Comments: 1-15, 16-28
The alternator went bad at 40,000 miles.
The alternator went bad at 45,000 miles.
The engine frame holding the alternator on, snapped clean off, 50,000 miles.
The clips holding the glass in the power driver's side window have broken 3 times. This is because the clips are plastic, not metal. Because the clips aren't sold individually, the entire motor assembly ($200) has to be purchased and installed. My father fashioned some clips out of aluminum the last time, so they shouldn't break on that window again. I hope we don't have to do it on the passenger side too.
The front brake assembly had to be replaced for around $600 at about 65,000, but this is operator error.
The pulley on the power steering pump fell apart driving down the road and the steering went out.
Upon replacement of the pulley, the design of the drive belt system makes it for a very difficult replacement. A special tool must be used to get the old pulley off, then the engine block has to be dropped because a part of the frame blocks the removal of the pulley, pump removed, and then re-installed. Basically, ten times harder than it has to be. This is common on several GM models, according to what I've been told.
At 75,000 miles, the power has reduced significantly, I suspect (and hope) it's because I missed my 50,000 mile automatic transmission tune-up.
The dash lights for low tire pressure and other lights are permanently on, and won't turn off.
The headlights won't turn off without turning the car off. That's also a good thing, because the lights automatically come on when it's raining or dark, and turn themselves off too.
The doors won't lock without the car chirping, which is probably annoying to neighbors when I come home late.
The Tape Player permanently broke at 50,000.
I tow a small trailer and boat, but have only been doing so once a week, and only for the last six months, so this is some additional stress on the car.
The car picks up fast, handles great, and I like the leather and power sunroof.
The radio antennae picks up well, the speakers are great for being standard factory installed.
The trunk is roomy, back seats fold down, doubling or tripling trunk size. It's sort of like having a sports car and a small Sport Utility Vehicle at the same time.
The V6 power is nice.
I burn about 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
The engine runs very cool, even when sitting in traffic on a hot summer day with the air conditioner blasting on high. That means the engine should last a long time and oil doesn't break down as fast.
Engine shouldn't run too cool or you'll get problems with the oil emulsifying $ damaging engine.
Thermostat is probably not working properly.
Fit a new thermostat.
Plus engines are much more efficient in their "Normal" temperature operating range.
I'm surprised that (so far) I haven't read any reviews mentioning how uncomfortable the Alero's bucket seats are. The back and headrest kind of push you forward no matter what angle you set them at. Maybe I was the only one who found it weird?
I have an 1999 Olds Alero (68,500 miles) and have had many similar problems that others have experienced i.e. rotors, ABS lights coming one, etc. However, my latest problem has to do with my headlights and console lights. In the past week my headlights and console lights have gone off when I was driving (at least 3 times in one week). The mechanics cannot figure out what is wrong because it wasn't "acting up" at the time they were checking it out. Anyone else have this problem or anyone have any ideas what is causing it. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Sara from Wisconsin
Looks like your alternator is on it's way out... be careful.
To Sara of Wisconsin
I have a 1999 Alero V6 that I bought brand new in '99. I have always thought of it as a great car. Nice look, excellent highway handling. I turned to the Internet because I had a similar problem as you and am looking to see if anyone else out there has had the same issue. In the past week, while driving on the highway, twice ALL of the dashboard indicator lights lit up at once, the speedometer and tack, both dropped to 'zero'. Then in the last couple of days, my power door locks don't work and I have to manually lock each door. They won't lock automatically when I start to drive and they won't unlock when I put my car in 'park'. I went to a GM Service Centre today and found out that 'the interior fuse panel on the driver's side has somehow mysteriously corroded itself out, and needs to be replaced! It costs $550 CAD to fix it. I have never had a problem with water entering my car nor have I ever been in a flood, yet the service repair men were looking at me as though I had 3 eyes when I asked them how that could have happened!!! Despite the fact that I have always loved my Alero, I have to say reading all of the complaints on this website today, it's shocking how many of the same, seemingly standard problems I've had as everyone else.
Here's my list:
- hood replacement because of the corrosion under the weather stripping, just after the warranty finished
- rotors & pads
- front wheel bearings, twice
- ball joints
- power steering pump
- first 2 speeds of fan, went after warranty ran out
- rear window defrost hasn't worked in 2 years, cost is $600 CAD to fix
I know there are a few things I've forgotten about, but I'm sure I can dig up the receipts and scare myself.
Donna of Mississauga, Ontario.
I have a 2001 Alero which I purchased in April of 2005. It does have a lot of miles on it (107,000ish), which might be cause for some of the problems it is having. The car ran great for the first few weeks I had it; however, the Service Vehicle, Brake, and Traction Off lights all started coming on together. I had the car checked out numerous times and they could find nothing wrong with it. However, after almost half a year of those three lights coming on every time I started up the car, a new problem emerged- my emergency brake light started coming on as well, and for no reason. Although the previous lights were annoying, I found this to be the most troublesome for the reason that I could not set my cruise control when this light was on. On my way home today, yet another light came on-the battery light. I had the car checked out, which showed that there was a problem with the alternator. I know that I should expect some problems with a car so high in mileage; however, that doesn't make the fact that they happen any less bothersome. Overall, I love my car-it runs well, and I love the look and feel of it; however, I just wish it wasn't coupled with the problems listed above.
To Donna:
I can't imagine it will cost 600.00 to fix your rear defrost. I had to repair mine, and the part was 40.00 and labor was a half an hour. I don't have my maintenance done at the dealer... My Alero has 300 000 kms and other than the wheel bearings, brakes, defrost and heater blower, the repairs are not that costly if you stay away from the dealers, and find a local guy who works for himself.
I purchased my 2003 Alero on June 10th 2006. After about a week the brakes started to squeak every now and then. After another week went by they were squealing. I took it to a local brake shop and they said I needed all new rotors and pads. So I started saving some money back to get it fixed. a couple weeks later the master cylinder quit working and I had intermittent brakes. They would only work about one in ten times. After a bunch of yelling and screaming on the phone with the dealer they agreed to fix the master cylinder. Finally I have the cash to get the rest fixed, but after reading this site and hearing from former Alero owners at my workplace, I'm getting a little worried. I have to say though I love the look and yes the feel too just like the others said. At higher speeds the handling is a little loose, but for the moment I love my car. I'll check back in with a progress report sometime.
John K. - North Central Indiana.
I too like many of you have had the same problems with my 99 Alero. I have had to replace my rotors and brakes several times, my driver's side power window doesn't work, my rear defrost doesn't work, my heat only works on 2 settings, my head manifold gasket needed to be replaced, my directional signal makes buzzing sounds and speeds up on its own, my car wouldn't shift into park and one time it wouldn't shift out of park, my dash is coming unglued, my tire pressure monitoring system light keeps coming on, my ac compressor needs to be replaced and now my car won't start because of the security system.
I purchased my 99 Oldsmobile Alero in 2001. It has had the following issues before the warranty expired:
1. Wheel bearings had to be replaced.
2. Altenator replaced (all lights on dash came on simultaneously).
3. Battery needed to be replaced. not covered on warranty.
Currently, I'm wondering why my "service engine soon" light is on and I just got a tune up. The same day I got a tune up I had my rotors replaced and now the ABS light kicks on at random.
I'm afraid of over paying a repair shop or dealership to do the diagnostics/repairs so I'm hoping for some suggestions or insight.
I too have had many of the same problems with my 99 Alero. Those of you who had their rear defrost fixed, what was the problem or part that needed to be replaced? thanks in advance.
I think general problems like pads, rotors, batteries and plugs are to be expected as normal wear and tear on the vehicle.
The problem with the Alero is that everything else that goes bad. And not just once. In the five years I have owned my '99 Alero, I estimate that I have spent about $4,500 just in parts. That's not the labor b/c my dad or boyfriend (who is a mechanic) does the repairs.
This car is built just like the Grand-Am.
They were a good idea until they were assembled!
"12th Nov 2007, 08:51.
I purchased my 99 Oldsmobile Alero in 2001. It has had the following issues before the warranty expired:
1. Wheel bearings had to be replaced.
2. Altenator replaced (all lights on dash came on simultaneously).
3. Battery needed to be replaced. not covered on warranty.
Currently, I'm wondering why my "service engine soon" light is on and I just got a tune up. The same day I got a tune up I had my rotors replaced and now the ABS light kicks on at random.
I'm afraid of over paying a repair shop or dealership to do the diagnostics/repairs so I'm hoping for some suggestions or insight."
-- Reply --
The service engine soon, ABS light is probably connected to the rotors. Both of those lights were on in my alero and the cruise control would not work. The mechanic explained that the speed sensors were connected to the rotors. He replaced my rotors and the cruise control worked, the rotor clicking stopped, the ABS and service engine lights all went out.
I would talk to the mechanic and see if something is not set quite right.
I have received my 99 alero as a birthday gift and about 5 months later my alternator went out. my car has approx. 109,000 miles any suggestions on what to watch out for.
My 99 Alero has been pretty good to me. It seems I'm sharing a lot of the same issues as others. I do need to know what the solution is to the rear defrost problem! I am replacing the clip to the drivers side window today. Hopefully it'll stay!! I have had to replace the alternator, but have only owned the car for 1 year so I don't know how many times it has been replaced in the past. I also have the fan problem; my 1st and 2nd position fan speeds are not operating properly. Does anyone know what the solution is to this problem?
In summary, I need solutions for:
1) Rear defrost
2) Fan speeds 1 and 2 not working, but the rest OK.
Thanks!