Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
1108200211/08/200210008618The door window glass will not roll up or it is out of the channel. *tt08/10/2004
010864018D10/01/2003010864018C10004753Front door window glass won't roll up or out of channel. *tt01/06/2004
010864012D03/01/2005010864012E10004355Door glass sash out of run channel. *tt update. *tt12/04/2003
010864012C02/01/2003010864012B10001131Door glass sash out of run channel. *tt04/15/2003
010864018B02/01/2003010864018A10001133Front door window glass won't roll up or out of channel. *tt04/15/2003
05060206/05/2002637197Customers may comment that one or more door glasses are scratched. *tt11/21/2002
9883152010/01/1998602752Complaints of one or more door glass scratches. *yc01/11/1999
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
04086402010/01/200410012744Front door power window inoperative. *tt03/14/2005
020864023A08/01/200302086402310004359Power window inoperative. *tt12/04/2003
03080303/08/200310001887Unnecessary replacement of door window regulators. *tt *jb07/24/2003
02086402312/01/200210000756Power window inoperative. *tt03/28/2003
99084900807/01/1999838320606552Customer may complain that the chime sounds when key is removed from ignition, intermittent operation of power door locks, keyless entry, steering column lock or memory seats. *tt08/27/1999
83960710/01/1998602985Comments on switching between local stations or cross talk in metropolitan areas with several strong am stations. *yc01/25/1999
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR
00085100109/01/20006092333Some customers may comment that the black plastic housing around the outside rear view mirror turns chalky or is dull in color. *tt12/05/2000
VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
0204201/01/200410006913Sunroof not operating properly. *mr05/19/2004
03086700903/01/2004030867009A10005595Sunroof will not open or close completely due to the sunroof motor. *tt03/04/2004
10090310/09/200310004987Jammed sunroof that will not open or close completely revisited. gm voicemail log. *tt01/22/2004
03086700406/01/200310002878Parts availability for sunroof repairs. *tt09/30/2003
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
010864012B04/01/2002010864012A634827Some customers may comment that the door glass is out of channel. *tt10/09/2002
02086401405/01/2002634559Some customers may comment that the outer surface glass on one or more of the vehicle's door is scratched. *tt10/03/2002
010864018A01/01/2002010864018628824Some customers may comment that the front door window glass won't roll up or is out of the channel. *tt03/21/2002
01086401811/01/2001627482Information regarding front door window glass won't roll up or out of channel. *yh02/08/2002
28090110/28/2001626557Subject regarding water leaking into the passenger side foot well area forom the hvac intake. *jg12/17/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
VISIBILITY
12/04/20081050001
 Both the driver and the passenger windows fell off the tracks, so i had a friend pry them up and he got the windows to stay up, but you could not use either window. i did not have the money to get the windows fixed for a while until i was finally able to afford to get the driver's window fixed in may 2008 which cost $385.00. they replaced the regulator. on 12/4/2008, it happened yet again to the driver's side window and the warranty was only good for 60 days labor/30days parts, so i am yet again not able to use either window. i was told by quite a few people that this is a very common problem and that if i got it fixed yet again, it would probably happen yet again. i did not see this defect listed on the recall list however. *tr
06/01/200799000302/01/2004
 Left front, left rear, and right rear window regulators failed with in the past 3 years. all three failed the same way: while rolling up the window it falls down and stays down. the parts that failed are the small plastic clips that attach the regulator to the window. the whole regulator assembly on each window needed replacement at $80.00 + all over a piece of plastic that probably costs gm $ .30 each. *tr
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
11/04/200241000010/04/2002
 While driving home from work, the backseat of my car started on fire. this was due to the rear defogger modular. thank god no one was in the back. it cost 4,000 to repair. my rear defogger was repaired and about a month later, it wouldn't work again. we took it back only to find out that the wire harness was starting to melt again. we also have had problems with a banging in the front passenger side. we can't find the cause of this problem.
02/09/2001204/01/1999
 Fixed second time, heat only comes out panels (not floor or defrost), dealer says controller is bad. *ak
02/15/2001
 A rear defroster defect caused a fire in rear of vehicle. fire occurred while vehicle was in motion with passengers in rear seats. discovery of cause of fire was determined by adjuster and dealer. *ak
12/07/1998310/15/1998
 While driving at about 40 mph passenger side door came ajar, not able to close and latch properly. repetetive problems with rear defroster. low tire pressure warning light inaccurate. *ak.et. there were two incident of cracked radiator cap. there were three incidents of interior trunk release button failure. gas guage malfunctioned. *yh
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - REAR WINDOW
07/12/2005706/08/2002
 Rear defroster, steering, brakes (3x's), engine, radiator, belt, security systerm, tape deck, power windows.
02/29/2004107/26/1999
 I own a 1999 olds alero. the rear window defroster stopped working. i checked and found that the plug going into the rear defogger/radio module was melted. i believe this could have caused a fire. i checked with my local dealer and they were not aware of any problems with this vehicle. i asked if they had a replacement part so that i could repair this and they said none were available. i went to my local scrap yard and was able to get a replacement end from a wrecked alero. this was only after finding melted plugs in two other ones they had. a recall should be issued immediately due the danger of a fire with this vehicle. *jb - 3/17/04- consumer called with the correct vin#. complaint has been updated. *rp *sc *jb
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING
04/08/2003108/29/1999
 We own a 1999 oldsmobile alero. a month and a half ago we noticed a weird odor emanating from the trunk. for a while we thought it was mildew, though it gave my wife a headache once or twice. while servicing the car for an unrelated problem the technician suggested it was mildew. as the weather warmed up the problem disappeared. with the return of cold weather last week the smell reappeared with a vengeance. we feared it was exhaust and put a carbon monoxide detector in the trunk which registered positive. we took it to a gm service department and they located the problem as a faulty rear defrogger antenna control module. it was heating up and melting the plastic shell of the module. we're glad they located the problem and fixed it, but are worried that other people may encounter this and not know what it is or not get it checked, like we did for a while.*jb
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
09/01/2003119000712/09/2000
 Due to gm defect to date i have had to replace intake manifold gasket, water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt and am now looking at replacing gas tank and heater core. . *ak
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
07/01/2006470005003/17/1999
 Rear windows obstructed. windows will not roll up. no children, model 1999 alero. i can say this window has not been lowered 100 times in the last 6 years. it stop working in 2006. i decided to see if it was a serious defect by going on the internet, and i see their is a problem gm will not fix without a investigation if you have a child , the safety lock serves no purpose. the window just falls down at any given time. this will any small child or animal to exit through the window. *tr
11/26/2007610/01/2001
 The passenger window fell off track all of a sudden while i was driving on the highway. i pulled it back up and it continues to fall at dangerous time. i don't have the money to get it repaired. it should not have happened as it is. *tr
10/31/200599045102/26/2002
 The driver's side window came off track and ended up in the bottom of the door. in the process, the clips which hold the glass on broke off, the glass broke, and the window regulator broke. this is not the first problem i have had with this window, but by far the most expensive to repair. *nm
04/26/19997810711/19/1998
 On the way from work one day after a rain shower, i use the power driver window to roll down the window for some fresh air. when i power rolled up the window, there were deep scratches on various places on the window. tsb#98831520 took to dealer service dept to repair under warranty. it was fixed but three days later it was scratched again in the same manner. took back to dealer service to repair...okay. later other three window had scratches due to use. all replaced, but now three of the four windows (passenger front and rear and driver rear) have scratches. there was a tsb issued for this problem, but the problem was never fixed. now the manufacture warranty has expired. contacted manufacture for assistance but no help offered.
10/08/2004210/15/2002
 Both windows on my car have fallen into the door. before falling into the door there was a grinding noise and the a loud pop. *nm
01/21/200307/05/1999
 Feel brakes on vehicle are defective requiring multiple repairs as a result. do not think they are safe even after repaired given the repeat frequency of subsequent repairs. in addition, glass panes on all four side windows have long mechanical scratch marks, which sometimes catch glare of sun/headlights when looking out those windows during lane changes. scratches appear to be result of defective window housing/mechanicals.
06/12/2001106/01/1999
 Started car while driver's door still opened, released emergency brake and then suddenly rear window imploded. 90% of glass shattered into pieces and fell into back seat of car. my car was parked at my job's parking lot from 9:00am to 7:00pm. it was 80f-85f degrees weather this day. it was hot in my car. no signs of vandalism.
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
01/15/200910375
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. the contact was experiencing issues with the driver's side door regulator and motor. in addition, the rubber channel that is located inside the window was not tight and could cause the window to fall out and shatter. the window failure was repaired at the contact's expense. he also stated that the fuel system pressure regulator was failing. he heard a ticking noise and the vehicle drove differently. the dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle because it was no longer under warranty. the contact also believed that the steering wheel was not steering correctly. the dealer still refused to inspect the vehicle. the contact would like his complaint to be a priority because he is a vietnam veteran with multiple physical challenges and a limited income. the failure mileage was 10,375 and current mileage was 13,000.
06/01/20021
 My 1999 oldsmobile alero has had a major problem with 1.manifold gaskets leaking. 2. all of the windows failing by falling off the tracks or the regulator itself failing. three times for the drivers side window! 3.the turn signals have stopped working correctly, clicking constantly. 4.the gas gauge stopped working 5. the interior leather curled up on the dash, which i notice on many other alero's i've seen. *tr
03/16/20081110001
 I own a 1999 alero coupe 3.4l v6, had to replace the window regulator on the drivers side. the window would come off trac and fall down into the door. i was able to grab the window the few times it happened and pull it back into place. the last time it happened i was at the bank drive-up, it was raining and the window fell all the way down in this time and i couldn't grab it. don't have a garage so i had to take the door off to get the window in the pouring rain and it was a sunday. took it to the mechanics on monday and had it fixed. the window regulator came completely off. *tr
12/08/2007142000712/20/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact activated the turn signals to switch lanes. the hazard light switch began making a rapid, loud clicking noise that lasted for an hour. she took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v327000 (exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch). the failure has not been corrected. the contact also had to replace the window regulators five times because the plastic breaks and causes the regulators to fail. the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. the powertrain was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 142,000.
09/25/2006101/10/2003
 Both of my power windows are no longer working. at first the driver side window started working slowly. it would sometimes get stuck and i would have to push it up. i stopped using that window because it was too much of a worry. then one day i put down the passenger window with no problem and when i went to put it up it fell into the door. i took the car to a window repair shop and had the guy put the window up but was unable to pay to have it fixed since it costs a lot. now both of my windows are not functioning. *nm
06/02/200675000805/07/2002
 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
06/04/200652000406/30/1999
 In the last six months three out of 4 windows on my vehicle are now held up with duct tape so that they don't fall into the channel and i can't get them up. luckily, only one of them managed to do that and a friend managed to get it back up for me. that occurred at the end of january 2006. i could understand one- maybe- but three!!! no. this is definitely a safety issue. i suspect the only reason that my one working window, the back passenger side, is still working is because i haven't tried to put it down- or the result would be the same. i am sure that is going to be expensive to repair, so i guess i'll go with the duct tape for a while. i have also had a problem with the intake manifold, the gaskets on that were replaced in january, 2006. i was losing antifreeze from the overflow tank, and having to fill it every day. took it to the dealer, and they found the water pump leaking and the intake gaskets leaking. they were replaced at my expense. and... the intermittent turn signal is also a problem. that has been going on for about a year now. it should be recalled for that, like you did for the 2000- 2001 vehicles. the vehicle has 70,000 miles on it. the interior trim on this vehicle is shoddy, and that is being kind. the car was purchased brand new with 23 miles on it when we got it to our house in june, 1999. in less than a year a door panel had to be replaced because it had come apart. the dashboard has been peeling for about 11/2 years because they used cheap glue to hold the covering on the plastic. i realize that you consider that cosmetic, but it shouldn't be happening: i check every alero i see in a parking lot and there are a lot with peeling dashboards. gm should be responsible for fixing that- they caused the problem. gm caused multiple problems on this vehicle by doing it on the cheap. it is very costly to the people who own them, and it shouldn't be. i don't mind paying for routine repairs, i expect that, but these problems are not routine.*nm
05/10/2006490001506/14/2000
 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
03/13/200679000205/01/2004
 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
10/31/200599045102/26/2002
 The driver's side window came off track and ended up in the bottom of the door. in the process, the clips which hold the glass on broke off, the glass broke, and the window regulator broke. this is not the first problem i have had with this window, but by far the most expensive to repair. *nm
08/09/20041
 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
12/06/200498999306/20/2000
 I have had 3 of the 4 regulator motors go out on my front driver's side, back drivers and passengers side. i have only had the front drivers side repaired as the dealer quoted me a price of $400 to fix each one. the front one broke while still under warranty, so that was fixed. each time this happened as the window was rolled down or up. there was a loud clunking noise and the window just fell down. this is especially annoying since i have 2 small kids and their windows won't stay up. there has got to be some sort of defect, since i've read a number of reports about this same thing, and since it's happened to 3 of my 4 windows. i have a feeling it's about to happen to the front passenger side too, as that window won't roll down. *jb
12/08/2004820002
 The power window motor failed. the motor for the window has been repaired twice, however the problem recurred. *ak
11/03/200463360102/25/2000
 1999 oldsmobile alero (out of warranty) began to have problems with transmission slipping occasionally during the summer. i was told no problem could be found. while driving home last evening, the service engine soon light came on as well as the trac off light and it was very hard to get the car to go more than 30 mph on a 50 mph highway very nearly causing an accident. by the grace of god, that did not happen, but now i am told that the transmission may possibly be bad or it could be several other things. in either case, it would seem to me that someone should have found the error before. additionally, the car has less than 65,000 miles on it and though it was sluggish from the time i bought it and would occasionally lurch forward when pulling away from a stop, it was not until the summer that it became a frequent as opposed to a rare occurrence. i truly believe that there is some flaw in the transmission. of note also is that the driver's side window only rolls down on occasion and sometimes will not go back up, the fan only works on the highest 2 settings and the entire wiper blade assembly (some sort of sensor) had to be replaced 1 month out of warranty. what a piece of junk. and, the air conditioner no longer cools the car and i was told i had a slow leak.*ak
04/15/2004112/31/1999
 All 4 windows in my1999 alero are defective. 2 passenger windows are etching the glass everytime they go up and down. driver window inside mechanism exploded and shattered the gears inside. window fortunately is still on track but not functioning. back window has to be taped up because it will not stay up and will fall into door. i usually am the only person in the car. have never had windows malfunction like this. help. *ak
02/15/20030
 2 driver side window motors have been replaced, dash pulled to correct corr electrical problems, no dash light, no high beam light, all withing first 6 months, 1-03 water pump replaced, and transmission slipping. only 21000. miles on the car..
04/15/200227600
 1. persistant scraping noise from ft end since 10/21/01. cavendar mechanics evaluted problem 4-6 separate times w/ different prognosis each time, later determined transmission problems on 3/18/02. currently still having same scraping noise and fluid(redish) leakage from underneath vehicle 2. 3 window motors failed /repaired 3. twice alternator failure/repaired w/2 seperate alts
01/02/20041
 1999 2 door olds alero had broken power windows. both broke at about the same time. took to auto service and it cost $616 to fix. is there a recall on this model.*ak
05/01/200368000110/30/1999
 Glass in passenger window fell in channel. i was able to bring it back up but it keeps falling in again. there are numerous service bulletins, complaints and defect investigations on this same problem. here are the defect investigation numbers: 754557,10016869,10032972,10039036,752099,563702,10011989. service bulletins: 010864018b, 010857007a,010864012b,010864018a,010864018. this should not be happening on these cars - who knows how many we haven't heard about. i don't think we should have to pay for this kind of defect. *la
09/17/200330000205/30/2003
 Driver and passenger door regulators are failing and causing damage to windows. *jb
08/04/20031
 Both front side windows do not roll down. owner contacted dealership. *ak
08/17/20031
 The mechanism that raises and lowers the side windows on my 1999 alero gls coupe failed about one year ago -- in both windows. they were repaired after failing, and even the repaired mechanism failed. the window can not be raised from its current lowered position.*ak
03/12/2003108/28/1999
 Consumer stated the dashboard material peeled. the consumer stated the material peeled by the passenger side air bag.*ak the cruise control did not work and both driver side windows motor broke. *ph *jb
05/01/20031200012/27/1999
 I bought my car with 14 miles on it. in the first year, i had to have the molding on the doors replaced because they leaked. the drivers side window fell into the door. i've been told that it is my regulator that needs to be replaced. i also found a broken clip just sitting inside my door. you can't buy just a regulator or clips so i will need to buy those parts plus the motor which will cost at least $280. my rotors also needed to be shaved down because they were warped and my brakes needed to be replaced and now, only 5 months later, they need to be totally replaced because they are warped again and my brakes will have to be replaced as well. this is the worst car i've ever owned! my first and last experience i will ever have with gm!! i realize things happen to cars, but i would expect oldsmobile to acknowledge these re-occurring problems and be held accountable to fix them. *nlm
04/29/200351000006/24/2002
 Drivers side window mechanism broken. window fell while driving on interstate. what was found after door inside panel taken off was many broken plastic clips. these clips attach to the window and window regulator. after investigation through several olds dealers and used car parts dealers was that this is a known problem for which a service bulletin is in effect. of note, you cannot purchase replacement clips for the window. in order to correct the problem, you must purchase the entire window motor, regulator and clips for which are not guaranteed to not break again. this unit costs over $250. we feel that this is a safety violation due to the fact that the slightest nick in the window can cause fatal damage if driven down the road.
04/10/199942000
 Front seat does not lock in position, front driver side bearing defective, driver power window malfunctions. *nlm
03/17/2003
 The passenger front power window regulator failed causing window to fall down into door. consumer also advised to replace driver's window regulator failed in 10/01. *nlm
11/14/2001107/01/2001
 I was driving down the road at about 15 mph and i rolled down the window. while lowering it i heard a very loud bang, and it scared me so i stopped. tried to roll the window back up but i could hear pieces of glass moving around so i stopped. the glass broke and the window would only go back up 75 % of the way. my husband had to pull it up with his hand. we will be taking it to the dealership tomorrow.*ak
10/01/2000108/01/1999
 Because the window had broken, it would not go up or down, consumer heard all of the works inside the window fall. *tt
09/01/2001103/01/1999
 The driver's side power window fell to the bottom of the driver's door while trying to roll up the window. the body shop determined the cause to be the glue coming unsealed from the window and its clip on one side of the window and the other clip broke from the pressure. the 4 clips are not available individually; 2 must be purchases with the glass on which they come attached and 2 with the power window regulator. there is a national backorder on the regulator parts, but no reports of a defect or problem. this window is cross-referenced to the 1999/2000 pontiac grand am, also. consequently, i am without a window in the fall rainy season and am faced with over $700 in manufacturer's part replacements.
01/01/1999311/01/1998
 Scratches on window glass when ever powering up or down. *ak
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
102/01/1999
 Rear view mirror loose and the sunroof assembly failed. nlm
VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
105/01/1999
 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.
102/01/1999
 Rear view mirror loose and the sunroof assembly failed. nlm
05/19/2000305/01/1999
 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.
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
01/02/2002
 All of windows except driver's side window have scratches on them. driver feels there is something inside door panel causing the scratches. please provide any further information.*ak
03/27/2000203/27/2000
 Windows failed twice. *jb
01/01/1999
 Vehicle gets wet from water leaks that come from windshield which cause electrical equipment problems . dealer has been contacted. please provide further information. *ak
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
1
 Windshield wipers come on by themselves. *ts *nlm ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761430
01/15/200001/01/2000
 Windshield wiper on drivers side does not stay on windshield. during rain storm, going 60mph on interstate, wiper starts across windshield, goes in a semi circle, out away from glass then hits windshield. it goes back and does the same thing, never clears the glass from rain. if a truck goes by and sprays water, snow,slush, there is no way the windshield clears. you can't see a thing. this has alsmost caused an accident. we have called the olds dealership and also where we bought the vehicle and all the answers we get is that we have to live with it. they tried putting a new wiper on it but that did not solve the problem. someone is going to get killed if this can't be fixed. we have had no luck in getting someone to look at this. a mechanic did a test drive, saw what it did, but could not offer an answer. would appreciate someone either looking into this or at least to give us a call. thank you. keith & margaret downs. *ak
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR
11/03/200463360102/25/2000
 1999 oldsmobile alero (out of warranty) began to have problems with transmission slipping occasionally during the summer. i was told no problem could be found. while driving home last evening, the service engine soon light came on as well as the trac off light and it was very hard to get the car to go more than 30 mph on a 50 mph highway very nearly causing an accident. by the grace of god, that did not happen, but now i am told that the transmission may possibly be bad or it could be several other things. in either case, it would seem to me that someone should have found the error before. additionally, the car has less than 65,000 miles on it and though it was sluggish from the time i bought it and would occasionally lurch forward when pulling away from a stop, it was not until the summer that it became a frequent as opposed to a rare occurrence. i truly believe that there is some flaw in the transmission. of note also is that the driver's side window only rolls down on occasion and sometimes will not go back up, the fan only works on the highest 2 settings and the entire wiper blade assembly (some sort of sensor) had to be replaced 1 month out of warranty. what a piece of junk. and, the air conditioner no longer cools the car and i was told i had a slow leak.*ak