2001 Oldsmobile Alero from North America - Comments

18k: All in one signal light switch many intermittent failures dealer replaced, worked fine for a while now intermittent again.

40k: Passanger Side window makes grinding noise intermittent.

Since New: Clunking sound in steering somewhere dealer says it is normal. Also no locking steering wheel dealer says this is also normal.

61k: Replaced both hub bearings.

Since New: hard to start, sometimes have to attempt 2 or 3 times before engine will start.

50k: Would not start intermittently dealer could not duplicate problem, had in for service twice (has finally failed totally @63k) hope it will be covered under warranty.

50k: Delay wipers will not function properly below freezing, jump around and remain on. Normal mode and fast mode work fine. Dealer cannot duplicate.

GM seems to produce quality SUV's and Trucks (I've owned 3 new) this is the first new GM car I purchased and have been disappointed since 15k. It handles well and has good power (limited @107 MPH) however I'd have to recommend this make be avoided, even if they are cheaper than dirt used, there is a reason.

Your 2 "since new" comments I have had as well and the dealer told me it was normal also (the steering wheel/column noise). My starter is still reluctant to catch, but hasn't needed replacement and you can remove the key from the ignition while the car is running without any effect on the vehicle whatsoever. At 132K, I haven't had any problems with it yet.

GM models (automatic) Grand Am, Alero, and Malibu need replacement pads/rotors depending on how you drive and what you put on the car, every 15k-30k. I got lucky once at 30K. And expect front wheel bearings to continually need replacing until you do both 2 times (at $350 a piece).

I bought an 2001 Alero, one year ago with 73,000 k.m. I loved the looks of the Alero, a sporty sedan, with great driving capiblilty.

From the first month of me owning this car, my best friend became my mechanic. I have already replaced the steering column rack, power steering pump, and the front wheel sensors twice.

My CD player does not work, I still have a howling sound from the right passengers side, I have a clunk under the front drivers side, and my air conditioning does not work on the first two dial settings.

I traded my Pontiac Tempest, which was a great car, for a newer car with fewer repair's and look what I got. More repairs than I could imagine! This car continues to cost me a fortune, and I sigh when I say, "what next"!