Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 402 of 462 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 166 of 462 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
132 complaint records5 crash reports
"CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND UPON APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY VIBRATED AND TREMBLED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
95 complaint records5 fire reports3 crash reports
"HORN DOES NOT ALWAYS FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND EXCESSIVE EFFORT HAS TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO HONK. DEALER SAYS IT'S MADE THIS WAY. *AK *ML..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
89 complaint records3 fire reports
"FAILURE OF HEAD INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO DUE TO DEX-COOL ENGINE COOLANT / FAULTY GASKET DESIGN.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ04005 opened Jun 2004 | closed Nov 2004 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGNAL FAILURES GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V400000 | Electrical System | This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. | Normally free |
| 00V140000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 98V320000 | Steering | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014284 2014-07-03 | Electrical | 641,121 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. |
| 2000123 2000-05-31 | Structure | 47,272 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 201 - Occupant Protection. The console cover does not remain closed when a specified vertical load is applied. |
| 1999060 1999-04-15 | Seats And Restraints | 989 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210.1 - Tether Anchorages for Child Restraints . |
| 1998248 1998-12-22 | Steering | 104 | On certain vehicles, the steering wheel could become loose on the steering shaft due to insufficient torque on the steering wheel retaining nut. This could result in loss of steering control and a crash without prior warning. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP5346 Nov 2015 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 14350D Nov 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| 14350A Sep 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| 14350B Sep 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Wheels | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 03-06-01-010 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE | |
| 070730025 Oct 2007 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 4T40-E (MN4) AND 4T45-E (MN5) FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY RECONDITIONING, DTC P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P1811, HARSH SHIFTS, SLIPS, NO DRIVE, NO REVERSE. *NJ | |
| 070201 Mar 2007 | Service Brakes | INCORRECT OUTER BACKING PLATE. OUTER BACKING PLATE HAS SHORT CENTRE PROTUSION. OUTER BACKING PLATE SHOULD HAVE TALL CENTER PROTRUSION. *KB | |
| 060235019 Sep 2006 | Steering | REVISED TILT STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS. *KB | |
| 04098 Jan 2006 | Exterior Lighting | UPCOMING SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM 04098. TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS. *TT | |
| 000089008E Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 010864012D Mar 2005 | Visibility | DOOR GLASS SASH OUT OF RUN CHANNEL. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 050523001 Mar 2005 | Service Brakes | REVISED BRAKE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. *TT | |
| 040864020 Oct 2004 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR POWER WINDOW INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 040523004 Sep 2004 | Service Brakes | BRAKE NOISE/CREAK DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. ALSO INCLUDES 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. *TT | |
| 04152004 Apr 2004 | Service Brakes | VEHICLES MAY SET ANYONE OR A COMBINATION OF FRONT-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CODES AS INTERMITTENT OR HARD FAILURES. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 030867009 Mar 2004 | Visibility | SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE COMPLETELY DUE TO THE SUNROOF MOTOR. *TT | |
| 02042 Jan 2004 | Visibility | SUNROOF NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. *MR | |
| 00966B Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 00966 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 3003 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | BRAKE NOISE/CREAK DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. *MJ | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 030730021A Nov 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 100903 Oct 2003 | Visibility | JAMMED SUNROOF THAT WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE COMPLETELY REVISITED. GM VOICEMAIL LOG. *TT | |
| 010864018D Oct 2003 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR WINDOW GLASS WON'T ROLL UP OR OUT OF CHANNEL. *TT | |
| 000089008B Sep 2003 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 020864023A Aug 2003 | Visibility | POWER WINDOW INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 030236002 Aug 2003 | Steering | REVISED STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR OR STEERING SHAFT LOWER BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE AND STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CENTERING PROCEDURE. *EH | |
| 030867004 Jun 2003 | Visibility | PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT | |
| 052203 May 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMPLAINTS OF INTERMITTENT VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH NO MULTIPLE CODES SET. THE VEHICLE WOULD IMMEDIATELY RESTART. | |
| 030730021 May 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 030803 Mar 2003 | Visibility | UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF DOOR WINDOW REGULATORS. *TT *JB | |
| 000523002B Mar 2003 | Service Brakes | FRONT DISC BRAKE PULSATION. *TT | |
| 030601010 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT | |
| 022603 Feb 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *TT *JB | |
| 010864012C Feb 2003 | Visibility | DOOR GLASS SASH OUT OF RUN CHANNEL. *TT | |
| 010864018B Feb 2003 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR WINDOW GLASS WON'T ROLL UP OR OUT OF CHANNEL. *TT | |
| 010303 Jan 2003 | Power Train | INFORMATION USED WHEN SERVICING THE DRIVE AXLE NUT. *TT | |
| 030866002 Jan 2003 | Structure | WIND NOISE HEARD FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 020864023 Dec 2002 | Visibility | POWER WINDOW INOPERATIVE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 145 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Oldsmobile Alero →