Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||||
| 010849020 | 12/01/2001 | 631899 | Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *slc | 06/25/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 020604011 | 03/01/2002 | 634710 | Subject regarding revised diagnostic trouble code p0140. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 0208116001 | 01/01/2002 | 631229 | Subject regarding intermittent communication or serial data diagnostic trouble codes stored in history. *slc | 05/21/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 04/02/2012 | |||
| I have recently purchased a 99 oldsmobile alero. there is a problem with the turn signals/hazard button which started out with a loud buzzing while the turn signals were activated. i could sometimes get the buzzing to stop by pushing the hazard button at the same time as the turn signal. now it's at the point where my signals don't even work 95% of the time. i'll start my car and the first time i use them they might work, but as soon as i turn the wheel they stop working and do not work for the rest of the trip. the hazards have stopped working as well. i have been told that my vin number is not covered. online research has pulled up nhtsa action number : rq04005 which states that gm will issue a special policy for 1999-2000 alero since it's not covered under recall 03v327. however, further searches have found that rq04005 expired in february 2010. the defect acknowledged in recal 03v327 is exactly the same as the issue acknowledged in nhtsa action# rq04005, so why is there an allowed expiration date for the remedy of the problem? | |||
| 01/28/2011 | 97213 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving approximately 32 mph the contact applied the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. in order to stop the vehicle the contact engaged the emergency brake. during the failure all of the service lights on the dashboard began to illuminate. the speedometer also began to display random speeds ranging from 0 mph to 100 mph. the vehicle was taken home where it stalled. the contact also stated the hazard lights would not function. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the failure and current mileages were 97,213. sm. | |||
| 06/13/2002 | 130000 | ||
| I have a 1999 oldsmobile alero, several times my security lights and came on and you can not start the car, it will flash for 10 minutes and then hopefully it will start and not start flashing again. i have it at the dealership several times, and spend $$$$$ many dollars and still i have the same problem , i dion't drive it much now because i am scare that it want start, gmc needs to doi a recall . | |||
| 06/06/2009 | 93500 | 1 | |
| Secuirty light on 1999 oldsmobile alero comes on and car will not start for over 10 mins. this causes me to fuel my car with the car engine running because i do not want to take the chance of it not starting. sometimes it takes 3 trys before it starts and that is over 30 minutes of wait time. one day it may not start at all. ongoing problem with the other alero owners. oldsmobile needs to issue a recall on this problem. *tr | |||
| 07/04/2009 | 114800 | 1 | |
| My security light keep coming on. it locks down my fuel system. i had the problem fix in october of 2006. it was fix at the dealership in which i bought it from. about $500.00 is what i paid to get it fix. on july4,2009, the same problem happened again. it malfunction again. i can't afford to fix this again. there are lots of people with the same problem that i got. please help me and others with this dangerous problem. it's not our fault that they made this recurring problem. what can i do about this? *tr | |||
| 11/10/2006 | 75000 | 6 | 07/01/2001 |
| I have had an 99' oldsmobile alero for 7 years. it has had almost every problem listed on this website. it has had an over heating problem every year since i got it and i have spent thousands in repairs for the cooling system, fuel pump, poor interior manufacturer, ac/heater blower motor settings failure, fuel gauge failure, transmission leakage, poor springs/struts, gear slipping, hard starting, water leaking in from rain under glove compartment, off alignment (set three times in year), poor gas mileage, overheating or running above normal temperature and sudden overheating without notice of gauge lights or sounds. has had front right caliper failure locking brake pads down against rotor causing burnout of pads,rotor warping, caliper cylinder damage. has had power steering pump leakage. this car is a lemon and gm should not be allowed to get away with selling unsafe, worthless vehicles. the only reason i still have mine running is because i have put a lot of personal as well as paid labor into its upkeep over the years due to that i cant afford another car. *jb | |||
| 06/02/2006 | 75000 | 8 | 05/07/2002 |
| Driver's side window motor has been replaced three times in the last 4 years. rear driver's side window motor has also been replaced in the last year. amazing how this keeps happening over and over again. also, my horn has gone off in the middle of the night several times without anything setting it off. there is no way to turn it off once it goes. each time it was 3 or 4 in the morning and each time i had to drive to a remote location just to disconnect the horn. of course, the first couple of times i had no idea how to do this but after a while you get to know these things. i have had the horn replaced on several occasions without any success. now i am being told that it is the horn pads located in the steering wheel. of course, that is another $800 - $1000 job on top of the 4 windows that cost about $400 each and the horns with ran me about $150 to $200 each. *jb | |||
| 03/13/2006 | 79000 | 2 | 05/01/2004 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was a humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. additionally, the abs light illuminated, the cruise control became inoperable, a burning smell appeared and the vehicle was loosing water. the dealership inspected the vehicle. the battery, wiring, spark plug wiring and a belt were replaced. the water pump and window switch was replaced. the blower motor needed to cleaned out. the brakes were inoperative updated 05/01/06.*jb | |||
| 02/28/2006 | 161000 | 2 | 09/11/2000 |
| While driving my 1999 oldsmobile alero 2.4l, my traction control light came on. it did not give the normal warning indicator to let me know that something was wrong. i stopped at a stop sign. with the oncoming traffic it requires you to quickly enter the intersection. my car stalled in the middle of take of as if it was not getting gas. the oncoming traffic which is traveling at a great rate of speed had to slam on breaks to prevent from hitting my stalled car. several cars came to a screeching halt and nearly wrecked. i learned that the cause of the car stalling was my throttle position sensor was faulty. this is the second time i have had to replace the tps. the first was done approximately 2 years ago the hendrick dealership in apex north carolina. i experienced the same problem with the traction control light coming and the transmission shift irregular and the car stalling. on the last experience today 28 feb 06 i had my 7 year old son in the back seat. i would like this issue address by the general motors corporation immediately. i narrowly escaped suffering severe injuries and possible lost of life today.*jb | |||
| 02/22/2006 | 1 | 09/10/2000 | |
| Passlock system-car will not start 2-3 times a week have talk to people that had their key tumblers changed and still have the same problem . have to wait 10 -15 minutes for security light to go out before to car will crank. i didn't ask for the passlock system but have no way to override it. have found similar complaints on the web forums. *nm | |||
| 02/01/2005 | 56000 | 4 | 07/13/2002 |
| Dt: 1999 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated the hub bearings on both sides of the front end went out. there was a noise coming from the front end, the contact took the vehicle to a garage. the mechanic told her of the problem, and said if she drove it much longer there would have been an accident. the head gaskets also blew out the engine. the vehicle was leaking antifreeze into the air system. the vehicle is currently at the garage being fixed for the head gaskets. also, fuel pump went out while driving on the road. the vehicle was towed to the garage. then, they replaced the fuel pump. the contact stated , in addition, there have been electrical problems. the computer system had to be reset a couple of times. this has happened within the past 12 months. *ak | |||
| 07/01/2004 | |||
| The power window motor has burned out twice. there was an accident. the vehicle was in park automatically put itself in reverse, rolled back hitting another vehicle. also, the ignition switch. upon putting the key into the ignition the consumer has to spray it with 40/40 wd before the vehicle will start. please provide any further information. | |||
| 04/30/2004 | 74000 | 2 | |
| Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for a sudden acceleration issue. vehicle was accelerating without the accelerator pedal being depressed. while having this issue checked dealership noticed that the head gasket failed and leaked radiator anti freeze into the engine. the cause of the sudden acceleration was due to a bad chip in the mother board. the cause of the radiator anti freeze leak was undetermined.*ak *nm | |||
| 06/01/2003 | |||
| Front drivers side leaks water when there is a heavy rain. causes different dash board gauges to malfunction | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 12000 | 3 | 09/01/2000 |
| While driving, the speedometer and bells come on intermittently, at least 2-3 times a week. *nlm *tt | |||
| 05/15/2002 | 10 | 06/08/1998 | |
| Security light prevents start of engine. i have been told by the dealership the computer chip in the ignition is not reading the code on the key properly. at times the mileage switches over to kilometers and at the same time the rpm's do not register. the lever for the rpm's just bounces around. *jb | |||
| 11/05/2000 | 09/01/1999 | ||
| Electric just died. if it's the battery, it shouldn't be. the battery replaced the original and is 2 months old.*ak | |||
| While driving on the highway a malfunction occurred within electrical system which caused the vehicle to completely shut down without warning. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 04/25/1999 | 1 | 02/05/1999 | |
| Possible electrical failure resulted in instrument panel and other components to fail. nm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 08/09/2004 | 1 | ||
| Oldsmobile alero 1999 the vehicle experienced brake and rotor problems. *sc the alternator failed. the driver's side window regulator failed. the front coils spring failed. the oxygen sensor was replaced. left front abs sensor and hub assembly were replaced. *nm | |||
| 07/12/2005 | 7 | 06/08/2002 | |
| Rear defroster, steering, brakes (3x's), engine, radiator, belt, security systerm, tape deck, power windows. | |||
| 06/23/2005 | 0 | 1 | 02/18/2000 |
| Left school went to the bank, came out smoke was coming from under hood by front passenger tire. i cracked the hood and smoke increased. i could smell something burning, i put the hood back down and asked the bank teller to call 911. fire department came and opened hood, alternator was burned out entirely and there had been no warning signs at any time. had to leave vehicle, will have to replace alternator, and pay for towing. advised by the fire department not to turn the ignition for any reason because the alternator will ignite, until replaced. | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states that the battery and alternator were replaced in 2000. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states that the battery and alternator were replaced in 2000. *slc | |||
| 08/19/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Battery died @ gas station(6yr/75k repl model)/when rpl'd found acid on abs module/brake lines under battery.gm case #c05363927-gm won't repair or pay for diag of brake sys or reimburse $75 for battery that was under 2.5 yrs old(label on battery says 6yr-75000 mile battery).multiple occurences noted on nhtsa complaints database lead me to believe gm is aware of problem already.one customer odi id #868902 had acid eat hole in brake line.other occurences on file already.*ak | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Sun roof assemby failed, required 3 months to replace/repair. brake pads replaced on all 4 wheels at low mileage. seat belt on driver latch is loose on seat belt. rear seat does not lock in place. battery leaked causing failure to start, battery replaced, but no other components were checked by dealer. | |||
| 05/01/2001 | |||
| Battery went dead while consumer was driving. contacted dealer. *ak | |||
| 05/28/2000 | 6 | 01/01/2000 | |
| I hve had this car for a year now and they have did over 7,000 dollars repairs on it so far they need to recall this alero. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| 11/13/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| The battery was leaking from the positive terminal causing the vehicle not to start. nlm | |||
| 09/25/1999 | 3 | 01/01/1999 | |
| The vehicle has had three batteries replaced within 18 months of ownership, batteries failed and leaked acid. *mjs | |||
| 10/18/2000 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Brakes were damaged by leaking + term. on battery, brake lines were damaged. *ak | |||
| 08/18/2000 | 1 | 05/02/1999 | |
| The ac delco battery which came original equipment with the vehicle, terminals are located on the side of the battery instead off on top, pulled out causing vehicle to stall unexpectedly. this may have cause a crash. dealer replaced battery, but with same design. *ak | |||
| 08/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| Acid from the positive post terminal of the battery leaked onto the brake line. the acid ate a hole in the brake line, causing brake fluid to escape. this caused lost of braking ability while backing up the vehicle. this incident could have caused a crash. vehicle was taken to a dealership. the repairs to the vehicle could not be made free of charge. owner has taken vehicle elsewhere for repairs.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | |||
| 07/23/2001 | |||
| Battery exploded, causing acid to leak onto positive terminal. . please provide further information.*ak | |||
| Battery exploded ,causing acid to leak onto positive terminal, resulting in dashboard lights going out. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 10/11/2004 | 5 | 02/16/2004 | |
| When it rains car either wont start, or guages will not work. radio stops working. brake lights go on and off. fuse box was corroded, replaced worked fine for about 2 months and no is acting up again. mechanics could find nothing else wrong. it was in the shop 4 times before they fixed the fuse box. dealership tried to fix something that wasnt the problem and charge $450 more than the cost. | |||
| 10/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| A shortage continuously occurs within the fuse box, causing electrical components to malfunction. *ak | |||
| 09/15/1999 | 11 | 03/01/1999 | |
| During rain, car leaks through fuse box on both driver and passenger side and also into back floorboards on both sides. this occurs through sunroof assembly somehow. dealer has attempted repair on 6 occasions and failed each time. | |||
| 11/05/2000 | 3 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Fuse box continues to fill with water during rain storms, dealer has made 3 attempts to repair, but does not seem to know where the water is coming from. car has been towed twice, delivered by customer once. this is the 7th complaint on this vehicle for electrical failures. oldsmobile is uninterested, as is the dealer. | |||
| 05/19/2000 | 3 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Water leaking into fuse box, electrical system problems. dealers says coming from sunroof. supposedly fixed leak twice. 1st time,also replaced fuse block. week later, water still getting in fuse block. 2nd time, fixed leak-claimed screw for sunroof not properly sealed and in wrong position. relocated screw and sealed unit. another week, another leak. water getting into fuse block again, causing stereo amplifier to make loud humming noise, while car is off. consumer removed fuse for amplifier to stop humming. contacting dealership on monday. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 05/10/2006 | 49000 | 15 | 06/14/2000 |
| Locked up ignition switch cruise control fell apart gear shift shifter not secure and slides up the shift.. both oxygen sensors failed all four windows electric motors, and racks have been replaced front end vibration when stopped or parked on incline dash board leather cover came loose and rolled up like a used rug original fuel filter have to be pried out of line and then pieces left had to be removed with needle nose pliers. fuel gauge as never worked. now its running about 4 miles and then quits, sets for 30 minutes and drive another 4 miles then quits. code reader says engine running lean, (problem is 4 to 5 sensors including the injectors could be causing this, no way to tell with replacing them until it runs. the expense of this could be 1000 to 3000 dollars. electric door locks failed , replace switch, only works part of the time. *jb | |||
| 05/04/2006 | 30 | 01/20/2000 | |
| The failure is general motors passlock theft deterent system. my car does not start on numerous occations because of this problem that should be recalled. my car has been in a general motors repair shop five times with this problem and it still occurs. it has left me stranded, late for school, late for work, among other things because it will not start for 10 minutes until it resets. it is a safety issue and is embarrrassing when you cant move your car for 10 minutes after refueling at a gas station causing other people to get angry. *nm | |||
| 07/01/2004 | |||
| The power window motor has burned out twice. there was an accident. the vehicle was in park automatically put itself in reverse, rolled back hitting another vehicle. also, the ignition switch. upon putting the key into the ignition the consumer has to spray it with 40/40 wd before the vehicle will start. please provide any further information. | |||
| 4 | |||
| While driving the vehicle stalled. consumer tried to restart vehicle, but it wouldn't start. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 04/06/2003 | |||
| The ignition key would not turn. the dealer claimed it was torque lock but the consumer disagreed. the vehicle has not been repaired. *nlm | |||
| 03/06/2003 | 72000 | 20 | 07/01/1999 |
| This complaint is similar to complaint numbers 563702, 712756, 724936. late last year, i had to have the key lock cylinder and security chip in the ignition/key system replaced to the tune of several hundred dollars (problem with fidelity warranty service) and now the key cylinder which was reported to have been replaced was apparently not replaced. now i can't start my car with the key. the key will not turn, like putting your car key in another car. it wouldn't turn the lock. i have noticed several times when i couldn't turn the car off all the way but the key would come out. i have also found the same problem in other gm cars that i use professionally. the car key comes out from time to time when the car is running, or when the car isn't turned all the way off.... it's not a constant problem but it is a problem. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2002 | 11/01/2099 | ||
| One failed due to the others failure.no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| 08/19/2001 | 01/01/2000 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 05/23/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| 1)the abs braking system feels weak and a substantial vibration of the entire steering wheel and front panel of the car occurs when brakes are applied. car does not stop sufficiently unless brakes are fully depressed. 2)the car has not been able to successfully start multiple times and is currently unable to start. the battery has been checked and is fine. no recharging of battery occurs even after jump-starting and running the engine for a lengthy period of time. 3) left rear door panel has parts that are falling off and loose. 4) parking brakes are weak and fail to prevent rolling on inclines. additionally, there has been a recall placed on this model for failure to conform to federal/canada motor vehicle saftey standard 201, occupant protection in interior impact. *ak | |||
| 10/03/1999 | 2 | 07/01/1999 | |
| The vehicle is equiped with an ignition system, that has a security chip inside the key, which is read by the ignition system, and then the car is started. i have experienced two problems with the system,in which the car will not start and the security light on the dash starts blinking, this happens with both original keys. when i called the road side assistance people they tell me to leave the keys in the ignition for 15 minutes. i have talked to other people who own gm vehicles, and they seem to have had the same problem, i think it deserves to be looked into. thank you | |||
| 12/23/1998 | 1 | 08/01/1998 | |
| No summary | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||
| 09/11/2009 | 34494 | 1 | |
| For unknown reasons the passlock system fails and the car will either not start or while driving it will shut off at any time cutting power to the power brakes and steering. causing a possible loss of control. *tr | |||
| 08/08/2007 | 77000 | 1 | 06/26/2007 |
| The passlock feature. has left me and several, several unhappy alero owners stranded. this is a very bad and expensive idea and i have been without the car now for 2 months. i hate this car. i can not believe this has not been a recalled issue. *tr | |||
| 10/26/2007 | 20 | ||
| I put the key in the ignition and the car does not start followed by the word security flashing on the dashboard car will not start. i have to wait about 15 mins and hope it won't do it again. i have read up online and seems this is a common occurrence related to the passlock system on oldsmobile cars. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Consumer states that the securty pass-lok system became defective and would not allow the vehicle to start. *tt | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 2 | 12/01/1998 | |
| On 2 separate occasions, 10 thousand miles and several months apart the ignition cylinder froze leaving the vehicle unable to start and the driver stranded. first failure occurred at dealer during service and customer was not notified of failure. second failure happened in customers driveway and required towing. tow truck owner mentioned he had seen this problem on other alero's recently. *ak | |||
| 02/22/1998 | |||
| When driving at any speed and applying brakes vehicle is jerking and lurching forward. also, when taking key out of ignition all other electrical items keep coming on, and brake rotors continue to wear out. dealer can't determine the cause of problems. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 10/11/2004 | 5 | 02/16/2004 | |
| When it rains car either wont start, or guages will not work. radio stops working. brake lights go on and off. fuse box was corroded, replaced worked fine for about 2 months and no is acting up again. mechanics could find nothing else wrong. it was in the shop 4 times before they fixed the fuse box. dealership tried to fix something that wasnt the problem and charge $450 more than the cost. | |||
| 01/17/2005 | 129000 | 0 | 06/27/2003 |
| While driving to work on jan 17 i turned on the rear defroster. within a few minutes, two to three, i heard a popping sound. just one time, so i started looking around the interior of the car. i noticed a hole between the rear passenger window and the rear window. my alero was a 2 door. when i got when i could pull over there were flames coming from the hole. i was unable to put them out. i called 911. by time the fire trucks arrived the car was fully engulfed in flames and was beyond saving. the only thing left of it was the body and the engine. *nm | |||
| 08/16/2003 | |||
| While driving at highway speed vehicle caught on fire without warning. as a result, vehicle was totaled. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 04/06/2007 | 150000 | 1 | 07/14/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. the vehicle caught on fire under the hood and damaged the entire front end . the contact stated that the dealer and manufacturer will be contacted regarding the fire. the current and failure mileage were 150,000.*ak | |||
| 08/07/2004 | 60400 | 1 | 09/20/2002 |
| Check engine light came on and security light started to blink when we got back from a trip. we took it in and the diagnostic check revealed that the knock sensor was bad. so that was replaced. (code 00327). *ak but now the light still keeps coming on for the same code even though it's already been fixed. | |||
| 04/28/1999 | |||
| While parking power steering assit went out. smoke began to come from under the hood and a fire started in the engine compartment. the fire was put out by the fire department. the car was towed to the dealershp. gm wa suncooperative, refusing to offer any explanation for this disaster. they did, however, provide consumer with a loaner for three weeks. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 40000 | 20 | 06/30/2000 |
| I have a 1999 oldsmobile alero. i had the exact same issue with the exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights:switch described in nhtsa campaign id number :03v327000 for 2000 model year vehicles. i had to pay to replace it my self. is there a recall on the 1999 model year? if not why not?*ak | |||
| 06/21/2000 | 25000 | ||
| While driving without warning all the digital gauges failed but became functional a few days later. a diagnostic test was done but the cause was not found and the problem still exist. *nlm. | |||
| 12/23/2001 | 3 | 10/01/1999 | |
| This is about the third time that i have brought the alero in for repair for the same problems. the service dept claims that they can not fix the problem since they can not reconstruct the problem. however, the problems are: during and after it rains the drivers side floor is wet, the truck pops open, the dashboard instrument panel fails, the radio fails, the tail lights fail, the keyless entry system fails, and the car doesnt start. the problems that they have fixed already have been both driver side and passenger side windows had to be replaced, the lights on dash board fixed and noise comeing from under the back part of the car. i gave them the car on 12/24/01 and told them i do not want it back until its completely fixed. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 50 | 09/01/1999 | |
| The wipers will stop suddenly for no reason during driving when you hit a bump, also the lights will not come on sometimes when you start the car. | |||