2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America - Comments

My son has a 1999 Olds Alero. Recently both power windows quite working. We took it to a local auto service and it cost $616.00 to fix the problem! Is there a problem in many of the '99 Aleros and will there possibly be a recall?

I have a 2002 Alero. I have a several problems with mine as well. It all started with a steering sensor in the steering column. Before they found that it was the sensor they put a new rack on the car. Then came the clicking in the steering column that the dealer says all the cars make the noise. Then came the coolant leak. Now I am having a grinding noise while driving down the road. Dealer says brakes and rotors, but I replaced them and noise is still there. Then dealer says that it is the noise from the tires on the rims and that new tires would fix the problem. The car only has 42,000 miles!!! After reading the comments does anyone have any ideas on this problem? I just find the tire store to be far fetched. Email me at firefly9696@yahoo.com.

I too have a 2002 Alero and have had to replace both bearings in the front as well as the brakes. My ceiling light also fell out in the first two weeks of ownership. I'm now facing transmission trouble at 79000 km. Of course, the warranty ends at 60,000. This is simply ridiculous. Service people are surly to deal with and I was appalled when they charged me $96.00 to drive it around the corner and tell me what was wrong. Never will I buy another GM product. Next time, it's a Toyota for me.

Well, Well, Well... What can I say that hasn't already been said? I have a 2000 Alero, I take the best care as this is my first car ever. Car washes 1-2 times per week. I get ALL the recommended services, including all of those $150 winter/spring maintenance/tuneup packages. Everything was great until the brakes and rotors first wore out at 22,000KM. I thought this was odd, but the dealership told me this was normal! I now have 90,000KM on my Alero, and I am on my 4th set of brakes, 3rd set of rotors, and was just told that the loud noises coming from my tires is because I need new wheel bearings. At the same time, the paint under the hood of my car is flaking off. Mr. Dealer telling me yet again that this is all "normal." I asked him, why would anyone want to buy a car that "under normal conditions" would need 4 sets of brakes/rotors, start to rust, and need new wheel bearings all in a matter of 3 years? He answers with one of those GM textbook trained answers that does nothing, but bring more frustration. I believe that in another year, I will have spent close to the equivalent on repairs as I did buying the car brand new. I will NEVER buy a GM car again and if I ever met someone that was interested in buying GM I will do everything in my power to stop them.

2000 Alero

1. Power steering pump overly noisy, dealer agrees, but can't fix it. It wasn't noisy when the car was new, it started at about 20 000 Km. Two system flushes, three new power stearing pumps and finally a call to customer service who informed me that this is not a defect, but rather a "characteristic" and brushed me off.

2. Rust started coming from the seams. Front hood first at 2.5 years old. GM woudn;t fix it under warranty because I was over 60000 Km. I painted the hood at my expense. Now all of the doors are rusting from the seams, I oiled it up heavily and I am hoping it holds until I get rid of it.

3. Three front wheel bearings in 100000 Km. Two I paid 650 CAD and then the third I changed on my own because the dealer charges are ridiculous.

4. ABS, Check Engine, TRAC OFF lights come on and I lose the ABS. One of the bearing sensors is sending a wrong signal, low traction signal. The other day when I was breaking at the traffic lights the low traction randomly came on and my breaks started pulsating in ABS mode even though the pavement was dry and I almost hit the guy in front of me. I went home and disconnected ABS sensors, now I have ABS light perpetually on, but at least I know the brakes will work when I need them.

5. Countless rotors and brake pads.

6. Strange noises from the front, dealer couldn't figure out what it was. They said, once again, that the noises were that characteristic of the car. I later found that my strut spring was broken very near the top and that was making noises. Imagine the safety concern, the dealer didn't pick up.

7. The gap between driver side front and rear doors is 5 mm, the gap between passenger side front and read doors is 8 mm. The driver side front door, as a result of a smaller than required gap, is rubbing against the rubber and stripping the black paint from applique. The dealer said that they would rather not fiddle around with the door alignment because "you can never get it quite right"

8. Rust around gas tank filler. Very bad.

The car is now almost 4 years old and I can finally sell it for what I owe on in and turn my back to GM forever. Very poor customer service. Very standoffish. I am never going to own a north American car again, I will pay more, but I will get e well built vehicle.

DpecuricaREMOVE_THIS@hotmail.com.

I am so happy to hear that other people are having the same problems that I am!! Well, not happy to have the problems, but happy other people have the same and it's not just my car. I have a 2002 Alero. I bought it in Feb 03 used w/approx 22,000 on the car. I now have 40,000 and already my driver side window has broke, my dome light fell out, my passenger side door won't open from the inside, my ABS, trac off, & service vehicle soon lights are on & there is a loud noise that vibrates on my feet while driving. I got my car inspected in December and needed new brakes. Replaced those and that's when suddenly my ABS, trac off & service vehicle soon lights came on & I have a mysterious loud noise - that only gets worse. I have to call my repairman to see what the problem is, & now that I have this information from this website it will help a lot more - because I was clueless.

I bought my 2003, 2-door Alero GL, in September,03. I've had minor problems. I know brakes and wheel bearings are a common problem with no remedies. My car has 25,000 kms and has had new brake pads and a right front wheel bearing. The problem with the ABS light, no trac light, and the service vehicle soon light coming on at the same time is a bad wheel bearing. The sensor for those lights is in that wheel bearing.

As far as all the problems with the 99 models, you have to remember that was the first year they we're made. They had a lot of bugs to work out. It's too bad so many people have had problems, good luck and safe driving.

I am amazed at what people have said about the Alero. Maybe it has something to do with Canada. I own two (2) Aleros and absolutely love them. I have a 3.4L '99 with 64000 miles and the only problem I've had is with the wheel bearing which they fixed for free. Even if they had not done it for free, it was only $26. I also have a 2.4L 5spd '01 with 44000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. For those of you who keep having problems with brakes etc, DO NOT use aftermarket parts. I did not have to replace the brakes on my 99 until 50000 and my 01 is just now getting to need brakes, but will make it to 50000. Again, maybe the problem is Canadian, but I love my aleros and will advise anyone to buy them. If you have any questions on possible problems or possible places to get serviced, please don't hesitate to email.

I leased my 2002 Alero at the end March '02. I was so happy that I had a safe and reliable car to get me to work. One of the reasons that I had opted for an Olds is that It had a reinforced frame and traction system (I travel a lot in the winter) I live an hour in each direction away from the nearest GM dealer. I loved my car and took care of it and maintained it regularly... Aside from only loaning my car to relatives a few times, my husband and I were the only ones driving my car.

Here is a list of my problems:

1. May 2002: the shifter that locks in reverse when you turn the car off was broken, and I couldn't go in reverse. This was covered under warranty.

2. By the end of may 2002 both of my windows had fallen out of their tracks and I was back at the service department again.

3. September 2002 - My mother-in-law borrowed my car for a week or two and she had told me that the cd player would only work when it wanted to.. I thought that to be strange.

4. By the time the snow fell I had noticed that my tires were worn down, didn't think anything of it, because as it turned out, I didn't use it all that much that winter. By this time, my kms were only 40,000.

5. In February 2003, my husband, my neice and I were caught in a flash snow storm and had overturned in an accident, luckily, other than whiplash, we were fine, but my car however suffered over $7000 in damages. The insurance corporation covered the damages (or at least the ones they found).

6. After the accident, the GM Goodrwrench mechanics had told me that my brakes where shot before that accident and would not be covered... I had those fixed.

7. The problems with the stereo came back so I brought it in. The mechanics looked at it, and low and behold - it was my fuse box, which was corroded... they also told me it was a fire hazard!!! By this time I was shocked because I often have me neices and nephew with me!!! This was covered under warranty.

8. Later that spring, I found a new surprise... My front and rear windsheilds were leaking, isn't that wonderful?!?!?!

9. The summer and autum when on without incident, but as soon as winter came, I purchased myself some brand new winter tires... the cost of the tires was the least of my problems... by January of 2004 I had noticed an increasingly loud noise coming from the front end. I promptly brought my car to the nearest GM dealership. To my shock, the mechanic told me that he would not let me leave the shop with my car that night. It was my bearings and brakes!!! Again, in shock, the nice gentleman arranged a rental vehicle. This was covered under my extended warranty, and by this time, my car was nearing the the end of my 100,000km 'bumper to bumper'.

10. May 2004: I had loaned my mother-in-law my car for the day. By that evening we were informed that the car was broken down about 15kms outside of town. We had it towed to GM again, and they figured it was the timing belt! It had snapped and bent some of the inner-workings of the engine. This time the cost would be $3200 CAD. We asked the mechanic if it had to do with the accident we were in. It turns out that it could be, but they don't know for sure. We called the GM customer service centre and they do not want to help us. Later today, the GM mechanic called us back and told us that there was a bulletin on their computers that has a concern for this problem. Hopefully we can get some answers from them.

I am getting more and more frustrated with my car. I have owned 4 other GM brand vehicles and 1 Honda since I learned how to drive. Firebird, Lumina, Tracker, and Silverado... none of these vehicles have given us nearly as much trouble. If things don't improve with the customer service with GM, I will be forced to boycott. Its kind of a relief that Oldsmobile will be phased out this year. It will save the rest of the world from the infamous Alero.

Holy smokes! Boy I wish I had found this site before I leased an Alero!!

I have a 2002 Alero and have had a variety of minor problems since driving it off the lot back in July of 2002. Here we go:

1. A mysterious clunk when turning left or right, since day 1! Many things have been tried and I have been told it was fixed, but its still there today!

2. Drivers power window intermittently working for past 6 months. This has recently been repaired under warranty.

3. Numbers have worn off of radio.

4.Recent development - squeaky noise in front end.

5. Need new front brakes at 43,000 km

6.Bubbled vinyl on top of both rear doors. The door panels were replaced under warranty.

7. Intake manifold leak. Repaired at no cost as this is a known problem with this vehicle. I still think I smell something.

That's about it.. but now I'm worried as the mileage gets higher on this vehicle that I will experience more serious problems as others have indicated here.

I only wish I could have looked into this before I ever bought an Alero. I have a 2002, my electrical system is starting to go haywire. My sterio froze up completely and then started working like nothing was wrong. Now, my blinkers are working one minute and not the next. There has been a recall for this problem, but my car doesn't fit the time line. I now have found out about all these other problems people are having, I have had my car for 1yr 7months. I thought I got a good deal, I guess I was wrong.

Lindsay.

I am a 2002 Alero owner who is having the same problems as everyone else. I had leased a 99 and had absolutely no problems in 45,000 miles except an alternator. So I decided to buy the 2002, what a mistake. I have a 3 page single spaced list of different things that this car has been in for service on. The biggest problem here is the brakes, which I was told by the dealer after asking why there has not been a recal, "Is not considered a safety issue". My dealer also told me that the brake calipers are made from Aluminum, which when it get heated, moves which causes the front end to shake and warp the rotors, which in turn wears down the pads unevenly, causing all of our problems!

I have had my car in for service on the brakes 5 times. The rotors have been resurfaced, shimmed, replaced, resurfaced, resurfaced, resurfaced. I am going back to the dealer once again on the 18th because they problem is back again. I have had enough. Oldsmobile just LOVES to tell me it is because of MY driving habits, HA!

I have already been rejected for GM to buy back this lemon of a vehicle.

Oldsmobile is telling me that because my vehicle now has 57,000 miles on it and brakes are considered a wearable item they may not cover it. What I tried to tell them is that it has been a re-occurring problem since 12,000 miles. THat I have been dealing with this for 45,000 miles.

Also, I have a 3 page list of crap that has been wrong with this car, including..

4 new tires replaced because of TSB from the clunking sound in the front end. Olds wanted to just replace the 2 front tires, like I was stupid, until I said, "Well, what will happen when I rotate my tires and the new ones are now on the rear and old ones are now on the front and the noise will come back". I would leave witout 4 new tires and rims.

Gas cap - awful gas smell inside of car, they replaced the gas cap.

4 radios - paint on buttons wearing off - cheap painted buttons, COME ON!

Interior pieces including rear drink holder 2 times, door mouldings 2 times, console latch.

Trans line leaking.

Both front wheel bearings.

Front AND rear brakes.

Rear door handle broken.

Have had 2 windshields because the smallest of stones crack the glass.

I could go on forever, I have owned a GM vehicle since I got my drivers license at 16, this is definitely the last GM vehicle I will ever own.

Any comments or suggestions, please let me know if there is anything that I can do: kathie1971@yahoo.com.

I just came across this site while looking for information on tuning up my 2000 Alero. I have to say that I have experienced some of the same problems as every one else. I think the on-board computer is quite bad on this car.

My security (pass-lock) light comes on while I'm driving. Dealer said they found nothing wrong.

Now it locks my car up in about every 7-14 starts forcing me to wait 10 minutes before I can go anywhere.

Fuel Gauge sensor broke and had my car showing that I had more than a quarter tank of gas when I was well past Empty. Result: Ran out of gas doing 75mph at night on the interstate. Also my fuel pump broke as a result of this and had to be replaced. All because of a bad sensor/computer.

My power windows driver and shotgun seat had to be replaced as they would work periodically.

My power steering shaft broke just as I was setting up for a road trip, this was quite audible and startling.

My brake rotors warped twice and were machined at the dealership unbeknown to me (against manufacturers recommendation).

I hear strange sounds at different speeds from the engine now, but I no longer know whats maintanence related and what is just bad car design.

My alero has 64K miles on it now. The best thing I ever did was getting an extended warranty since most of my problems started at just about the 36K mark (actually at 33K or so).

My prognosis: The Alero is a gook looking sporty car and good while under 30K, but after that its just NOT WORTH THE MONEY.

Said.

Don't buy this car for your own sanity.

Here are the problems I Have had with the 2000 Olds Alero GLS V6:

1. Battery Died at about 33K. : Replaced Under warranty.

2. Power Steering Shaft broke at apprx. 36K: Replaced Under warranty.

3. Passlock anti-theft system locks car on start: Dealer couldn't find problem, car still not fixed.

4. Power windows ceased to work on shotgun and drivers at 63K: Replaced Under warranty.

5. Fuel Sensor malfunctioned at apprx 55K ran out of gas on road: Replaced Under warranty.

6. Fuel Pump had to be replaced: Replaced Under warranty.

7. Brake Rotors have warped twice and brakes needed to be replaced at around 40K and again at 60K: $286.

8. Gaskets blew leaking coolant into engine oil and causing car overheating. : Replaced Under warranty, but leading to problem 9.

9. Service Engine light came on shortly after item 8 was fixed I believe due to oil contamination. Car starts much "harder" then before and idles extremely rough, hesitates on start. Smell of gas present in cabin currently trying to resolve this.

10. These are the major repairs that have or are being undertaken car now has 64K, extended warranty expires at 75k or 5yrs. I have forgotten the smaller repairs as they seem to pale in comparison.

I have vowed to never buy another GM vehicle. The biggest redeeming features of the Alero is that it looks very good as you drive by it in the shotgun seat of your friends car as he drives you to work cause your car refused to work and secondly it will build a strong relationship between you and your mechanic and dealership.

You may contact me at saidmuhammed@hotmail.com for questions as I feel I am now somewhat familiar with the Alero's main failings!

I own a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero and have had several problems with it since I bought it brand new in February 2003. At 1 year old and since (it's only 1 year and 4 months old now) I have had the following problems:

Feb. 2004: Ignition switch went out. Air conditioning, dash lights and stereo would not go on when car started up. Computer updated.

March 2004: Car would not go into reverse. (car is 5 speed) Back in the shop. Linkage broke. Replaced. Computer updated again.

June 2004: Car stopped while driving it. Stalled 4 times whie trying to get it off the road in the rain. Back in shop for 5 days. Fuel pump out and fuel filter clogged. Car has 30,000 miles on it. Fuel injectors clogged and throttle body needs cleaning. The fuel pump was replaced under warranty. We took care of the rest.

I am very nervous about this car since reading all these reviews about the Alero. I tried to trade my 2003 Alero in and so far I can't get close to what I still owe on it. I think dealers know about these cars and their problems. I have a feeling that I have not seen the last of my problems with this car.