1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4L from North America

Summary:

Not a car... a burden

Faults:

Car interior is peeling from the window lining.

The overhead light console and the rear view mirror fell off.

Replaced the power steering hoses and pump.

Replaced the radiator hoses and water pump.

The car at random locks on its own. Took it in to the dealer and they search through the whole electrical system and computer and could not find the problem.

Replaced the battery and the alternator.

Car seems to run out of coolant quickly and when its at the correct level the coolant light blinks on and off from time to time.

General Comments:

Its peppy acceleration and some-what nice outer appearance is the only things I can say good about this car.

Other than that, this has been the most horrible experience I've had with a car. I leased it a few years ago, and now the leasing company is trying to get me to buy it. I would not keep this car if my life depended on it. I will have the biggest party ever when the leasing company takes this car from me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th December, 2003

5th Jan 2004, 18:44

I have the same problem with the coolant. My alero seems to drink by the gallon. Even when it isn't leaking, which isn't very often, it uses a lot of it. I do not know if it evaporates or what, but at $10.00 a gallon it isn't cheap for the Dex-Cool. Plus I have had to have the water pump replaced $125.00 and right now it is the shop again, this time needing a new intake manifold gasket, only $550.00 this time. Other than the coolant system I have no complaints about my car. And I think that the coolant system has problems because of the Dex-Cool.

1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4L from North America

Summary:

Buyer Beware!!!

Faults:

No AM radio reception - repaired twice (warranty)

A/C failed - checked - no repair done - began working spontaneously (would have been under warranty).

Push button fell out of shifter handle -$20CDN - no warranty.

Fan on heat/AC only works on levels 3,4,5 (1,2, don't work at all).

Electric seat height adjustment motor runs - seat does'nt move - no warranty.

Power steering fluid mysteriously disappears - no leak found.

Brakes - rotors and pads - 6000km beyond warranty - (non-dealer repair - lower shop rate) mechanic blames cheap factory rotors.

Hazard light button falls into the dash when attempting to activate - dealership estimates $200CDN+ to fix - no warranty.

Fuel gage fluctuates - never reads accurately - dealership blames Petro Canada and Shell gases - approx. $300CDN to repair - no warranty, yet a common problem.

Intake manifold leak - GM covered 50% - still cost over $300CDN.

Water pump failed - another $385CDN to repair - no warranty.

Tachometer/speedometer needles occasionally swing abruptly to the max, then go back to normal while the trip meter resets itself.

In about 1 of every 5 starts, regardless of weather or engine temperature, the engine stalls upon starting and has to be started a second time, usually requiring depressing the accelerator to get the rpm's up high enough to run.

General Comments:

Lo and behold, a recall notice was received... for a glove box door latch... of course, not for any of the big-money items.

The car handles well, has lots of power, but what will break next?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd December, 2003

22nd Mar 2005, 10:17

Can I get your information on this "GM paid 50% on the Intake manifold leak repair". I have this problem now and would like to know what to do to accomplish this.

Nate

nbindl@charter.net.

5th Jun 2010, 04:42

Had my '99 Alero for about 2 years now and had nothing but problems. Dash lights are constantly coming on and the shop can't find the cause. Had about $4500CDN of work done so far to keep it on the road, $1500 was because of an accident I was in with a curb. BUYER BEWARE!!!