Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-54
We have a 2000 Olds Alero (bought slightly used in 2000), she has been a dream up until we PIF. She has over 180K miles, her brakes are always squeaking (so we don't know when to have them repaired), the blinkers speed up, slow down, and even stall 3 to 5 days out of the week, the interior light starting falling down (appx 2003), the knob for the gear shift fell off in my fiancee's hand (2004), the steering column jammed (2002), various lights come on and off during a nomral day's drive (especially service engine soon), ABS is broken (who decided to put it in front of a drink holder), there is one belt that makes a horrible sound (mainly when we accelerate over 40mph and when the AC unit is blowing... we spray it with some grease we purchased from an auto store), mechanics have hardest time figuring why failed diagnostic tests (lights are on, which causes "fail" status, but not able to pinpoint what is wrong), now coolant is leaking (from first glance=intake gasket, from diagnostic test=water pump), both are labor-consuming and costly, we have purchased several bottles of coolant over the past 30days...but no one can decide which is correct. Ms. Lero (my name for her) has taken my fiancee and I to 2 separate colleges, 2 separate hometowns and numerous road trips... at first we addressed every light and/or noise, but she is becoming to expensive to maintain (especially since we are having the darnedest times figuring what is EXACTLY wrong with her)!!
Couple in need of assistance in DFW, Texas.
I bought a 2000 Alero 3 weeks ago, my brakes were squeaking so I took it to the dealer and he said it was rust where it was sitting, but it is still squeaking, Friday night I was on my way home from work and I was sitting at a red light and my car started shaking making a funny noise and died I started it back up put it in gear and it died again I am only 5' and 120lbs and had to push the car out of the middle of the intersection by myself. I live in a very popular spring break hang out so there was people all around, but no one would help me. It is sitting at the dealership now and I won't know what the problem is until tomorrow. But I would not have gotten it if I had known these cars had this many problems. Oh and my low tire pressure light stays on and I checked it and it is fine.
My son-in-law owns a 2000 Alero. His dashboard is peeling off. His engine blew 2 weeks ago and now it starts sometimes and sometimes it does not. Has anyone figured out why their car is acting the same way?
I can't believe this... I wish I had known.
I have the hazard/blinker issue that causes the blinkers to stop working until you jiggle the hazard lights. That was covered under a recall, but GM has refused to fix it on my car because they say my VIN doesn't match... I sure have the problem though. Anyone have any suggestions on that..
And... not long ago BOTH front windows stopped working at the same time. The driver side window fell into the door, and the passenger side just stopped working. I have to keep the driver side duct taped up to keep in in place because I can't afford the $1000 the dealership tells me it is going to cost to fix the windows. What a PIECE!
Were there ever any recalls on the window issue... sure seems like that has happened a lot.
Long post, but should be worth the read!!!
Thought I would post some thoughts/info that may prove helpful to others besides rants. We have a 2000 Alero GLS with all the goodies purchased 12/99. After 7 1/2 years it now is hovering in the 150k mileage range and has served us well - many long distance trips plus a daily 30 mile commute. As noted the car has good looks, but a lot of annoyances. We have had many of the same problems as others, but all in all we have had good luck with the car although I'll admit Oldsmobile/GM really dropped the ball with this car and has only left many unsatisfied customers - no wonder Toyota is doing so well.
First - I enjoy working on cars and have done the majority of work on the car thus savings lots of money - had the dealer or a mechanic done the work I would probably be a lot more disgruntled.
Brakes - The number one thing that I do not like on this car is the brakes. The front brakes were recalled and replaced shortly after purchase and since have been replaced a couple times. I have had good luck with Bendix pads and rotors. The back brakes have only had the pads replaced at about 125k. If there is any moisture on the road it seems to get into the brakes very easily making heavy braking wishy-washy. Usually braking is 60/40 for most cars - the front brakes do most of the work in stopping the car. For the Alero it seems to be about 90/10 resulting in heavy wear on the font disc brakes.
Engine - Had to replace the intake gasket (did work myself) because the GM Dex-Cool (orange stuff) coolant eroded the gasket. Repaired and replaced coolant with tried and true green coolant - no problems since. GM's handling of this issue cost them many many future customers - they should have recalled every car and fixed the problem for free!!! Other than that the engine has worked flawlessly - the only recent issue is a miss or lag every so often which I believe is from the injectors and mileage - going to replace the injectors - have already replaced the fuel filter which helped.
Front end/suspension - at about 100k had the tie rods replaced, but again I believe just general wear and tear. As many others have noted the ABS/Trac off/Service vehicle light illuminates at some point for pretty much every Alero owner. The problem is the front bearings and sensor. Most cars lose the front right bearing first (more likely to hit stuff on that side) - I forget when the stock bearing died, but we started hearing noise from that side then shortly thereafter the trac light began going off regularly in dry conditions and eventually all 3 lights noted above came and stayed on. Replaced the front right bearing with an OEM version from Carquest - if I remember correctly that solved the problem for a little while until the light came back - I figured the left side needed replacing - another Carquest bearing later...DON'T BUY CARQUEST BEARINGS!!! Somewhere between replacing the right and left bearing the right bearing went bad at just over a year old so replacing the left bearing did not solve the problem. Lived with the lights until recently when a rotational noise began and started getting louder and louder. The sound would change when going around corners/shifting the weight of the car. Bearings/CV joints or both? Turns out it was both. The rotational noise was primarily from the bearing, but the CV joints/Driveaxle were also showing their age (the reason the noise changed going around corners). Replaced both bearings and driveaxles (actually pretty easy job with basic tools and a Haynes manual) - Voila - noise gone, lights off!!! Used Timken bearings this time and so far so good! Front end parts - $340, Haynes manual - $20, Happy wife - Priceless!!! :)
Misc. - 1. The driver's side window assembly was replaced a couple years ago and now the right rear needs replacing - wear and tear issue and probably bad design due to lots of plastic - expensive part, but easy DIY job. 2. The hazard light was replaced before it was recalled - I bought the part at the dealer, but convinced a mechanic to pop it in quickly - took him about two minutes. 3. Last summer started getting wrinkles in the dash after sitting in the sun for 6 1/2 years - annoying, but can live with it. Sorry to hear many of you got the wrinkles much earlier. 4. Air control switch was replaced as part of a silent recall - today of the 5 positions (?) the top 2 (highest) work fine while the 2 lowest don't work at all - living with it by adjusting the dampers when needed. 5. Have replaced various switches over the years, but to be expected as the car ages. 6. The drain for the A/C gets clogged every so often and water spills into the front passenger foot well, however, this past winter (no A/C use) water ended up in the same place, but have not found the cause - need to check seals around window and sunroof??? Any ideas?
Overall - still happy with the car - hope to get another year out of it - the fit/finish/styling is nice for it's price range - no rust or corrosion problems - very few squeaks and rattles - I would have expected more on a car this age/mileage. Please feel free to contact me via email if you have similar problems and would like some assistance. Not going to type my complete address, but those actually reading this post can figure it out - cyber underscore ghost at mac dot com. Hope this is informative and helpful! MCS.
I recently purchased a 2003 Alero GS sedan with 25,000 miles on it from a place known to value their 125 point inspection in Feb/Mar 07. After a week of driving the vehicle (too late to return vehicle for a refund, but too early to be having problems) I notice when stopping normally there would be a grinding sound coming from what appeared to be the brakes, also a certain grinding noise would happen when in reverse. I took it back 7 days later (after purchase) and after inspection they couldnt find any problems. I called every few weeks to speak with different techs (because the grinding became an issue with me) and they all stated that noisy brakes are apart of normal use and that the car was fine. In June I was turning onto the expressway on ramp and my car wouldn't accelerate, the steering column locked up and the car wouldn't move and all of my warning lights came on. I turned off the vehicle for 20 minutes when I turned it back on my Low Trac Light, Service Needed Light and ABS light were illuminated. I took my car in and they checked the error codes and the Service Mgr stated that the computer module that programs my brakes, steering and ext was improperly programmed or no longer programmed and my car had to be send to a GM dealership for repair. A new computer module was ordered, the old replaced they test drove the vehicle for a block and all seemed fine. The Service mgr said the grinding brake sound should cease with the repair and that my brakes were fine and so forth. I pick up my car from the dealership at 6:30pm get on the expressway 25-30miles and 25 minutes later I pull into a drive thru of a resturant and everythings fine, I wait my turn and when its time for me to pull up to the window I take my foot off of the brake and my car begins to roll backwards (while in drive of course) the steering column locks up and all of my warning lights come on, all while I am sitting in the drive thru. I keep my car off for a few minutes and when I turn it back on my oil light and another warning light are on (I had a complete oil change just 3 weeks before) I drove it right back to the dealership. Needless to say I believe I got a lemon! And I call myself researching this car first.
I also would have thought twice about buying my 2001 Olds Alero V6 if I would have read these comments!
I got the car with 120,000 miles. The dash was peeling (because of the Texas heat/sun supposedly), the right front wheel bearing was going out, and the interior dome light fell out when you shut the door or hit a bump.
Since I've had it, I've replaced the water pump,
brakes,
window motor (the other one is starting to go now),
the hazard button fell into the dash,
the speakers suck,
the trac off, service engine soon, and anti-lock lights come on whenever they feel like it,
when I turn on my car my RPM gauge goes up and down and sometimes dies until I put it in gear,
and now it doesn't start in the morning sometimes--pretty sure its the fuel pump.. and the wheel bearing and rotors need changed.
Don't buy an oldsmobile alero.. unless you don't mind wasting all of you hard earned cash on it.
I have a 2001 pontiac grand am, I just replaced the right fron axel.I'm still having the same problem, my ABS, trac off, service engine soon,lights keep coming on. how or what should I check or replace to keep these lights from coming on.thank-you...DAVID WOODRUM.P.S. my email address is d_sr@att.net and thanks again.
We purchased a used 2002 old Alero for our son in 2005. It has been nothing but trouble. The dash board is wrinkled where the glue has failed. Warning lights come on and off. We have already had the window and hazard module replaced under recall. The interior looks awful. I have read other Internet nightmares from Alero owners with the same problems.
It would seem with so many Alero owners with the same issues to their car, either a recall to cover these other issues, or a class action suit is in the works. Is there any information regarding recalls or law suits I have missed? It would be nice to get compensated or at least have the option to get these matters fixed on GM's dime.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Missnurseandi@aol.com
Regards, Andi
Similar problems as on this list. This was my first car, so part of me still loves it for that reason, but I'm sick of the problems with it - my mom calls it a lemon.
2000 Alero sedan, 6cyl, purchased in 2003 with 26K miles. Currently at 82K.
Refused to purchase car until dealership fixed broken air box/fan and non-functional cruise control.
Since then:
* Trunk latch release lever in driver's side door broke and fouled up mechanism for power window in driver's door. Had to pull up window by hand after going through a toll booth. $100 for new power relay for window.
* Had much of front end replaced following accident - new battery, headlights, hood, tubes, air box, etc (bad rear-ending, but getting all this replaced from the accident may have saved me some trouble later, in a way).
* Replaced all brake rotors and pads at 50K for $1000 after getting violent shaking of the car when braking, especially exiting controlled-access highways. The insurance company refused to honor the $1000 service contract I had bought and I had to pay for it myself.
* At 60K, replaced burned out vent resistor which controls fan speeds for $100.
* At 76K, replaced front wheel bearings for $600.
* At 80K, replaced water pump in coolant system after having to refill reservoir 3 times in 4 days. Luckily, NOT the head gasket, so was only $300.
* "Passlock" security system is a complete waste - when "functioning properly," car occasionally will not start, and I am locked out of my ignition. Only way to fix this is to sit with key turned to "on" for 10 minutes - not helpful in emergencies or when running late. The remainder of the time, the "security" light is lit on the dash all the time, but car starts with no problem. I refuse to get this checked, and any future car I will demand that it be removed/disabled before I purchase the car.
* Once had "Check engine" light come on, but it turned itself off by the end of the trip, and hasn't been a problem since.
* Power side-view mirror motor for driver's side non-functional.
* Rear window defroster non-functional at 65K (left unfixed even though I live in New England; I have an ice scraper.)
* Intermittent signals/hazards. Usually can finagle them to work by pounding on the hazard switch, but it's been getting steadily worse over the past year+. I finally am going to have to take it in.
* Periodically, the alarm will refuse to function, but it always fixes itself - plus, I think this was an after-market addition, so it has little to do with the car itself.
So I have had my olds alero now going on for about 3 years now, it's a 2000 with 77,0oo miles on it. I am actually trading this car into tommrow to get an impala. I am absolutly 110% not satisfied with this car. the design of the car is pretty, but the car in genarl is a peice of crap!! do not waste your time and your money on these cars ppl, everything that has been listed on this page, I have been having problems with. from day 1. I can't take it anymore... replace the window motor on the drivers side about 4 times now, the wheel bearing is not working properly, the speaker suck, the crusie control works when it wants to, the hazard light work when they want to, the blinkers also have a mind of there own, especially when you press the hazard light then that's when they work. just in general, don't buy an alero!!! period.
We have owned a 200 Alero since new and have had few problems with it. Overall the car has performed well. It now has 109,000 miles and we have a surge when cruising, checking with my mechanic this week. The cruise gave us problems and replaced the servo with a used one has worked better, but will have to put new in soon. The manifold gasket was replaced by the dealer at 62,000 miles at $6oo.oo, should have been a warranty issue. The fuel pump was replaced at 102,000 with the cruise work. Hoping to get another year or so. Have always been GM and have had very good luck, sorry to hear of all the problems, but all the manufacturers have bad product.
For the most part I've been pretty happy with my 2003 Alero. But my biggest problem with this car is that some mornings it will not start. I've noticed that it's mostly when it's wet or cold outside... so 6 months of Canadian weather. So far I've learned that if I keep my foot on the gas and rev it at 2500RPM for about 15mins it will eventually idle on its own and I can get going. But then it stalls 5 or 6 times on my 20 min drive to work. I haven't had it looked at yet because it always works fine at the mechanics. Of Course!! Does anyone have an answer to this problem. I hate not being able to rely on my vehicle.
Christmas present from my husband in 1999,he purchased my 2000 alero right out of the showroom
My car was in and out of the dealer (shop) more than I had it.
Wrote many times to GM. feed back was terrible (letters 3 months after the fact)
Fact: mine was in a lemon law write up 5 months after he purchased it -but the dealer interferred and stated everything could be fixed. yeah right!
It's 7 years old and I fix all the problems myself-buy parts on line (saved a lot in labor.)
you name it I had every thing possibly you could want. beautiful car, but a lemon. every problem on this web page is true. a lot of wasted money went in to mine. first off-the rims on the glx don't match any tires. they all make noise everyone knows when I'm coming down the road. (baby powder is suppose to fix the problem. I'm suppose to take the front tires off every month clean the rim and put powder on them. I don't think so. both window tracks broke. interior light fell its still hanging by the wires. ABS, engine light always on.
I had a software computer program to reset everything because it was showing a problem with the 02 sensor. reset worked, passed inspection.
I will run this car in to the ground because the trade in isn't worth anything No wonder they no longer make oldsmobile's.
Wow.. I wish I had seen this page a long time ago. I just got off the phone to see if I qualify for any open recalls on my 2000 Alero. My car did not fall into the VIN numbers that qualified. Go figure...
I have the blinker problem and have had it for a while. Thought it was an electrical problem. Can't run the radio because the blinkers don't work. You get in the car and OOOh do I have blinkers today. Or am I going to be PO -ing drivers today.
Also the car has front wheel bearings problem. Rough ride, but you get used to it. Just like all the lights on the dash board.
I love my car, but it's about time. I called a 1-800 number from another website and the guy was nice, but didn't tell me anything I wanted to here. Basically told me to take it to the dealer and get it fixed. Have them try to get OlDS to pay for it. If not, I'm stuck with the bill. He then gave me an address to the nearest dealer. The place went out of business about five years ago. I know this because my father worked there and got me my great deal on my car. Haha