I have an 2003 oldsmobile alero with about 72000 miles on it. I have had no problems since purchase in 2004 with only 23000 miles on it. That is until this year, so far I have had two new tires, a fuel pump, a new battery, a new windshield, and a front driver side tire roater replaced. I have had a problem with a leak from constant rain (only when it rains for more than 4 hours straight) under my coin holder. It shorted out my fuse box and almost damaged my computer. I had it dried out twice so far, this last time I had a new windshield put in and it still leaked!! so right now they are ordering the plastic pieces that sit on the edges of the windshield. I don't know if it will fix the leak, but this is getting ridiculous!! does anyone have the same problem with a leak?
To 18:40:
Some of the issues that you are describing are normal wear and tear. Having to replace your tires, battery, and brakes at 72000 miles is nothing to complain about. This is entirely normal. Your car is going into it's fifth year of continuous service. After 5 years a little routine maintenace should be expected. As for your windsheild leak; that's just strange. I've never heard of that before with these cars. There are several online forums specific to your car and other GM N-bodies. Perhaps take a boo and I'm sure you'll get helpful tips/advice on normal car maintenance.
I have had my Alero since 2001. It also has undergone many repairs, especially with the tires. It sometimes pulls and makes this strange noise when it has to be turned. My turn signal has been defective since 2004 and the dealer will not fix it. Now I have a heater hose and a water pump that needs to be replaced. Why? The car is only 5 years old. Like many other owners they have found that the inside of the vehicle is literally "crumbling up". I thought it just happened because it was very hot one day and the heat caused it. The dealer would not repair it because it wasn't covered under the warranty. I Love my Alero because it's payed for and it's mine. However, what in the world do I do with all of these repairs that have to be made to a fairly young vehicle? If you are thinking about purchasing one that is used, DON'T because it takes more money to keep it repaired than it is worth.
I'm a 63-year-old guy, who has had many makes a models of cars from VW’s and Cadillac’s to my preset 1999 Alero. Through all this ownership; I have never experienced the pleasure of owning such a maintenance free vehicle as this car. Having 189,562 miles on it I have put little cash into it compared to other cars I have owned. Besides normal ware and tare such as brakes, Tires, shocks, oil changes etc additional major costs were:
Alternator 1 time $175.01
Water Pump 1 time $225.00
Timing Belt 1 time $375.00
Rear window motor replacement (after 5 years it broke down) $375.00
Turn indicator problem that I should have fixed two years ago $275.00.
This total of $1425.00 amortized over 5 years represents an additional auto expense over the normal required maintenance of $285.00 annually or $23.75 monthly. In summation I love my Alero; and if Oldsmobile still mfg. them I would buy another one right after this one reaches 300, 000 miles.
Please don’t cut this car short it’s worth every penny you paid for it.
My wife purchased a new 2000 Alero in 2000. With the exception of the first few years of normal maintenance, we have experienced every problem listed (with the exception of the bearings) plus a few. Most of the problems began just as the warranty expired in 2003. We spent over a year complaining to GM, the BBB, and the attorney general for our state (New York). Eventually, we received about 1/2 of the money we had spent on major repairs from GM.
Since then, the most of the major issues seem to have been resolved, although it seems to eat rotors at an alarming rate. That was until yesterday, when it began gushing transmission fluid.
Are there any recalls on these lemons? Ours has less than 35,000 miles on it and it seems like it's always in the shop for something.
I bought a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero two years ago--- ran fine the first year... after that nothing, but problems... brakes-- oh how many times have we changed them??? At least 3 (in 2 years!!!), and rotors (just had changed and there is still noise and car not stopping properly), now the blinkers only work when they want to (just found on net there was a recall for that- a faulty hazardous light switch), check engine light on, low tire pressure ;light won't go off (even after properly filled tires and reset), anti-lock light comes on and off, as well as the low trac light, service vehicle soon light, and trac off light, power steering problems, blower knob only works on the fan setting, and I have some stench recently-- not sure what it is!!! I think I was sold a lemon!!! UGH!!! What else could possibly go wrong with this car? Oh yea, it is not switching gears properly either (automatic)... think that's all now...
I have a 2000 Alero which I bought used with almost 15,000 miles on it in 2003. Since then I had a water leak, new power steering pump, numerous new rotors and brakes, new fuel level sensor, outer tie rod, both front struts replaced, new window regular, intake leaked, Problems with the transmission shifting, which the replaced the valve body twice, replaced both wheel bearings, and still having a constant problem of car either not starting or it will shut down while running. Had it towed to 3 different garages, they can't figure out why it won't start. It will start mostly if you let it with a 1/2 tank of gas or more. Any one else having these problems? Next car will not be an Alero!!!!
I purchased a new 2002 Alero GL 4cyl in May of 2002. Its now 5 years old and has 80000 miles. During that time it was back to the dealer for warranty ONCE. For a button on the drivers seat belt (I think I closed the door on it!). Other than that, I had the dealer replace the front brake pads and resurface the rotors at 57000 miles. Original tires went 68000, when I had them replaced because I was feeling guilty. Just replaced Battery for its fifth birthday. Other than oil changes every 5k with Mobil 1, that's it. Gets 28 MPG to boot. Have owned over 40 cars in my 35 years of driving and this has been the best and most trouble free car I've ever had. I am very particular, not a door dent on it or a french fry in it. Am told everyday that is still looks new. Wish they still made them...I'd be a buyer!
I bought a 2002 Olds Alero fully loaded . Love the car and have had many compliments about it. However at 40000 KM's I had to replace brakes and rotors, Now at 80000 KM's it has developed a stalling problem during stops or slow downs after being on the highway where the motor warms up. I have spent over 550.00 dollars and have had the car in for repairs 5 times in the last two months. I'm at my wits end..
Had problems with turning signals, got two tickets for not having a current inspection sticker on my car. I was unable to get my inspection sticker because no one could figure out the problem with the turning signals. I have had to replace the brakes several times also. The low tire pressure light is always on. The windows on my driver and passenger side are all scratched everytime I roll them down and up they scratch. Now I have a problem with the fuel system. Replaced fuel filter, worked for a week, and then it didn't start. This time I replaced the fuel pump it worked for a week, and then it wouldn't start again. I am frustrated because I don't know what is wrong, mechanincs are not cheap. I am really stressed out. ANyone else with this problem? gabbyrodriguez84@aol.com.
Does anyone know how to fix the water leak issue? I have been searching the internet and cannot find a definitive solution. I have gotten water on my passenger side floor three times in the last month or so, its really bad. Any solutions? email me at sheth79@cavtel.net.
I have a 1999 black Alero with 80000 miles and have had the
same ol problems such as brakes (replaced 3 times)
twice were within the 36000 mile range (free) both
window regulators replaced plus I had to replace
my radiator with censor..$995.00.Now my drivers
side leather seat has holes in it.It's been an
O.K. car I'm just not sure it's going to make it
to the 150000 point.
I own a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. I bought it 3 years ago with 12000 miles on it. It now has 65000 miles on it. Other than replacing both front wheel bearings 2x I haven't had any other problems with it. Of course I've had to replace brakes and tires and rotors, but I consider that normal maintenance. People must also remember (expecially women) that many times when we are told we need new rotors, calipers, etc. we do not. Usually all that is needed are brake pads. I found that out the hard way and now I always get a 2nd opinion...You'll find it's not the car, but rather the service station who wants your $$$.
I own a 2000 alero gls it jas 50000 miles on it.and the only problem I had was one tire kept loosing pressure, I think the problems I have read on this form are owner related they do not know what is normal maintance and how to care for a car.
My son's 2003 Alero which he purchased a year ago has had a water leak in the front drivers side since the day he got it. The water comes in somewhere under the dash and drips onto the fuse box on the drivers side shorting out all the electronics. Most of the time, the car will work again after it has dried out. We have replaced the windshield twice (including the molding) have caulked under the hood and nothing has helped. The only solution he has found was to pull out the fuse panel, place it in a ziplock bag with the opening facing down so no water can hit the fuse panel. His floor boards get wet, but at least the car works.
His most current problem is he had the fuel pump replaced, but now the traction control keeps going out and the service engine light is on again. He tighten the fuel cap, but that doesn't always solve the problem. He has replaced the fuel cap at least 4 times in the past year.
I think it's time for him to think about a new car.