1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America - Comments

Brakes went bad at 48,000 miles.

Fuel level sensor went bad at 48,000 miles.

Brake pads and rotors went bad again at 57,362 miles.

Transmission went out at 84,438 also had to replace the front hub assemblies left & right.

Power steering pump went out at 88,174 miles.

A bolt that holds the front left wheel assembly sheered, resulting in a towed vehicle and re-alignment at 90,195 miles.

Alternator went bad at 91,140 miles.

Replaced brake shoes again at 93,799 due to excessive left side wear.

Two leaks were found at 93,799 miles while changing the oil. I have a leaky head gasket and also a leak in the transmission seal at the engine.

This car started out great, but things went bad quick. My father worked for GM for over 37 years and I feel a sense obligation to buy GM products. But I can say that after having problems with this Oldsmobile and other American products, I am now looking at Honda's or Toyota's. I feel like I'm selling out, but I want a reliable vehicle.

My first vehicle was a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass and it was a true muscle car. I only wish Americans still built cars of that quality.

Americans can build good cars: the Honda Accord is made in Ohio. It's greedy and mis-managed corporations that create bad cars. I say buy the best car, and let the free market weed out the bad apples, even if it's a giant like GM.

Your bad Alero luck is worse than mine. I did have to replace the front brakes and turn the rotors at 40K. I also had the water pump and intake manifold gasket go at 60K. Luckily, I purchased the extended warranty. My biggest complaint was an odd squeaking and chirping that the car made at low speeds. The sound seemed to come from the rotors or suspension. An incredible 8 times to the local GM dealership found that it was the tire and rim combination. Apparently, this is a very rare problem with the chrome plating of the 16" alloy wheels. The GM dealership was very understanding and never charged me for this. They told me I just needed to find a different brand of tire. I finally decided to trade mine in for a Ford when the shifter fell off in my hand while shifting it out of park.