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Vehicle Stats/Oldsmobile/Alero Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Oldsmobile Alero Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 1,534 complaints and 17 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Oldsmobile Alero options? We analyzed 5 model years (2000–2004) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

1,534
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
17
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
76
Crash-Related
crash complaints
24
Fire-Related
fire complaints
70
Injuries Reported
across all years
5
Years Analyzed
2000–2004

Free VIN check

Found a Oldsmobile Alero? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Oldsmobile Alero has 1,534 owner complaints and 17 safety recalls across model years 2000–2004. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2004 drew the fewest.

Oldsmobile Alero — key reliability facts
Make
Oldsmobile
Model
Alero
Model years analyzed
2000–2004 (5 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
1,534
Safety recall campaigns
17
Crash-related complaints
76
Fire-related complaints
24
Worst model year (by complaints)
2000 (581 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2004 (109 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 5, 2026
This Alero has 17 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Oldsmobile Alero: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2000581 complaints2001376 complaints2002281 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2004109 complaints2003187 complaints2002281 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The OLDSMOBILE ALERO has 1,534 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. 76 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 1,534 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 17 federal recall campaigns
  • 76 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2000
581
2001
376
2002
281
2003
187
2004
109

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

17 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V400000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONMarch 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V400000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONMarch 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V400000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONMarch 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V400000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONMarch 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V400000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONMarch 7, 2014
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

#04V528000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALJanuary 11, 2004
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

#00V372000POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

#03V327000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

#03V250000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

#00V372000POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

#03V327000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY

#00V140000STRUCTURE:BODY

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2004. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,534 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM515 complaints
02
EXTERIOR LIGHTING315 complaints
03
SERVICE BRAKES236 complaints
04
HYDRAULIC205 complaints
05
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING177 complaints
06
VISIBILITY115 complaints
07
FUEL SYSTEM89 complaints
08
AIR BAGS87 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

1,534 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 2026

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.

SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREFeb 2026

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKESNov 2024

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

Crash 1 InjuryELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINEApr 2024

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

1 InjuryUNKNOWN OR OTHERApr 2024

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 CONTROLSep 2021

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.

Read 14 more owner reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2020

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.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFeb 2019

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 SYSTEMNov 2018

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 BAGSNov 2018

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.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSAug 2018

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 SYSTEMMay 2017

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,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2017

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 RECALLS WEREN'T ABLE TO BE FIXED ON MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THEY WEREN'T LISTED ON MY VIN. PLEASE HELP MY VEHICLE AND THE MILLIONS OTHERS BE UPDATED WITH THE NHTSA TO REQUEST THE MANUFACTURER TO REVIEW THIS MORE CLOSELY IN RELATION TO THE ONES ACTUALLY AFFECTED BY THESE ISSUES. THESE ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND POSE AS A THREAT NOT ONLY TO MYSELF AND FAMILY BUT TO OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 2017

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 SYSTEMMay 2017

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,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApr 2017

"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,ENGINEApr 2017

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!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Mar 2017

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.

CrashAIR BAGSSep 2016

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

TIRESJul 2016

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.

Showing 20 of 1,534 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Oldsmobile Alero

These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Oldsmobile Alero, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Oldsmobile Alero has 1,534 complaints on record across 5 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Oldsmobile Alero has 17 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 76 of the Oldsmobile Alero's 1,534 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Oldsmobile Alero vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Oldsmobile Alero vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Oldsmobile Alero has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Oldsmobile Alero by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Oldsmobile Alero.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Oldsmobile Alero reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Poor. The Oldsmobile Alero has 1,534 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Oldsmobile Alero years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (581 complaints), 2001 (376 complaints), 2002 (281 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Oldsmobile Alero problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (515 complaints); EXTERIOR LIGHTING (315 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (236 complaints).

Does the Oldsmobile Alero have recalls?

Yes — 17 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Oldsmobile Alero. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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