Model year record

2000 Oldsmobile Alero recalls & problems

The 2000 Oldsmobile Alero has 5 safety recalls and 557 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is exterior lighting (168 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints557filed by owners

Crashes · fires20 · 8reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths20 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemJul 3, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V4000005,877,718 vehicles

Problem: 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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Exterior lightingAug 28, 2003

Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch

Recall 03V327000670,740 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Risk: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Power trainNov 13, 2000

Manual transmission

Recall 00V372000216 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER INDICATES REVERSE GEAR.
Risk: IN THIS SITUATION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN A FORWARD GEAR, WHICH IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE STANDARD.
Fix: DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE 5TH/REVERSE INHIBITOR BY REMOVING A RETAINING PIN AND REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.

StructureMay 18, 2000

Body

Recall 00V140000487,400 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2000 Oldsmobile Alero 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Oldsmobile Alero 4-DR

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Alero

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Alero

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Alero

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Exterior lightingHazard flashing warning lights › Switch; Turn signal	168	0	0	0	65,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc	154	2	1	6	39,448 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Anti-theft › Control module; Horn	94	0	3	1	78,654 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	86	0	1	0	51,473 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	51	0	0	0	65,000 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body	30	0	0	1	55,993 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	27	15	0	10	64,950 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	25	0	0	0	57,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery	24	0	1	0	72,500 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist system	22	1	1	0	127,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Linkages	20	0	1	0	65,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Wheel bearing	18	1	0	1	60,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
I OWN THIS CAR FOR 3 WEEKS ALREADY AND IT STARTS TURN IT OFF WHILE DRIVING I CHANGE SOME SENSOR ALREADY BUT I READ ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND I THINK THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, I DON'T HAVE ANY PHOTO BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOKS OK FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE SWITCH, BUT THE INSIDE IDK
Nov 28, 2019 · 8 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY, THE RPM GAUGE DROPPED TO ZERO, THE THERMOSTAT NEEDLE RAPIDLY FLICKERED UP AND DOWN THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WON'T START, THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES MOVE BY THEMSELVES WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOW THE CAR HAS ZERO POWER. . THIS CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS.
Mar 31, 2019 · 158,000 miles
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO BE RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS CONFISCATED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Feb 8, 2018 · 163,000 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
THE CAR WILL TURN OVER BUT WONT START. IT'S NOT GETTING SPARK. RAN IT TO TEST CODES. CAME BACK AS TPS. CHANGED IT AND IT ALL WON'T START. WAS TOLD POSSIBLY A RECALL ON THE IGNITION.
Mar 9, 2018 · 180,000 miles
Steering
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION NOW I CAN'T EVEN TURN THE CAR ON TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF- BEEPING WILL NOT STOP WHEN KEY IS REMOVED AND CAR BATTERY DRAINED. KEY ALSO GETS HOT WHEN IN IGNITION
Aug 8, 2017 · 144,000 miles
Air bags
TAKATA RECALL, FOLLOWUP AND CONCERN. TODAY IS I WANT TO GREET EVERY ONE A HAPPY 4 OF JULY. CELEBRATING THAT WE WANT PEOPLE OF UNITED STATES ARE SAFE AND NO ONE GET INJURED DUE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER BRANCH OF SERVICES NEGLECTING TO DO THE ORDER OF NHTSA RECALL AND SOME OWNERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE VEHICLE PROBLEM THAT TREATHS TO THE SAFETINESS AND LIVES OF OTHERS. SINCE THAT DAY TILL NOW THE CAR WAS STILL AT PUTNAM GM BURLINGAME MY OTHER CONCERN BY NOT DOING MY COMPLAIN BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS NOT A PART OF RECALL BUT IT IS BELONG TO THE SAME EXPERIENCE EFFECT AND COMPLAIN THAT MUST GIVES ATTENTION ITS FATAL. IF EVER THIS VEHICLE GOES TO OTHER IF I DONATED OR TRADE IT AND THEIR NEVER CHECKED…
Jun 27, 2017 · 15 miles
Air bags
TAKATA RECALL, SINCE THE CAR HAS A IGNITION PROBLEM AND IT IS AT THE PUTNAM GM BURLINGAME TILL NOW THEY DON'T DO ANY OF RECALL EVEN DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND THEY WANT ME TO REMOVE IT NOW OR I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT DIFFERENT FROM THE MANUFACTURE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS LAST TUESDAY WHEN I TOW THAT CAR TO THEIR PLACE AFTER I TELL TO THEM THE SITUATION THEY SAID THEY TAKING CARE OF IT, NOW THEY CHANGE. I FEEL LIKE BECAUSE I HAVE A OLDER CAR AND NO VALUE THEY DON'T THINK ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND THE DAMAGE COULD BE MADE TO OTHERS. I CAN'T. DRIVE THAT CAR NOT SAFE.I CAN'T WORK WITHOUT CAR PLEASE HELP . I'M NOT ASKING TO FIX THE PAINT OR WHEEL. JUST CHECK WHAT THEY HAVE TO FIX STOPPING OF ENGINE…
Jun 27, 2017
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FLICKERED VERY FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Jul 20, 2016 · 33,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

TURN SIGNAL FAILURESClosed
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 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS…
RQ04005 · opened Jun 18, 2004 · closed Nov 30, 2004
TURN SIGNAL FAILURESClosedLed to recall 03V327000
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2003, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V327) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU, OLDSMOBILE ALERO, AND PONTIAC GRAND AM.GM'S RECALL COVERS 670,740 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 1, 2001 (ALERO AND GRAND AM) AND FEBRUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2001 (MALIBU).GM REPORTS THAT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE IS DUE TO SOLDER JOINT CRACKING IN THE HAZARD SWITCH, AND HAS IDENTIFIED RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS OF THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS AS THE CAUSE OF CRACKING.ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE TURN SIGNALS FLOWS THROUGH THE HAZARD SWITCH AND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TURN/HAZARD LAMPS TO BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.GM WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.BASED ON GM'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION,…
EA02037 · opened Dec 23, 2002 · closed Sep 5, 2003
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGEClosed
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR…
EA02028 · opened Sep 30, 2002 · closed Dec 30, 2003
ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATIONClosed
ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION.THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ?SOCK? STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET.THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTING IN A REDUCED FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY MODIFIED THE STRAINERS TO REDUCE THIS RESTRICTION.ANALYSIS OF THE ODI COMPLAINT DATABASE SHOWS THAT DESPITE THESE RESTRICTIONS, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES STALL AT A RATE THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF MANY PEER VEHICLES.ADDITIONALLY, NONE OF THE RELEVANT WARRANTY REPAIR RATES EXCEED 1% AT 36 MONTHS OF EXPOSURE.ONE RELATED CRASH INVOLVES A STALLED VEHICLE THAT WAS REAR-ENDED ON THE ROADWAY, WHILE THE REMAINDER INVOLVED MINOR COLLISIONS OR SCRAPES.THE SOLE INJURY CONSISTED OF BRUISING FROM A LOW SPEED FRONTAL CRASH. GIVEN THESE…
PE02066 · opened Sep 6, 2002 · closed Nov 3, 2003
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGEClosed
There is no summary currently available
SQ01002 · opened Jan 26, 2001 · closed Sep 30, 2002