Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 020310003 | 06/01/2002 | 634881 | Concerns with scraping/scrunching noise from front of vehicle during low speed turning and braking. *tt | 10/10/2002 | |
| 010308003A | 02/01/2002 | 010308003 | 629407 | Some customers may comment on a squawk noise from the front and/or rear suspension while driving. *tt | 04/02/2002 |
| 010308003 | 10/01/2001 | 627662 | Information regarding squawk noise from front and/or rear suspension. *yh | 02/13/2002 | |
| 050901 | 09/05/2001 | 626054 | Some customers may comment of a squawk noise from the front or rear suspension area. *slc | 12/12/2001 | |
| 290601 | 06/29/2001 | 623599 | Concerns with suspension noise.*jb | 10/29/2001 | |
| 200301 | 03/20/2001 | 619238 | Information for oldsmobile and pontiac dealers concerning repairs to suspension knuckles for noise, abnormal performance and / or strip caliper bracketing mounting bolts on certain 1999 through 2001 vehicles. *tt | 05/21/2001 | |
| 990308004 | 08/01/1999 | 607580 | Subject pertaining to front and / or rear stabilizer shaft squawk / squeak noise. *tt | 09/29/1999 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||||
| 010308002 | 08/01/2001 | 624058 | Information regarding front suspension clunk / rattle noise diagnosis. *tt | 11/01/2001 | |
| 010308002 | 08/01/2001 | 624042 | Subject regarding front suspension clunk / rattle noise diagnosis. *tt | 10/31/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 05/10/2008 | |||
| I am ashamed to say i own a 1999 oldsmobile alero. i bought it last years as a back-up car, so we would have transportation should one of our newer vehicle have problems. i gave $2000 for it and have spent just as much on repairs. the turn signals only work intermittently though every fuse in it has been replaced. the anti-lock break light on the dash stays on. the front passenger strut broke and blew out the tire in the process. i was fortunate i wasn't killed when this happened. and now the heater blower has started making an awful noise, so it will likely need to be replaced soon. in addition the change oil light stays on, i have had it to numerous shops and no one can determine why it won't reset. the warning lights on the dash from all of this are a considerable distraction as well as all the problems they point to. i am appalled that in the usa we put a stamp of approval on such a horrible vehicle. in my opinion the entire vehicle should be recalled and replaced with one that runs properly. it is absurd and dangerous. i am fortunate i was not going a high speed when either strut broke...oh nearly forgot to mention that the rear driver-side strut also broke just this week. my biggest question is, who's name do i give to my lawyer when i am forced to drive this vehicle and someone is hurt? it is likely, given the hazards that come with this car that eventually something bad will happen. i just pray i won't have to drive it much. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 10/01/2005 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Dt: on october 1, 2005, noticed the low tire pressure warning light came on. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop, and they noticed that the left rear coil spring broke, but did not puncture the tire. the local mechanic recommended that the struts be replaced along with the coil springs. the consumer contacted the manufacturer and they said based on the low mileage, they were surprised that this happened to the vehicle. they tried to contact a local dealer, but since the consumer did not have a history with a local dealer they were able to assist her in the cost of the repair. *ak (11/09/05) *sc | |||
| 04/25/2004 | 67000 | 02/20/1999 | |
| This car has many problems but the worst of them is the problem with the front drivers side spring that broke in half while the car was moving. i was able to control the car before hitting any other drivers. the car doesn't even have 70k on it and the spring should last much longer than that. the struts are also shot and the mounting plates also need to be replaced. the car also vibrates and pulss to the left if you have to apply the brakes while driving over 50mph. sometimes the power windows also quit working for no reason. also when you first take off in the car in the morning there is a loud gringing noise coming from the front brakes. i had the brakes checked several times and nobody can find anything wrong with them. since having this car i have had a lot of problems with it. the car is only 4 1/2 years old. i remember when a car would last you a good 15 years if your took care of it. what happen to quality. no wonder the japanesse are doing so well! | |||
| 02/12/2001 | |||
| While driving at 50mph or over steering wheel will shake vigorously, almost lost control of vehicle.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | |||
| Bought car new with 23miles.in less than 3 mths, front strut had to be replaced.car now has 21000miles and have also had rotors sanded at least 3 times, eventually replaced.gear shift broke right off,stuck in parking lot unable to shift.exterior paint mouldins at door/window closure chipped away,had to be replaced. front passenger dash leaking water,fixed. driver&passenger door /floor mouldings leaking water,fixed. blinkers worked whenever they felt like it,fixed.shaking when trying to stop over 35mph. pulling to the left over 35mph.please look into!! this is not what i had in mind when i bought a new car. i have 1 year left on 3/36, what then? i didn't intend on paying $350/a month for a car and $$$ to have it fixed constantly.nevermind the aggravation of having to bring it to the dealer and be without a car all the time. just to haveto return with the same problem.if i wanted to be without a car all the time, i could have just taken the bus.they're covering it up.they're making short-term,cheap fixes to major problems, in hopes that our warranties will run out before they have to address the problems.please look into!! any info will be appreciated.*ak | |||
| While vehicle is being driven extreme vibration occurs. dealer stated that rims are bent. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 11/28/2000 | |||
| When brakes are applied steering wheel vibrates. dealer has inspected vehicle, and was not able to duplicate problem. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| When vehicle is going at a fast pace and brakes are gently pressed, vehicle starts to vibrate very loudly and shake. this causes difficulty for consumer to slowdown while coming off an exit or highway, and may result in an automobile accident. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 03/24/2010 | 116171 | ||
| 1999 alero parked in garage with 110000 mile on it. i live in nd . bake up and front left tire blowout coil spring had busted i looked at i did not see any rust | |||
| 1 | 03/12/2002 | ||
| When making a left hand turn there was a grinding noise in the front end of the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 1 | 05/10/2000 | ||
| Consumer states clunking noise coming from the front end when car is driven over any surface that is not totally smooth, this happens constantly. *yd | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - HUB | |||
| 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 | |||
| 04/07/2004 | 107000 | 1 | |
| Front hub bearing wore out prematurely. as a result, a grinding noise was produced. *ak | |||
| 04/10/1999 | 42000 | ||
| Front seat does not lock in position, front driver side bearing defective, driver power window malfunctions. *nlm | |||
| 06/20/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Side mirror spring mounts break on rough roads at low speeds. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | |||
| 05/04/2007 | 63580 | 1 | 04/30/2004 |
| Pulling out of my parking space at work on 5/4/07 and heard a loud pop, stopped vehicle and checked but could not find anything wrong. proceeded to drive home (about 1/2 mile) and smoke was coming from right front tire area. pulled up to my home and there was a sound like a gun shot and my right front tire went flat. triple a tow truck found that my right front strut spring had broken in a weak spot and obliterated my tire. car was towed to buckeye collision and i am waiting on a estimate of damage/repair cost. i don't know if buckeye collision is a certified repair place for gm but i would like gm to pay for this and make it right. i now worry about the left strut and cannot afford this kind of major repair. please post this message and contact gm and any other reporting agencies. this could lead to a death of an innocent person if driving fast on highway. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 65000 | 6 | 08/15/1999 |
| Bad vibration at highway speeds.had wheels aligned,tires balanced, tie rods ,both front axles, both front bearings, front disc brakes(rotors and pads), both front struts replaced. vibration at times gets bad enough to lose control. none of the above solutions fixed the problem.*ak | |||
| 07/21/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| This problem arises from something in the structure of the struts or wheel well rubbing against the edge of the front tires and abrating the thread and steel belting away until the tire fails. this problem may arise from contact with the wheel well when making sharp turns, as the tire did not fail until about 30,000 miles of normal driving, and as the left hand side front tire is somewhat less abrated round the same circumference area. this problem made my car a death trap. replacing the tires will not make the car safe to drive for very long, if at all. this problem is urgent regarding the safety of huge number of other alero drivers and everyone who is around it in traffic. time is of essence in giving attention to this problem. many lives may be at stake. as the clock ticks, if fear what other alero drivers and those in traffic around it may face if the other aleros' have front tires to blow out. please assure me that this problem is getting the attention that it should have from those responsible for dealing with it. *ak | |||
| When making a right turn onto a gravel road steering/ wheels locked up, and the left front wheel broke, facing outward. dealer said axle/ spindle and strut were broken. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 10/25/2005 | 108000 | 1 | 09/19/1998 |
| Front left coil spring broke into two pieces. spring was not rusted. pieces were extremely sharp and could have punctured tire easily. could have been extremely dangerous at high speed. i replaced both springs but did not think to keep busted one. *jb | |||
| 07/17/2005 | 49460 | 1 | 06/04/2002 |
| 1 i was leaving work parking lot and heard a clunk noise and got out of my car to see if i had hit something and checked my tires and everything appeared alright so i proceeded to pull out again and heard a clunk and then pssssssssss. got out of my car again and my front passenger tire was deflated. 2 when pulling tire off to change it we couldn't get the tire off because the coil spring shot through the tire. finally got tire off and changed it. 3 took car to steve shannon tire and auto center and had it repaired. checked with gm dealership to see if there was a recall (before having shannon's fix it) but there was not. told them what happened and they said they never heard of it. parts replaced : 2 struts, coil spring set, 2 strut mounts, 1 tire. i do have the tire and coil spring. i reported this to gm and told them i would be filing a complaint with nhtsa. *jb | |||
| 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 | |||
| 07/08/2005 | 88000 | 1 | |
| I have a 99 oldmobile alero. i was driving it out of my driveway at a slow speed. near the end of my driveway i heard a loud crack. i manuvered my car into the street and there was a loud crunching dragging sound. i stopped my car and checked underneath and saw nothing. i moved my car back into the driveway and parked and checked under the hood and walked around again. i noticed my passenger side tire was flat to the ground. i took off the tire and noticed a large groove and split in the tire. upon further investigation i noticed the spring on the passenger side had broken and punctured my tire. i feel very fortunate that i was so close to home and traveling at slow speed when this happened. my car is now in the shop waiting for a cost estimate and service. it doesn't appear that there has been a recall on this part. | |||
| 05/27/2005 | 78903 | 1 | |
| On 5/27/05, the front spring broke and punctured tire, causing a blow out. there was no warning on dash to indicate there was a problem. there was a clanking in the front end as the driver approached a stop sign, then tire was punctured. there were normal driving and weather conditions on the day of the incident. the vehicle had experienced front wheel bearing issues. the front passenger side tire was punctured as a result of the spring breakage. the driver noticed a worn pattern on the tire where the spring had been rubbing. the speed at the time of the failure was 5 mph. the vehicle was regularly serviced. upon the last inspection there where no reports of a defect in the vehicle. *ak the front coil spring surrounding the strut broke and the sharp steel edge from the brake gouged the tire wearing a groove in it and after a short time caused it to fail. the rubbing against the tire caused smoke. the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc *jb | |||
| 04/08/2005 | 58418 | 1 | 10/12/1998 |
| My car was sitting in the parking lot, as i was pulling out of the stall, i heard a bang. after looking at the car, i could see that the right front end was sitting on the tire. i had to have the car towed to a dealer, who told me that the right front coil spring had just broke. luckily, i was not driving at the time. it could have been potentially fatal had the spring broke while i was driving. i noticed that this same spring has broken on several allergy and 26 grand ams, based on other complaints filed. i have the part, if further investigation is needed. this sounds like a manufacturer's defect. gm could be exposed to strict product liability because this defect is unreasonably dangerous. i contacted gm, filed a complaint with them, and am waiting for them to call me back. i left 2 additional messages, and no one is returning my calls. i am also going to file a complaint with the pennsylvania attorney general's office.*ak | |||
| 04/10/2005 | 80000 | 2 | 07/01/2004 |
| October of 2004 i was parked on school grounds waiting for my daughter to finish school.when i heard a big bang. i got out of the car ,and walked around it. i could find nothing. when i started to drive it there was a crunching coming from the front end. upon further inspection the front drivers side coil spring snapped. i replaced it thinking it was a freak accident. then this week april 10,2005 i was pulling into my driveway and again heard another bang. this time the passenger side front coil spring snapped. i can see one breaking as an accident , but when both go. there is something wrong. my last car was a 1993 ford taurus. they too had a front coil spring issue. ford recalled our car and replaced the spring at no charge.*ak | |||
| 12/15/2004 | 72000 | 2 | 06/12/2004 |
| I have had two different occasions the front spring broke and punctured my tire and also my back coil spring broke and punctured my back tire. i spent almost a 1000 dollars in repairs for these repairs. *jb | |||
| 09/10/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 50 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the front end. stopped the vehicle an saw the right tire flat. a mechanic indicated to the consumer that coil spring broke and punctured the tire. dealer had been not notified.*ak | |||
| 07/01/2004 | 1 | 05/20/2002 | |
| I was pulling out of my driveway and my coil (spring) snapped off and broke. it sliced my tire and i had to replace my tire as well as the coil (spring). it was the drivers side front wheel. i am nervous that the other one may snap and i don't know what would have happened if i was driving my car at the time that coil snapped. i am aware that this part was recalled on the ford taurus.*ak | |||
| 07/20/2004 | 89000 | 1 | 09/01/1998 |
| I was driving my car less than one mile from my home. i made a left turn at a light, and upon completion of the turn, i heard a loud bang and my right front passenger tire was on it's rim. thinking that i hit something, i immediately pulled over. the road was clear. when i jacked up my car and attempted to remove the tire to put on the spare, i realized that the front suspension spring had broken and the jagged edge of the spring had pierced my tire. since i was driving at the time, in seconds it sheared my tire all the way around, causing steering to be difficult. i reported the problem to general motors, but they refused to offer assistance or towing fees. unfortunately i was stuck paying for the repairs at a dealership and a tow that was due to a mechanical failure causing a near-accident. *la | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| 1999 alero having problems with manifold leaking oil and failed fuel injectors. *mr the front spring had broken suddenly as the vehicle was in motion. the manifold and injector problem occurred within one week. recall #3v473000 and there was a recall for the suspension. *sc *jb | |||
| 05/15/2004 | 62310 | 1 | 05/21/2003 |
| I was not given any warning to the events that lead up to the problem with my car. upon returning home at 11 p.m. may15, 2004 from my parents home, i turned into my driveway, the car immediately started filling with smoke and i smelled rubber burning. i immediately stopped the car and turned off the engine. i checked the car over inside and out and found nothing amiss, only the smell. i retreated to the confines of my home and after a period of 10 minutes, i heard what appeared to be a gun shot noise then a hissing sound. i stepped outside and noticed the hissing sound was coming from my cars right front tire, which had gone flat. deciding i would check the situation the next morning then returned to the house. the next morning, i looked to find in fact the right front tire was flat. my fiance tried to place a scissor jack under the front of the car to jack it up and replace the tire, but was unable to do so. we placed the jack under the rear tire and jacked that up until there was sufficient room to place another jack under the front tire. when the car was jacked high enough to look at the tire, we noticed the coil spring had scheared in half causing the jagged edge of the spring to gough into the front tire causing it to go flat. there is an indication that the manufactures weld on the spring was poorly done as apparent by a rust spot at the breaking point. i also believe the strut inside the coil spring is damaged also. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 12/29/2004 | 129000 | 3 | 02/11/2000 |
| About 2 1/2 years ago i had to replace both front wheel bearing hubs. on 12/29/04 i had to have the right bearing hub replaced for the second time. i do not recall the mileage the first time. i had about 129,000 on this time.*ak | |||
| 12/18/2001 | 35000 | 3 | |
| While driving at any speed consumer heard a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. dealer examined the vehicle and replaced the front hubs and wheel bearings. also, vehicle used an excessive amount of oil and coolant.*ak | |||
| 10/15/2003 | 60000 | 2 | 03/10/2002 |
| Replaced the front drivers side wheel bearing in june of 2002. wheel bearing is going out again and needs to be replaced after only 30,000 miles. my brother-in-law had an oldsmobile intrigue that he also had to replace the front drivers wheel bearing on twice before getting rid of the car. *la | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 65000 | 6 | 08/15/1999 |
| Bad vibration at highway speeds.had wheels aligned,tires balanced, tie rods ,both front axles, both front bearings, front disc brakes(rotors and pads), both front struts replaced. vibration at times gets bad enough to lose control. none of the above solutions fixed the problem.*ak | |||
| 09/15/2002 | 75000 | 2 | 08/15/2001 |
| We have replaced both front wheel bearings, and i think this might be a defective product. *jb | |||
| 05/01/2001 | |||
| There is no response when braking. dealer replaced worn out front wheel bearings. at this time front wheel bearings need to be replaced again.*ak | |||
| 06/10/2001 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Rotors and pads replaced 5 times, please recall. also, front wheel bearings wore out causing excessive tire wear and vague steering feel. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 09/09/2005 | 61561 | 1 | 06/27/2005 |
| Dt: 1999 oldsmobile alero - consumer's car was involved in an accident and the hub assembly that holds the rear passenger struts sheared off. while driving at 65 mph the rear wheel broke off and the car turned sideways and went off the highway. there was no impact, but the car did flip side ways. the accident caused the front suspension to break. the vehicle has not been looked at by a mechanic. the consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told there was no recall on this vehicle for this part. a police report was taken. there was one injury.*ak *jb | |||
| 03/27/2000 | 1 | 03/27/2000 | |
| Squeeking noise can be heard in the rear of the vehicle. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The left rear control arm attaching bolt came off causing the arms to disengage from the spindle support.(attorney for client) yh | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS | |||
| 12/15/2004 | 72000 | 2 | 06/12/2004 |
| I have had two different occasions the front spring broke and punctured my tire and also my back coil spring broke and punctured my back tire. i spent almost a 1000 dollars in repairs for these repairs. *jb | |||