Before you buy
This 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has 280 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Oldsmobile Alero Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2002 Oldsmobile Alero trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2002 Oldsmobile Alero Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 4-DROfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has 280 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Oldsmobile
- Model
- Alero
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 280
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?
This OLDSMOBILE ALERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- 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
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The OLDSMOBILE ALERO has 280 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 11 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 280 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 11 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2002 Oldsmobile Alero complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 133 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 78 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 42 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 6 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
1. Security turns on while driving, making the vehicle to spin but not drive normally on road or highway when driving 2. Horn malfunctioning, stops working when security turns on while driving 3. Seatbelt warning and airbag light flashing when security turns on while driving, …
Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really nee…
2002 OLDS ALERO,PRESENT MILEAGE@5/17/20-187,037. WHERE DO I START? OKAY,THE TRUNK HAS STARTED TO ARBITRARILY DECIDE TO POP OPEN...APPARENTLY DURING RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS...I WONDER IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE DOOR LOCKS RECENTLY DECIDING TO NOT LOCK THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN U…
"TAKATA RECALL" I OWN A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND MY BLINKERS ONLY WORK MAYBE 2 TIME A MONTH WHEN I USE MY TURNING SIGNALS IN EITHER DIRECTION I JUST HEAR A BUZZING SOUND SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY IN ONE DIRECTION AND SOMETIMES THERE IS NO SOUND AND NO BLINKER AT ALL. NOW MY GAS GAUG…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AFTERMARKET STRUTS INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE STRUTS CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR AND PULLED APART THE CONTROL ARMS AT THE CENTER BUSHINGS, WHICH CAUSED THE GEOMETRY OF THE SUSPENSION TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REP…
CAR OFTEN STALLS STARTING. EASILY CUTS OFF WHEN PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER IS IN PLACE OR IF RADIO IS ON AFTER 5 MINUTES WITH DISCONTINUING ENGINE. CUT OFF AT A STOP SIGN RECENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL SOME TIME LATER. HAS NEW BATTERY LESS THAN 8 MONTHS OLD. DID…
TAKATA RECALL- I BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST YEAR AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION. WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KEY I FEEL THE IGNITION MOVE. I ALSO HAVE A HARD THE KEEPING IT STARTED. WHEN I'M DRIVING WITH MY SEAT BELT ON MY NO SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF AS IF IT WASN'T ON.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (JERRY SEINER CHEVROLET, 1530 S 500 W, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115)…
MY TENSOR PULLEY IS GOING OUT AND MY SAFETY SENSORS LIKE ANTI LOCK, TRAC OFF AND NOW SERVICE ENGINE SOON KEEP COMING ON HAD IT IN SHOP AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW ITS MAKING LOUD NOISES.IT HAPPENS WHEN IM STOPPED AND MOVING
IT JUST STARTED AFTER THE SECURITY GOT LOCK AND HAD TO BE OVER DRIVE. WHEN YOU DRIVE YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR IDLE BAD WHEN YOU HAVE TO STOP FOR A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR IF YOU HAVE TO STOP TO TURN AND YOU GET BELOW 1 MGA TURNS OFF. YESTERDAY IT DID THIS AND TURN OFF AND ALL IT WOUL…
ALERO CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WON'T START BACK FOR HOURS. DEALERSHIP AND MECHANICS CAN'T FIND OUT WHY THIS IS OCCURRING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, THE CAR RANDOMLY CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS FORUM WHERE OTHERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE VERY SAME IS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, IT TOOK REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL" MY CAR IS NOT REGISTERED WITH THE RECALL BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH MY CARS STARTER AS MY BROTHER DID WITH HIS 2002 MALIBU THAT HAS THIS RECALL AND HE GOT HIS FIXED AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. MY CAR DOES NOT START HALF THE TIME WHEN I TRY TO ST…
DRIVING DOWN ROAD ALL LIGHTS QUIT WORKING NOTHING ON DASH WORKS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FO…
WHEN TURNING OFF CAR DOESN'T WANT TO RESTART HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN TO START HAS PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS AND LIGHTS TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP SAID THEY FIXED BUT STILL HAS SAME PROBLEMS
WHEN U SHUT YOUR CAR OFF AND TRY TO RESTART WON'T START AND SECURITY LIGHTS COME ON THEN U TURN KEY OFF AND ON AND WAIT 10 MIN TO RESTART .GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS ABOUT PROBLEM. HAS BEEN SEEN BY CHEVY DEALER AND HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX. THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS ON REGULAR BASES.
I HAVE A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO WHICH THROUGHOUT THE YEARS HAS NOT STARTED WHEN YOU PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURN. NUMEROUS TIMES I'VE HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC ONLY TO HAVE IT START ONCE IT GETS DROPPED OFF... HENCE THEY WERE NEVER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. ON SEPTE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero.
Safety recalls
2002 Oldsmobile Alero recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Oldsmobile Alero buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 280 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This OLDSMOBILE ALERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (133 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (78 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (42 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 280 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?▾
This OLDSMOBILE ALERO year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Oldsmobile Alero reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.