOW CAUSING MY TWO HEAD CONTUSIONS, SPRAINED NECK, AND HERNIATED DISCS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY CAR TURNED OFF (POWER SHEERING LOCKED UP) I MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT NOT BEFORE ALMOST GETTING HIT BY A 2 DIFFERENT SEMI-TRUCKS. I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY FOR 4 HOURS WITH A NEW BORN BABY. I HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO FIX MY CAR DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR WHEN I FOUND THE RECALL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The contact called multiple local dealers: Les Stanford Cadillac (21730 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, (313) 565-6000), Gordon Chevrolet, INC. (31850 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI 48135, (734) 237-6089) and James-Martin Chevrolet, INC. (6250 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, (313) 444-8226) and was informed that the accelerator pedal was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V528000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS INOPERABLE MOST OF THE TIME. MOST ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAIL AT TIMES. WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. REAR DOOR LOCKS HAVE TO PLAY WITH REMOTE LOCKS BEFORE DOOR OPENS ACTS AS THOUGH CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE ON CAN NOT OPEN DOOR FROM IN OR OUT. EVENTUALLY AFTER PUSHING ON REMOTE LOCK IT OPENS. BRAKES ALWAYS GRINDING EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENTS. ENGINE HAS ALSO, TICKED NOT KNOCK JUST TICKING SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR. MANY TIMES THE CAR DOES NOT START FIRST TRY AFTER SECOND IT STARTS BUT ALL ELECTRICAL HAS TO RESET EXAMPLE RADIO, CLOCK ECT. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S HAND WAS CUT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT TO CLEAN UNDERNEATH IT. THE FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT SPRINGS NEEDED RUBBER PROTECTIVE CAPS ON THE TOP TO PREVENT CUTS OR PERSONAL INJURIES. UPDATED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
AS I'M READING DIFFERENT WEBSITES AND NOW THIS SITE TO FIND A SOLUTION AS TO WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY CAR, I SEE I SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE... I TOO HAVE A 2004 ALERO THAT WILL CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER... THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON... WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT I WOULD TURN MY CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WILL GO OFF... LATELY IT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON, NOW IT WON'T START! IN THE MORNING I WILL TRY WHAT EVERYONE ELSE TRIED WITH TURNING THE KEY UNTIL THE LIGHT GOES OFF, BUT THIS IS REALLY ASHAME THAT THIS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM! I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP A YEAR IN A HALF AGO FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS NO WAY CHEAP! TRY $1,200 AT A GM DEALERSHIP THAT ONLY USE GM PARTS ON THEIR GM CARS! I'M A BROKE COLLEGE STUDENT THAT NEEDS MY VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND WORK! PLEASE JUST RECALL THESE CARS SO THEY CAN HAVE THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF... SHOULD I TAKE MY PROBLEM TO THE MEDIA TO GET SOME SORT OF RESULTS? IT SEEMS IF THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANYTHING DONE NOW A DAYS... *LN
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LEG INJURY AND A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FR710 TIRES, SIZE: P215/60R16. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE THREAD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FRONT FENDER AND WHEEL WELL LINER TO PARTIALLY DETACH. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR TRIM AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER 2004 THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY WHEN THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP 6 TIMES DUE TO BRAKE PROBLEMS.. WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 20,000 MILES IT HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS TURNED AND BRAKE SHOES REPLACED. THE BRAKES WERE STILL MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT OR WITH THE BRAKES.*AK THE CRUISE CONTROL, DOOR PANELS, WINDOWS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE TRANSMISSION OR FRONT AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING, THE BLINKERS WERE BLINKING TOO FAST, THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING, THE CARPET LINING WAS COMING OUT OF THE TRUNK, THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE, THE BACK TRIM AROUND THE SEATS DIDN'T FIT PROPERLY, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED. *JB
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 .