2000 Oldsmobile Alero GX from North America - Comments

Brakes are terrible. Have had to have them replaced quite often (three times in 47,000 miles). Had a terrible "squeaking" noise from the front brakes. Most places could not diagnose or fix it, but one garage was able to do so, but there is still a grinding/squeaking noise from the brakes.

Ignition sensor blew out.

Random lights come on on the dash. Today (8/11/03) my "Service Engine Soon," "ABS," and "Trac Off" lights all came on at once, while I was idling in park!

At about 6,000 miles, had a terrible oil leak in the engine. Specifically, the oil was leaking into the piston cylinders, and my low oil light kept coming on. Eventually, the car almost seized up (lost all pressure/compression, barley would drive). Had to have the engine re-built. Dealer took several times to find this problem.

Nice looking car. One of the better looking cars out there.

When it's running well, it's a great car and I love it.

However, many nuisance problems are making me seriously consider trading it in for a Honda.

It's blue-book trade in value is far too low. I won't even get what I still owe on it.

The problem that you had with your service vehicle light, trac off light, and Anti-lock light can be fixed. All it is is a front wheel bearing hub that you need to replace. I had the same problem with my 2000 Alero.

I also agree that the Alero is a great car when it is running smoothly. I own a '99 Alero 3.4L V6 2-door with 90,000 miles. I bought the car with 35,000 miles and it was great until it hit roughly 60,000. The most CURRENT problem I am having is that the drivers side door latch is not working. (Meaning that my door does not latch shut!) I just had the same problem with the passenger door about 2 months ago. Also, my ABS and Trac off lights are on. This is due to a faulty wheel speed sensor. I have also had to replace both front wheel bearings - TWICE! It has received a new radiator, oil pump, drivers door window due to a broken regulator clip, and a window guide. My trunk release button is not working b/c of a faulty actuator solenoid. The fan inside of the car only works on 2 positions instead of 4. At one point my Service Engine Soon light was on. But it seems to have corrected itself. My turn signals work depending on the day of the week. And the best part of all is that I owe more than it is worth. The depreciation value of these cars seem to drop almost daily. GM is giving me no other choice than to have my next vehicle be a Honda. Just as I have had to replace my wheel bearings twice, THINK TWICE before purchasing an Alero.

This stuff is hilarious. I have so many of the same problems everyone is having with the Alero. I hope everyday someone would steal my car and crash it. My trunk button does not work. My heater only works on high (same with the air conditioner). My cruise control button does not stick. All of my knobs on the radio have fallen off. One night I went to push in my hazard light and the whole button went into the dashboard. I have had to replace the brakes almost every year. There is a buzzing sound coming from the serpentine belt. The mechanic could not find anything wrong. Now I am having coolant leaking from some location I can't pinpoint. Sometimes when I'm driving the speedometer goes all of the way the right so I have no idea how fast I'm driving. I can take my key out of the ignition and all of my warning lights will stay on. I think this car will make me go insane one day. What sucks is I have always bought foreign cars and never had any problems. The Alero has has shown me the light again.

My 2000 Alero 6 cylinder (41,000 miles) has had the following issues: the entire instrument panel would blink on and off and the speedometer went nuts. After many trips to the dealer it was determined there was a water leak from the windshield that was entering the fuse box. Even though this was a known issue in 1999, they acted like it was a new issue. Two tires were defective. These items (thankfully were covered under warranty). In November of 2005 the check engine light came on (had to replace the plastic gasket that stops water from leaking into the engine). This was also a known issue (paid for by the extended warranty I purchased). The passenger seat does not hold the seat setting, unless you exert force comparable to head banging the windshield. Today, the car needs an actuator for the trunk release $213.00 plus $83 for labor. I love this car when it runs, but GMC has convinced me to return to a foreign make auto before I reach 60,000 miles on the Alero.

This is so funny! I came across this site while trying to figure out a warning light that has come on most recently. The service vehicle came on once, but went off, the low tire pressure comes and goes as it pleases and now I recently got an oil change and had to replace the fuel pump, but the service engine light is on. Now there is a warning light with a funny red box with a low level arrow. Low level what??? A warning light should be warning me of something that I can recognize. I also replaced the auto window motor after it to broke while down and 45 degrees outside with snow. And the hazard switch broke into the dash. The "leather" on the dash is peeling back too. The car looks good, but not as good on how it runs. I still owe so much more than it is worth too so that I am stuck with it, hopefully until it is stolen and taken to Mexico.

Wow... I bought a 03 alero gx and I love the look of the car, but the quality is terrible... I bought it 3 months ago at 98000 kms... and in the three months I've had it this is the fourth time I'm getting it fixed. it had all four "calibers" replaced... one "shoe" the chip for air conditioner had to be replaced too because it only worked on high setting and air conditioner still makes a sounds as if it will just stop and die any day... all four brakes had to be replaced and it still makes a terrible grinding noise when I turn my wheel all the way to the left. the most recent one and the most expensive is the computer.. it failed on me over a week ago and I haven't been able to drive it since... it is going to cost me over 1500 to fix it and I swear if I had a bucket of rocks I would throw it all on the car... as soon as I get this fixed I will be selling this car. and never ever buy another alero again. the car just gives too many problems and reading the rest of the comments just gives me a preview of what is going to happen down the road... I am mad that I bought a piece of junk that I paid 10 grand for... and it's only worth half the price if that ..... i should have read the reviews before i signed the paper.

I just brought my car a week ago and everything so far has been "OK". As with any new used car, I had to fix the minor glitches that came with my purchase. I took my car to firestone and they recommended everything that should be fixed on my car. It was mainly just a tune up and fluids needed to be cleaned and replaced. My blinkers works sometimes and other times it makes an annoying sound and the light stays steady instead of blinking, but it can be fixed. And I just found out that my passenger seat needs force in order to stay in place, but REALLY OTHER THAN THAT EVERYTHING IS OK. My aunt the same car and her car has been good to her, so she says. But if you takecare of your car it will take care of you!!! I will keep yall posted in the next few months.