2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Routine

Owners filed 109 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Oldsmobile Alero years to avoid. Which Oldsmobile Alero years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
95,562 milesMedian miles at failure

78 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems

47 of the 109 complaints (43%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System39
010
Air Bags · airbags10
503
Engine8
010
Exterior Lighting · headlights5
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch4
000
Power Train · transmission3
101
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · headlights3
000
Electrical System › Ignition3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes2
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V400000
Filed Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed May 27, 202663,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 25, 2026IL

Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2024MN

I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 3, 2024IL

Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Apr 3, 2024IL

Friendly Chevrolet 62704 has refused the open recall on my vehicle after being on schedule for tommrow 8a.m Service Manager Sir Richard said it's a waste of time and not my issue.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Sep 29, 2021112,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The contact called multiple local dealers: Les Stanford Cadillac (21730 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, (313) 565-6000), Gordon Chevrolet, INC. (31850 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI 48135, (734) 237-6089) and James-Martin Chevrolet, INC. (6250 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, (313) 444-8226) and was informed that the accelerator pedal was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V528000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 30, 2020GA

THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. I BOUGHT A NEW TURN SWITCH, PUT A NEW FUSE IN AND EVERYTHING AND NOTHING WORKS. WHEN I DRIVE ON THE ROAD THE TURN SIGNAL DOESNT COME ON AND SOMETIMES IT CAUSES A LOT OF PROBLEMS.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 18, 2019198,765 milesVA

NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSE TO LEAK ON EQUIPMENT UNDER INSIDE AND OUT DASHBOARD WITCH CAUSED EROSION AND DEFECTS TO OTHER OPERATING EQUIPMENT LEAD TO CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING,SOME OPERATIONS OF WILL WORK, SOME WON'T. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN,THE SECURITY SYSTEM ON CAR DOES NOT WORK. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE SINCE I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD ON HIGHWAY 55MPH. AND THE CAR COMPLETELY TURN OFF, I TURNED IGNITION SWITCH TO TURN CAR BACK ON IT WAS VERY SCARY MOMENT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. BUT I WISH I CAN AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR PROBLEMS THAT HAS CAUSED ME A LOT OF MISERY FINANCIALLY EMOTIONALLY FEEL SAFE WITH GM SEALING FRONT WINDOW PROPERLY ON ALERO I WOULDN'T HAVE THESE PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST PLACE! SO NOT PROPERLY SEALING AND WIRING DIAGRAM NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED IN MY OPINION ALL I WANT IS TO FEEL SAFE IN ANY GM MOTORS MODELS NOT JUST ME BUT OTHERS TOO . I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HELP ME AS MUCH I HELP OTHERS IN MY CAR N MY DAILY LIFE TO GET BY NOT MUCH TO ASK TO FEEL SAFE! THE CAR WAS NOT SEALED RIGHT IN FIRST PLACE. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED MY PROBLEMS OWNING THIS CAR. I NEED EITHER HELP WITH CAR TO GET FIX PTHE RIGHT WAY. OR I NEED A NEW CAR I HAVE A DISABLED MOTHER AND GRANDPA THAT DEPEND ON ME AND I NEED A RELIABLE CAR TO PROVIDE DAILY TASKS APPOINTMENTS THE LIST GOES ON. I COULD REALLY USE A PIECE OF MIND JUST TO KNOW I'M DRIVING A SAFE RELIABLE CAR TO DO MY GOD SERVICES EVERY DAY I'M BEGGING!!

Electrical System
Filed Nov 9, 2018133,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET AMARILLO (2200 E I-40, AMARILLO, TX 79103) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO NEW KEYS FROM THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT START THE VEHICLE AND THE SECURITY INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2018MN

RECENTLY STARTED FINANCING A VEHICLE THROUGH CAR HOP. THEY HAD ME SIGN A FORM SAYING THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY OF A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT DIDN'T SPECIFY WHAT. READING IT OVER NOW THE FORM STATES THEY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THIS RECALL. RECALL NUMBER IS 14V400.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 14, 2018200,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LEG INJURY AND A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 25, 201780,000 milesTX

THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON FELL INTO THE DASHBOARD AND THE BLINKER SIGNALS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WORK. THEY WILL SOMETIMES STOP WORKING WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN, OTHER TIMES WILL WORK FOR A FEW DAYS, AND THEN RANDOMLY STOP AGAIN FOR NO CONSISTENT AMOUNT OF TIME. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE TO REPAIR I SEE THAT IT IS VERY COMMON WITH OTHER CARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL.

Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2017136,000 milesFL

I OWN A 2004 ALERO OLDSMOBILE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2008. IT LATER ONLY HAD ONE RECALL WHICH WAS FOR THE IGNITION ISSUES. WHILE THE CAR IS ON AND IN DRIVE THE KEY IS STILL ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR STILL REMAINS ON AND IN DRIVE. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING MY BLINKERS NOT WORKING 100% OF THE TIME, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # FOR THIS ISSUE IS 03V327000). I CAN PRESS THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON QUICKLY AND FREQUENTLY WHILE PUSHING ON THE SIGNAL STICK AND THAT SOMETIMES WILL MAKE THEM WORK, OTHER TIMES THAT DOESN'T WORK AND NEITHER MY SIGNALS NOR HAZARD SIGNALS WORK AT ALL. LASTLY, AND MOST FRIGHTENING, IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED, AND WILL JUMP AS THE RPM'S BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # FOR THIS ISSUE IS 07E021000). THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED AND A FEW TIMES THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY DID SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, I'VE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, AND WAIT 10-15 MINUTES BEFORE I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TESTED FOR OVER 3 HOURS AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OR BATTERY, WHICH IS WHY I AM CERTAIN IT IS THE FUEL PRESSURE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE KEY RECALL I BROUGHT THIS UP TO THEM AS WELL, (AS MY WINDOWS ALSO DO NOT WORK), I PURCHASED A NEW GAS CAP AS INSTRUCTED HOPING THAT WOULD FIX THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE CAR STALLING OUT, IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THERE ARE RECALLS THAT MY CAR FALLS UNDER AND THAT I AM EXPERIENCING, I ASKED WHY THESE LIFE THREATENING R

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2017202,640 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,640.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed May 2, 2017150,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. AFTER DRIVING AND ARRIVING AT HER DESTINATION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN APRIL OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CASE NUMBER: 8-2930117201 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2017120,000 milesTN

"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTTING MY CAR SO I WENT TO AUTO DEALERSHIP AND BOUGHT A KEY WHICH COST $38.. IT WORKED GREAT FOR MAYBE A MONTH. THEN I TOOK MY CAR TO CAR WASH AND TURNED THE IGNATION SWITCH OFF AND GOT OUT OF CAR. WHEN I WAS READY TO GO, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO HIRE A WREAKER TO HAUL IT TO THE HOUSE. THE CAR STILL WON'T START.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 2017158,000 milesIN

BOUGHT CAR A YEAR AGO, IT HAD ISSUES WITH TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING. I GOOGLED ISSUE AND REPLACED HAZARD SWITCH 125,000 MILES. NOW AT 155,000 TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED, IT'S REPLACEMENT WORTH MORE THAN CAR VALUE. I HEARD AFTER 2004 A CHANGE WAS MADE BECAUSE OF ISSUES BUT NO RECALL. CAR WAS PULLED TO END OF DRIVEWAY BEFORE TAKING A CLOSE OUT OF TOWN TRIP, TURNED OFF TO CHECK OIL AND SUCH, WOULDN'T START. ESTIMATE RECEIVED TO REPAIR 2,500$. I AM FURIOUS!

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 21, 2017114,000 milesCA

MY TURNING SIGNALS WORK, BUT WHEN NOT IN USE THE SIGNAL NOISE DOES A RAPID BEEP, BEEP NOISE, EVEN WHEN I DRIVE AND SIT IDLY.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 14, 2016135,000 milesAR

MY GRANDDAUGHER TO BE RAN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAN GOING ONLY ABOUT 25 MPH. THE AIRBAGS CAME OUT BUT DID NOT DEFLATE. THEY HAD A CUT IN THEM. SHE DID NOT GET HURT BUT IF SHE HAD BEEN GOING FASTER OR IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AND HAD A WRECK IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE. SHE WAS ON A SIDE STREET

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 28, 2016100,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FR710 TIRES, SIZE: P215/60R16. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE THREAD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FRONT FENDER AND WHEEL WELL LINER TO PARTIALLY DETACH. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR TRIM AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2016162,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 162,000.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Jun 15, 2016125,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNALS FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed May 6, 2016200,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WOULD ONLY UPDATE THE KEYS; IT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 25, 201590,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH THE KEY, THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2015150,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SECURITY AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2015134,212 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,212.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 14, 2015NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 7, 2015196,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE FAULTY PASS LOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM AND IGNITION SWITCH BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL PUMP, THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY START BY LOOSENING THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION KEY TURNED INTO THE ON POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 2015NJ

2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 19, 2014, SHE ASSUMED THE RECALL HAD PERFORMED. HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 20, 2015, SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE RECALL HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED AND THE CURRENT PROBLEM WAS WITH THE KEY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE INITIAL RECALL. *JB

EngineFire
Filed Feb 19, 20157,000 milesCO

[XXX]: AFTER A DAY OF LIGHT DRIVING AFTER BEING STATIONARY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF IN COLORADO SPRINGS CO (COOL WEATHER) UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE TEMP NEEDLE WENT FROM COOL TO ALMOST OVERHEATED IN THE UNDER 30 MINS IT TOOK TO GO FROM ONE STORE PARKING LOT TO THE NEXT NEARBY ONE. THE VEHICLE BECAME FULLY OVERHEATED & SPARKS / 1' FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE SIDES OF THE FRONT HOOD. UPON BEING SHUT OFF THE FLAMES RECEDED, AFTER APPROX 30MINS SITTING THE HOOD WAS LIFTED & FLUIDS CHECKED (ALL WERE AT APPROPRIATE LEVELS). THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AGAIN & RAN IDLE FOR 20 MINS & THE SPARKS / FLAMES REAPPEARED AGAIN SO THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN & A RIDE CALLED. UPON BEING PICKED UP THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE RAN FINE AGAIN FOR THE MOST PART WITH ONLY SLIGHT OVERHEATING - IT WAS TAKEN FOR AN ENGINE WASH / UNDER HOOD AT AN APPROPRIATE FACILITY TO REMOVE ANY FLAMMABLE / COMBUSTIBLE RESIDUE. HAD TO BE DRIVEN AT SPEEDS UNDER 50MPH TO RETURN HOME WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 14, 2014141,271 milesIN

WAS DRIVING ON IN TOLL ROAD WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THEM BACK ON BY GOING TO MANUAL. THEY ALSO FLICKERED ON & OFF EVEN WITH CAR OFF AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION. HAD RECALL ON IGNITION, RECALL 143510, ADVISED GM AND DEALER OF PROBLEM. THEY SAID WASN'T COVERED BY RECALL. STILL A RECURRING PROBLEM. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights
Filed Dec 2, 2014KY

2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON IS PUSHED BACK WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVE MY HAZARD LIGHTS IF NEEDED. ALSO, THERE WERE SOME UNIDENTIFIED LIGHTS STUCK ON THE DASHBOARD. *MW

Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2014160,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PROBLEM RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, LOCK AND KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2014MS

2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AND THEN GOING OFF. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2014SC

IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL. ALL THEY DID WAS STICK PLASTIC ON KEYS. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSE TO DO SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS STILL FALLING OUT OF PLACE? ALSO, WHY DIDN'T THEY REPLACE THE IGNITION MODULE SINCE IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT? THE SWITCH IS THE PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE. NOT THE KEYS!!! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 11, 201478,452 milesSC

THE BLINKERS ONLY WORK 5 % OF THE TIME. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT IN THE REAR SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THIS ISSUE. NEITHER BLINKER WILL WORK. I NOTICE A RECALL WAS DONE ON THE 2001 OLDS ALERO FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2004 OLDS ALERO THAT IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE BLINKERS DO NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH. A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE ON 2004 OLDS ALERO. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 201480,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2014189,283 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND GOING OVER A BUMP, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,283.

Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2014120,000 milesNV

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY CAR TURNED OFF (POWER SHEERING LOCKED UP) I MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT NOT BEFORE ALMOST GETTING HIT BY A 2 DIFFERENT SEMI-TRUCKS. I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY FOR 4 HOURS WITH A NEW BORN BABY. I HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO FIX MY CAR DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR WHEN I FOUND THE RECALL. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 28, 2014PA

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN CAUSING A T-BONE COLLISION. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF MY AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING I HIT MY HEAD ON THE FRONT WINDOW PANE. IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED I WOULD HAVE NEVER HIT THE FRONT WINDOW CAUSING MY TWO HEAD CONTUSIONS, SPRAINED NECK, AND HERNIATED DISCS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 24, 201485,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 17, 201497,000 milesCO

THE TURN SIGNALS RANDOMLY STOP FUNCTIONING. THEY CAN GO FROM WORKING TO NOT WORKING AND BACK IN ANY GIVEN DRIVE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUSES MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IT QUICKLY STARTS DOING IT AGAIN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2014NE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 3, 2014130,000 milesIA

MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. HE HAD NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING CAUSING HIM TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND CRASH INTO A FENCE. THE CRASH DIDN'T DEPLOY THE AIRBAG, BUT CAUSED SEVER DAMAGE TO THE CAR, RESULTING IN IT BEING TOTALED. IT WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD WHERE IT WAS SOLD AS SCRAP. FORTUNATELY MY SON WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED, AND DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I CONTACTED GM AFTER RECEIVING THEIR RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER, 2014. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE THERE ASKING JUST FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE CAR SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR CRASHED. THE REPRESENTATIVE DECLINED THE CLAIM STATING THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE CAR. THE CLAIM # IS [XXX]. I FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR AS AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL NOTICE AND FELT NO OBLIGATION AT THE TIME TO REPORT IT TO GM. I ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT, AND CAN FORWARD THAT TO YOU IF NEEDED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 201435,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO WIGGLE THE KEY, WHICH CAUSED THE SECURITY CHIME TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2014CA

I RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE SAFETY RECALL ON 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALEROS, AND THE DEALER, AFTER I HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT, TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THE RECALL, BUT I JUST HAD TO BUY ANOTHER KEY. THAT'S NOT THE WAY I UNDERSTAND RECALLS. I DON'T BUY SOMETHING, BUT IT SHOULD BE THEY FIX SOMETHING. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF A DEALER ARGUING WITH THE CUSTOMER ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS EITHER, BUT I'M GOING TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE. HOWEVER, I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONTACT YOU FIRST, BASED ON THE LANGUAGE OF THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 20, 2014105,200 milesWI

THE TURN SIGNALS ON MY 2004 ALERO GOES IN AND OUT ALL OF THE TIME. THE HAZARDS WILL WORK BUT NO TURN SIGNALS. IT IS VERY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN'T SEE THAT I'M TURNING OR CHANGING LANES. I ALSO GOT PULLED OVER FOR NOT USING MY BLINKER BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T WORK. ALSO MY HORN HASN'T WORKED FOR A LONG TIME. THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 16, 2014165,340 milesIL

JUNE 2010(IRVING, TX) - THE GEAR SHAFT BUTTON POPPED OUT WHICH MADE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT STICKING SOMETHING HARD INSIDE, LIKE A PEN . VEHICLE WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO START, TYPICALLY AFTER THIRD TRY IT WOULD START. . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRED AS I COULD NOT AFFORD IT AT THE TIME, . I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, IN WHICH MY ALERO WAS TOTALED AFTER FAILING TO STOP BECAUSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED, THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 165,340 AT THE TIME OF FAILURE *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Sep 10, 201420,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V40000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 10/24/2014*LJ UPDATED 4/21/2015 *JS

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 8, 201435,570 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH AND/OR VARIOUS ENGINE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V40000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND PERFORMED THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE NOTIFICATION, INCLUDING DRIVING WITH A SINGLE KEY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,570.

Complaints 1-50 of 109, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2004 — this page109220Routine
2003184311Fatalities reported
2002279280Above average
2001364551Fatalities reported
2000557580Above average
19994624112Fatalities reported
19982000Routine

Compare every Alero year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.