Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60
You may want to check http://www.automotiveforums.com under the alero... i believe I saw similar simptoms under the forum there...
Maureen.
I bought my 2000 Alero in 1999 and now have over 140,000 miles on it. I've kept up on its maintenance and had a few repairs done, but it runs as smooth and tight today as the day I drove it off the lot. I've been very happy with its performance - the V6 engine is powerful, steering/suspension is great. However, it has had more than its share of repair issues. Here is a summary of them:
(1) Grinding from front wheels on turns - These are the bearings, which I've had to replace twice. Not cheap to fix.
(2) Coolant leaks - The original head gaskets from GM were a poor design, there is a TSB about it. Mine needed to be replaced at 60,000 miles, though I've heard of people having to get them replaced as early as 20,000 miles. Once the car is out of warranty, GM won't (though they should) replace them for free. I hassled the dealer about it and was able to get the normally $1000 job done for $400. The dealer will replace the gaskets with an updated design that should not have the same problem.
(3) Blower Motor stops working at some speeds: The location of the blower motor resistor assembly (up above the passenger foot rest) causes it to be affected by condensation from the A/C system. Eventually the assembly corrodes and fails. Mine has failed twice (the first time under warranty). The assembly is a $22 part that, with some bending, crawling, and the proper size hex wrench, you can replace yourself in about thirty minutes.
(4) Turn signals stop working: There is a recall on this. If your vehicle has less than 150,000 miles the dealer will repair this for free. If not, you need to replace the hazard button located to the left of the instrument cluster. It's a $25 part and takes ten minutes to replace. (Yes, the doo-hicky that makes the signals blink is located inside the hazard button). If the signals are intermittent, you can sometimes get them to work again by wiggling the hazard button side to side.
(5) Brakes/Rotors: The car does seem to go through rotors faster than most - for me its about every other time I get the brakes done.
I have a 2004 Alero purchased in Aug 2005 I now have 89,000 miles on it after the warranty was up I replaced the rotors and pads with Napa lifetimes problem solved. my only other issue is that now I have O2 sensor problems bank1 sensor2 I had it replaced 2000 miles ago and now computer code says its bad again low voltage also each time O2 sensor was bad also indicated misfire injector #2 replaced O2 sensor then the injector problem went away. well now the problem is back any hints? O2 sensors should last more than 2000 miles.
I have a 2001 Alero with 89,000 miles on it. I bought it new and I just changed the front brake rotors for the first time. At 46,000 miles, the low air pressure light came on even though the tire pressure was fine. I reset the system. Within days of doing this, the anti-lock, service engine soon and trac off lights all came on. The Chevy dealership replaced the right front wheel hub. At 50,000 miles, the EXACT same problem scenario occurred. The dealership replaced the left front wheel hub and speed sensor. At 57,000 miles, the EXACT same scenario occurred. The dealership again replaced the right front wheel hub and wire harness. All this work was done under warranty - thank goodness! At 79,483, the EXACT same scenario occurred. This time, the dealership cleaned the wheel hub wire harness connections to solve the problem. Given all the articles describing similar problems, I am surprised that GM did not issue a recall. I worry now because I bought a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM which is basically the same drive train and suspension as the Alero. I have bought nothing, but GM cars since 1976 and I am now concerned that the quality is eroding. My next car may be a Toyota. Mark F...
2000 ALERO blower motor doesn't work on the first three speeds and I know how to fix it rear defrost doesn't work goes through rotors every year trac-off light comes on once a week and car doesn't shift right slams into every gear!! if anyone knows anything about the trac light coming on a making the tranny slam into gear let me know!! I'm ready to light a match and watch this thing burn to the ground.
Alero's are lemons and need to be junked and I'm not gonna sell this car to anyone I hope it burns.
Bustah16@yahoo.com.
My 2002 Alero was purchased in 2004. The car started out being a pretty good little car for the first year that I had it, then it turned into nothing, but headaches. The dash warning lights come on at will, ie, the low tire pressure, service engine now, trac light, but the garage where I have it serviced showed me how to just reset the computer. They don't seem too concerned that the lights come on when they feel like it, in fact, they didn't even check to see that there was not a real problem anywhere with the car when the lights came on. My first scary experience with the Alero was when driving on the highway at 65 mph and the car just quit running. No brakes, steering, nothing. I got it off the road and waited and it did restart, but I had it towed to the garage the next day. They could find nothing wrong with it, in fact, they told me that until the problem happened when they had the car and they witnessed the problem there was nothing they would do. This happened 3 more times until I finally left the car in their lot and told them to find the problem. They replaced the fuel pump and assured me that was the problem. Three months later the Alero began doing the same thing. Back to the garage and they tell me there is nothing wrong with the car. Their fancy machines can find nothing wrong. After 6 tows, all different times, and much costs to me, they finally tell me there is a leak in the car and it is corroding the computer box, but they don't fix leaks. They replace the computer box though, which is not covered under warranty. Four months later my car is back at the garage with the same problem and now, they can keep it. I am afraid to drive the Alero and just want to get rid of it. There is no warning when this happens and the mechanic told me he would not let his family ride in such a car because of the danger. Now, if these mechanics and dealers know this is happening with the Alero why do they continue to sell them? Why have they not been recalled? Does it take a death to make someone open their eyes? I am in the process now of trying to file the lemon law on this vehicle, but am having a hard time proving anything. Anybody else have problems such as these?
I bought a used 02" Alero. Up until a few weeks ago I didn't have any problems with the car. One day I noticed that the Security light came on, but when I started my car back up it went off. It stayed off for about a week, and then one day my car would not start. It would turn over, but not start. The security light was blinking, so I checked the manual and it said to see a dealer it could be the Pass lock system. I called the service department and they told me to let the car sit for an hour, if it still doesn't start then it is the Pass lock system that needs replaced.
I ended up having the car towed to the dealership, I explained the problem to the tow truck driver, and he had never even heard of a pass lock system. Never the less, it cost me $464 to get this fixed. Apparently, there is no way to bypass this feature. I don't have a security system on my car, but it is to prevent your car from being hot wired. So now its been 2 weeks since I have had it home, and the turn signals don't work!!! Changed the fuse, and they still don't work. Is this just the beginning of my problems???
I have had continuous problem with my 2000 Alero, 1. replaced head gasket, 2. wheel bearings on 3 separate occasions, 3. the basic functions inside the car, like windows/doors, 4. ticking in engine, 5. brakes... replacing brakes so frequently its sick, seems likes it just eating the pads.
I hate this car, I also have a 95 mercury grand marquis, and that is worth the extra money that I have to spend on gas than driving this money hole death trap of a car gm made.
Attention anyone who drives an Alero: my car is a 2000 with 187 k miles and has been a great car. Well one day, while at the store about 1 mile from home, the security light came on and the car would't start. I walked all the way home, came back, and the car started right up. My little brother reset the computer and it hasn't happened since.
Then the power windows started stuttering, and they eventually just quit.
Next, the fan that blows out heat and the A/C took a crap. You have to be sitting in the passenger seat to kick where the fan is for it to work for about a minute if driving in the city. If you're on highway, it will continuously blow.
Today, while driving 40 mph to work, the car just died in the middle of driving.
The low tire pressure light has stayed on for about 3 continuous months now, and yeah that about sums it all up. The car was given to me for free by my parents, so I can't complain, but I do agree that Alero should be recalled or fixed, because if not, you may as well just burn your paychecks when you get them.
Yeah, I would also agree this is a lemon... sorry to all who purchase these cars or who have one (like me), but have no money for anything better :(
I have a 2000 alero and have a coolant leak. I had both front hub assemblies changed because of a grinding. Now the three famous lights are on and apparently I have no ABS! Wonderful.
I am apprehensive about paying anymore money to get it repaired. I cannot believe they were allowed to sell this car to the masses. Oh yea, and my security light comes on every now and then. I was told it was the ignition switch. I had it changed for a nominal fee and low and behold the security light continued. I have found out how the security light and I can co-exist. If you go to get in your car and it won't start due to the security light. Just turn the key to off and then to the on position (without cranking it) and just wait about 10 minutes. The light will go off and it will start just fine... until the next time. I can't complain too much, it always gets me from A to B.
I have a 2000 Alero with about 90,000 miles on it.
I had to replace the springs over the tires.
The security light comes on whenever it wants, and it sucks so bad when you are pressed for work. The other day it took me 5 times until it started; that means 50 minutes of waiting (late for work).
The other issue is the blinkers sometimes won't work at all. I push the hazard button and most of the time they will come back working.
I don't have money to buy a new car. How can I stop my issues?
I have a 2001 Olds Alero that has had numerous problems over the years. I was told by a family member who "knows about cars" that the reason I've had to have the brakes worked on so frequently must be my driving, even though this never happened with my previous car - now I see so many other people have had the same problems. I had the problem with leaking coolant - had to have that fixed and was warned that b/c the DexCool eats through the gasket, it will probably need to be replaced again if I keep the car for another two years. I plan on buying a new vehicle next year, so hopefully I can avoid putting too much more money into this car. I have spent thousands of dollars on repairs already - not including regular maintenance/service/oil changes.
What else? So many little things over the years. The low tire pressure light has been on for over a year now and my mechanic can't get it to turn off. Air conditioner only works when you have it on high - so this year is the first time I've really used it. This is also the first year I've experienced problems with the blinkers, which I'm convinced is somehow related. Blinkers only work sometimes and when they don't, I have to hit the hazards a couple of times (sometimes hazards don't work either - yikes!) and then flip the blinker on and hit the hazards off for the blinker to work. It is inconvenient and unsafe. I received no info about a recall, but a friend with a 2000 Alero had the same problem and said it was a recall, so I called GM and they insist that even though it's exactly the problem described in the recall (which I looked up online & includes same make/model/year as my car), my car does not fall within the VIN # range of cars included in the recall, so it must be a coincidence and I will have to pay to have repairs made.
I love the look of the car and the way it handles - it definitely feels sportier when you're driving it, but I wish I'd never bought it. I don't feel like I've gotten my money's worth and I won't purchase from GM again.
I just bought a used 2000 Alero Coupe today. I bought it from a dealer who bought it at an auction. I had a trusted mechanic check it out before I bought it and he said that it was in good condition he also told me that if I didn't buy it he would. I felt confident after his assessment and decided to buy it. While completing the transaction today the seller mentioned not to turn the ignition while the driver door was open because it would trigger the security light. I didn't think much about it though. While I was driving it home I noticed that the security light was on the entire time. Later on I decided to go to the store. I proceded while paying extra attention to making sure the door was closed before I started the car. Well, the car didn't start. I waited 10 minutes then tried it again. It started right up. I drove to the gas station to get gas and the same thing happened! I had to wait inside my car for 7 minutes before it would start. Now, I am extremely apprehensive to keep this car. Especially after hearing all of the feedback. I would hate to sell my old car only to end up having problems with this one.
I have a 2000 Olds Alero GL (4 cyl). Paid off and has only 59,000 miles. Bought car with about 14K.
I have had the following issues:
- Fan worked only on high - easy/cheap fix, but paid for it
- Turn signals stopped working - warranty covered
- Car died in traffic in mid-town Manhattan earlier this year - IT WAS EMBARRASSING - TRUST ME!! Anyway - it was like it wasn't getting gas and it was shaking, etc. FUEL PUMP & FILTER which is in the gas tank. In Manhattan it cost me $900 (I had to get home) so think of me when you talk about $500...
- Replaced pads twice so far, all 4 rotors this year as well
- I do notice the "gunning" into gear at times - idles at really low RPM and then jumps to 3000 RPM very quickly. I do feel like I am losing power sometimes - but I have never stalled other than the incident in Manhattan.
- Do have a rattle when the car is idling - worse when the A/C is on... but will not have checked out after listening to "unable to diagnose" stories posted on here
- In winter or cold mornings, condensation on inside of windows
- Rear defrost still works, but not great
- Molding on interior is starting to loosen over driver door & rear passenger doors
- Power mirror doesn't work for either side anymore
- I agree there are many blind spots.
NO PROBLEMS WITH STEREO AS SEVERAL HAVE MENTIONED.
FINAL THOUGHT - probably will just ride it as far as it goes. If a "major" repair comes along I will most likely just get a new car and sell this one for whatever I can get. It would be good for a college student who only has a couple thousand dollars to spend and just needs to get from A to B.
Bought a 2001 Alero with 98,000 a couple months ago and also had my mechanic look at it before purchasing. No obvious issues. But alas, now I'm taking my life in my hands driving this lemon as it stalls in the middle of driving at least once a day, rendering turn signals useless and steering and braking nearly impossible while trying to get out of traffic. The only clear-cut solution appears to have been mentioned above with replacing fuel pump, etc. Any other cases where someone has been able to fix this issue successfully and for the long-run? DON'T buy this vehicle if you are considering, and if you're thinking about selling this death-trap, the cost of scrap steel these days is a better bet for your conscience and the general public safety.