Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 030601010 | 03/01/2003 | 10001282 | Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt | 04/25/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 071003 | 07/10/2003 | 10003815 | This vme message is a water pump replacement due to a known cam driveline. some customers may question about whine noise coming from the front engine area. *tt | 11/03/2003 | |
| 071503 | 07/15/2003 | 10003789 | Coolant lose, evidence fluid on the garage floor, etc., or coolant warning light coming on. *tt | 10/31/2003 | |
| 010602012 | 12/01/2001 | 628890 | Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle. *tt | 03/21/2002 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| PIC-5405 | 12/01/2010 | 10037814 | Ready | 06/06/2011 | |
| PIC-5405 | 12/01/2010 | 10037814 | Gm: the engine will not start. the engine cranks and sounds like it's going to start but then stops cranking. *rm | 06/06/2011 | |
| 01353 | 01/01/2004 | 01353A | 10007937 | Engine misfire due to injector fretting corrosion. *tt | 07/16/2004 |
| 03-06-01-010 | 04/01/2008 | 030601010C | 10004768 | Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt gm reminder. *tt install new lower intake manifold gasket. updated 7/18/08 *pe | 01/06/2004 |
| 052203 | 05/22/2003 | 10003658 | Complaints of intermittent vehicle shutting off while driving with no multiple codes set. the vehicle would immediately restart. the actual cause of this condition was that over bumps the mass and weight of the customer's key ring forces | 10/27/2003 | |
| 030604030 | 03/01/2007 | 030604030C | 10002166 | Multiple driveability symptoms of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. *tt | 08/14/2003 |
| 010604026 | 04/01/2001 | 619364 | Service manual update issued to revise diagnostic trouble code p0461 fuel level sensor performance diagnostic procedure in the engine controls. *tt | 05/24/2001 | |
| 201200 | 12/20/2000 | 618145 | Information concerning vehicles that have a input speed sensor code p0716, p0717 condition. *tt | 04/05/2001 | |
| 99095 | 12/01/1999 | 609773 | Subject regarding certain vehicles equipped with 2.4l engines and built between 11/23/99 and 12/3/99 may have engine connecting rod bearings which may fail prematurely if the vehicle is subjected to high engine speed operation at low mileag | 04/10/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 020601014 | 04/01/2002 | 634708 | Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 160102 | 01/16/2002 | 629703 | Customers may comment that the engine lags power, stalls, won't start or is hard to start. *tt | 04/05/2002 | |
| 020604009 | 03/01/2002 | 629502 | Subject regarding hesitation or stumble on throttle application after cold start (reprogram pcm). *jg | 04/02/2002 | |
| 291001 | 10/29/2001 | 628057 | Some vehicles may hesitate or stumble after a cold start. *tt | 03/05/2002 | |
| 010601010A | 06/01/2001 | 0106010101 | 620810 | Subject regarding polymer service pistons. *tt | 08/30/2001 |
| 130301 | 03/13/2001 | 619231 | Experiencing a no crank no start, crank no start, no start or a start doesn't run that may be accompanied by a theft system light and / or a service engine soon light. *tt | 05/19/2001 | |
| 000604044 | 10/01/2000 | 616362 | Some customers may comment that the vehicle engine hesitates, stalls and / or will not start. *tt | 02/23/2001 | |
| 99095 | 12/20/1999 | 6089925 | Some vehicles may have engine connecting rod bearings which may fail prematurely if the vehicle is subjected to high engine speed operation at low mileage. *tt | 02/29/2000 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| 07/23/2012 | 88000 | ||
| Tl | |||
| 07/18/2012 | 219000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. the contact filled the radiator with coolant yet two days later, the vehicle began to overheat again. the vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the vehicle had a blown head gasket. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were 219,000. | |||
| 07/18/2012 | 219000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. the contact filled the radiator with coolant yet two days later, the vehicle began to overheat again. the vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the vehicle had a blown head gasket. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were 219,000. kmj | |||
| 07/18/2012 | 219000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated while driving 40 mph the vehicle began to overheat. the contact filled the radiator with coolant. two days later the vehicle began to overheat again. it was then taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and was informed the the vehicle had a blown head gasket. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were 219,000. dt | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 1 | ||
| Appropriate handling- submission from re 2000 oldsmobile alero vehicle defects *tgw the consumer stated he has been unsuccessful at getting the recall repairs rectified free of charge. the consumer referenced recall # 00v140000. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2010 | 114000 | ||
| I have a 2000 olds alero. gl 6 cyl 3.4, 4 door. i had to replace the engine about 3-4 years ago and this past spring the head gasket blew, so i had to invest in that. i am very adimate on taking care of my car and oil changes. also, the whole dash cover and passenger air bag cover is peeling away. i noticed this is several alero's i have seen in a parking lot. my main concern is the engine though. how many times am i going to have to invest thousands of dollars for the motor issues. is there anything that can be done about the motor issue? | |||
| 12/25/2009 | 4 | ||
| Engine shuts off going down highway. will not restart for several minutes. able to drive a few miles and will do it again. after having it towed the service center cannot find the problem. has done the same thing four more times. *tr | |||
| 08/16/2009 | 1 | ||
| Car dies without any warning. car consistently misfires, hesitates. occurs quite often. especially dangerous on the highway and hills. purchased the car used in may. dealer had it for a while putting in a new serpentine belt and after the first stall, the catalytic converter. didn't even have it ten days, when it first stalled and had to be towed. brought it back to the dealer, changed spark plugs. had it about a week, died on a hill with my two children in the car, started to roll back into another car. muffler was worked on. died again on the highway at 55mph. called dealer, brought it back to his service person and he felt it, but no codes showed. dealer was done with helping. warranty on engine and transmission expired 08/01/09. brought car to another mechanic, changed crank sensor. car died two more times. wrote a letter to gm, brought car to their mechanic. asked gm to assist since there have been so many complaints concerning the same issue. to me this is a manufacturer defect, not a maintenance issue. too many people have had this same complaint, some at the purchase of the vehicle new, some like me, bought it used. gm needs to accept this responsibility, before someone is seriously injured or worse dead. as a single mom, my children are everything to me. their life should not be jeopardized because of a car's malfunction, nor should anyone else's. i can't get rid of this car in good conscience, knowing another person may buy this vehicle and could lose their life or someone else's. please review the complaints on line and previously made. this is a safety issue. the saddest part is gm could make this right and won't. please know that i would appreciate your investigation into this issue. thank you. *tr | |||
| 02/15/2009 | 30887 | 1 | |
| When trying to start car, it want turn over such as start at all. could be from bad spark plugs or bad connection somewhere. this does this very so often sometime after the car has been driven some distance. this situation has not been fixed yet, but has put a new starter and battery on there. do not have the money to keep putting into it if it does not fix the problem the first time. *tr | |||
| 01/02/2009 | 110000 | 1 | |
| 2000 olds alero . shuts off while driving. read numerous other reports on the alero . same problem. *tr | |||
| 03/29/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated that she heard a loud grinding noise coming from the engine. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle would stall simultaneously. prior to the failure, the engine warning indicator would flicker on and off. the vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 100,000. | |||
| 02/25/2008 | 80000 | 1 | |
| 1. not sure what events have caused the engine failure. 2. my car shuts off while i'm driving. the steering wheel locks and i have to pull over to the shoulder, put the car in park and try to start the engine again. it has happened numerous times while driving on side roads under 40mph, but recently happened while i was driving on the highway at 60mph. this issue happens at least twice a week, sometimes repeatedly in the same day. this is a very dangerous problem because there is no warning signs that it is going to happen. i was very luck to be in the slow lane so i could pull over to the shoulder without having to weave through traffic without being able to control the car. 3. we have brought the car into two different repair shops and neither of them were able to pinpoint the problem. they gave us several maybe solutions, but were stumped as to what the true problem was. possible solutions included fuel pump/line, ignition switch, etc., but without a sure fix we were unwilling to spend that kind of money for a maybe solution. *tr | |||
| 01/09/2003 | 135000 | 6 | |
| My 2000 oldsmobile alero has had serious problems with it since purchasing it in june of 2002. to date, i have had to replace my waterpump, intake manifold gasket, tires, brakes and rotors consistently (three or more times ayear) . the most recent problem is my gas gauge will indicate that i have 1/4 tank and to my surprise the car will not start unless more fuel is added. the engine also sounds rough, i have both service engine lights on, along with my low tire pressure, anti lock brake light on and i have new tires, replaced a gas cap, and the lights went off, but then come back on. i am also positive that my car will not pass inspection. the cosmetic defects are that of the dash board starting to peel and come loose. i have read up on that gm responded to a problem with all 2000 oldsmobile aleros about the gas problem and i contacted the dealer dorschel and spoke with service manager lou, gm agreed to add a different filter so that the gas was draining back into the tank, it was also mentioned in the article that dealers could be fined thousands of dollars daily if not complied with, but because it was not an actual recall, the dealer denied my request to fix. after reading the multiple complaints about these vehicles, i am shocked that they have not been recalled, the should be as they are not safe cars in my opinion. i am challenging you to take a ride in my car with your family and see if you feel safe, because not only am i out 13,000 that i paid for the car, but also if i have to estimate probably another 6,000 in repairs. that is ridiculous. i expect a written response from your office within 30 days of what you intend to do to investigate these problems. not only read my letter, but you should google in 2000 oldsmobile aleros and see the disgust of performance people are complaining of. *tr | |||
| 10/14/2004 | 40000 | 5 | 05/20/2000 |
| At approximately 40,000 miles after having had the oil changed, my coolant light came on. when i took it to be checked (even though the fluids were all checked as part of the oil change), it was low. this happened each time i had the oil changed in the winter. finally, in november i was told that it was a leak in the intake gasket. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2006 | 5 | 07/27/2002 | |
| I bought my olds, alero used in july of 2002 and nothing but problems, it stalled on me on the interstate just a few months after i bought it. the mechanic said he fixed it only to get it back and stall again and again. i spent so much money on it trying to find out what was wrong. the mechanic didn't know and did not refund me my money. my lights on the dash stay on, the check engine light and the trac and water and oil change light. my cigarette lighter does not work again and the button you push in to put the stick shift in reverse has fallen off. the dash upholstery is messed up. the radio never came in right. i bought a lemon. just the other day my car stalled again on the bridge and i was almost killed, my 13 year old daughter and my 13 year old niece were with me and they were crying scared , we were almost rear ended. i finally got it to start and made it to my house, my car was missing and making a popping noise. i started my car an hour later and it was fine. i need some help. what can i do? please email me back at sweetkallen@aol.com or call me on my cell#(225)802-0394. *jb | |||
| 09/22/2005 | 71000 | 5 | 10/01/2000 |
| Leaking intake manifold gasket. coolant and oil mixing together and loosing both. have to keep refilling oil and water tank. had this problem fixed at a cost of over $810. it should have been a recall issue back in march 2003 when oldsmobile was aware of it.*jb | |||
| 08/30/2005 | 51000 | 1 | 12/28/1999 |
| After experiencing loss of coolant in my 2000 oldsmobile alero, i was informed that i needed a new intake manifold gasket (it was leaking) which would cost almost $700 to fix. although my vehicle is no longer under warranty, i feel that a leaking intake manifold is a premature repair for a vehicle only 5 years old and only 51000 mi. i have done some searching and know that i am not the only gm owner with this problem. this problem is obviously a manufacturer defect not to mention a potentially dangerous one. any longer and i would have had a ruined engine that could have caught fire or stalled on the highway. gm needs to take responsibility for this problem. *jb | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 2000 oldsmobile alero motor, ignition, fuel pump and catalytic converter had to be replaced.***no answer required***. *mr although the engine was replaced the check engine light remained illuminated. the turn signal don't work. the a/c only work on high. the vehicle shakes while idling. the brake pads have been replaced 2-3 times per year. the brakes were replaced the rotors had to be replaced. *nm | |||
| 01/12/2005 | 2 | 07/15/2003 | |
| Engine blew. all the warnings lights are on across the dashboard. we bought this car used for our son and after having it for about a 18 months the engine blew. the dealer that fixed it said he should have paid attention to the warning light. my son changed the oil on time always and the lights never went out. tried to get the lights out to no avail. paid 2800.00 to have used engine put in by the dealer and the dash lights are still on. some sort of electrical problem because heat/defroster only work on high even after replaced engine installed. this has been a nightmare for a young man with his first car.*ak | |||
| 03/07/2005 | 25 | 15 | 04/02/2002 |
| On march 3, 2005 my 2000 oldsmobile alero gl v6/3.4l would not start. on march 4, 2005, all 3 distributor coils were replaced as well as all 6 spark plugs. the car worked fine until march 7, 2005 when while driving the car for about 10 minutes, the car shut down. it coasted to the side of the road and i could not get it to start again. in both instances the car seems to try to start but is unsuccessful. in my online research, this appears to be a very common problem with no known resolution for other owners of the alero. additionally, after the window fell into the driver side door, on october 19, 2004, i had the mechanism for the driver side window replaced. in december 2004, the same window failed to work at all. i have not had it fixed again. the water pump was replaced after a sudden coolant leak completely depleting the system in november 2003, and the same situation occured again requiring the water pump to be replaced again in february 2005, a little over a year later. one of the cigarette lighters stopped working in june 2004. the service engine light, tire pressure light, and coolant light come on intermittently with no apparent problem. the interior dome light is touch and go, meaning if i touch the case, it may or may not go on or off. the front brake system has been replaced more times than i can count on my one hand in the nearly 3 years that i have owned it. the signal lights would stop functioning and buzz hideously until i pressed the hazard button. water has collected in the front passenger floorboard and in the trunk from seal failure. the engine seems to burn oil quickly. *ak | |||
| 05/05/2004 | 40000 | 1 | |
| The 3.4l v6 engine regularly lost coolant, and the reservoir had to be refilled about once a month. also noticed thick white goo on the oil cap (but not on the oil dipstick), and heard a ticking sound after starting the engine, which went away after the engine warmed up. the dealer said the head gasket was leaking, and the repair cost $1,100. the engine had 53,000 miles at the time of the repair, which is well beyond the warranty, but this type of problem would have developed several thousand miles ago, before any symptoms were noticeable. it is very disappointing to have major engine work done with so few miles (also had to have serpentine belt replaced), especially when the alero's sales brochure brags about long life fluids, including coolant, that will last up to 100,000 miles or more. when the dealer replaced the head gasket, they said that replacement part is the same as the original (gm had not made any design changes to the part), so this will most likely be a recurring problem for the life of the engine. overall, im happy with the cars design and performance, but its upsetting to have such high cost repairs on a car i plan to drive for several more years. | |||
| 08/15/2001 | 35000 | ||
| I bought the car used in 2001 with 30k miles on it. i bought the extended warranty to carry me over to 75k miles. i first had to replace the ignition. then i had to get a new fuel filter and fuel pump. i have had to replace the brake pads approx 4-5 times in 2 years. the rotors twice. they both need changed again. the air conditioner had to be serviced because the switch was broke and it was blowing air at all vents including the floor and windshield. then, the motor went out. at approx 65k miles. a used motor was paid for by the warranty company and installed after sitting at the dealership for over a month. this was in january. at that same time the exhaust had went out. i was told my warranty would not cover it because it was not the catalytic converter it was a piece that hooked onto it. finally after they replaced the motor the put a new catalytic converter in. then comes the cd player. it ejects at random and skips. it also gives error codes frequently. then i started having problems with the lights. the abs light and the trac off light stay on along with the check engine light. i was told the check engine light was on because the fuel injectors were clogged. well, yesterday i took the car in for a fuel injector cleaning and flush. i also had a tune up, oil change, tires rotated, air filter installed, new fuel filter, and new spark plugs. still i am having a fuel problem of some sort. the car idles and misfires very badly. it shakes badly enough to make you nauseous. it also misfires when you speed up and sometime sputters like it does not want to go. this was after everything was done. then i am told it sounds like my catalytic converter is going out again after only 8 months. they should be responsible for these problems. i would not say that but i have done extensive research online and found that every single complaint mentioned the brake system but 50% of them mention the fuel system and several mentioned the engine problems. | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 51947 | ||
| Lower intake manifold gasket failure causing leakage of coolant into the engine and onto pavement. this type of gasket failure is unacceptable at such low miles. august update: since filing the complaint, i had the intake manifold gasket replaced (along with the other gaskets, seals, and rings that are typically replaced in this procedure) by the olds dealer here in my area. this was done at mileage 51947 on 2/11/03 for my 2000 olds alero that was purchased new on 7/6/2000. as for cost, i was able to do some negotiating with the service manager. about one month earlier, i had taken the car in to get the drivers side window repaired. it had fallen out of track (for the second time), and i raised the issue that this was unacceptable, and that their competitor cars do not do this (non gm vehicles). having negotiated a low price on this window repair, the service manager remembered me for the intake manifold repair. i raised a number of issues and facts surrounding the intake manifold gasket and was able to get the entire repair done for $276.75, along with an oil change and serpentine belt replacement, included. i have not noticed and problems with coolant leakage since the repair was preformed. another concern that i have is, since my repair was done in february 2003, but the service bulletin is dated march 2003, were old parts used in my repair and will this happen again? | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 47088 | ||
| 2000 olds alero gl 3.4: found coolant drops on garage floor. took in to dealer and was told intake manifold gasket leaking. this does not seem reasonable at 3 years old and only 47,088 miles. gm needs to be investigated and a recall should be made. too many others i found online have same problem about same mileage. cost to do work $843.85 (replaced intake and other gaskets drained cooling system and changed oil etc.) told this was all necessary because of the leak from the intake manifold gasket. on january 10, 2003, i spoke to a man at olds customer service...his name garritt bates. after putting me on hold he called the dealer and came back to tell me this problem was "normal wear and tear". he gave me a file # and told me to hang on to my reciepts in case there ever was a recall. | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| The intake manifold gaskets had to be replaced. if left alone, the leak would have ruined the engine which would have cost 2000.00 or more. | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 57000 | ||
| Coolant leaking from engine area, told intake manifold gaskets needed replacing. 3.4l engine | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| Engine: intake manifold gasket leak. leaking antifreeze into engine. $846 estimate to repair. gm dealer will not cover repair. brakes: 2nd set of brake rotors and pads replaced, this is first one out of warranty. | |||
| 02/01/2004 | 20 | ||
| My car in a period of 2 months(on and off) was in the shop for a month b/c it would start when it felt like it. the mechanic said a cold start. *jb | |||
| 03/23/2004 | 1 | ||
| My 2000 alero has just over 50000 miles on it. i was just told that i had to have the intake gasket replaced. the car has been leaking coolant for months. oldsmobile needs to take responsibility for this problem since it seems to be happening to a lot of their vehicles. *jb | |||
| 02/15/2004 | 40000 | 1 | 10/28/2003 |
| I have a 2000 oldsmobile alero. i just recently bought this car used with approximately 35,000 miles in october 2003. at around 40,000 miles in february of 2004, i discovered that i had an coolant leak. while the manual says with the dexcool antifreeze i should not have had to replace any coolant until 150,000 miles, i had refilled around three times within around 4,000 miles. i took it to a gm dealer who informed me that i needed a new intake manifold gasket, along with many other small parts associated with the i.m. gasket, that came to a total bill of around $600. my intake had to be completed taken apart and resealed because the dealer said that oldsmobile had used a weak sealant. i have filed a complaint with oldsmobile, but was informed that it would not be a recall until more people complained to them. i have seen many consumer complaints on this subject, and if more people complain we may be able to get our money back. this was a defect on my car because of faulty eqiupment and parts used in the manufacturing, and i feel that no matter if i was the first to complain or the thousandth person to complain, an intake manifold gasket should not have malfunctioned and had to have been replaced on a car that only has 40,000 miles. oldsmobile really needs to take credit for their actions in replacing faulty equipment on the cars they have made, no matter if they are going out of business or not. *ak | |||
| 02/24/2004 | 44000 | 1 | 07/05/2003 |
| It is known that with gm's 3100 and 3400 engines the coolant eats away at the head gasket causing corrosion and leakage of coolant. why should the consumer be responsible for the cost of fixing this problem when gm is aware of it but does nothing about it.*ak | |||
| 02/17/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. consumer managed to get vehicle out of traffic. had tried to restart vehicle and it rolled backwards. consumer waited 15 minutes, and then started vehicle. took vehicle to dealership to find the cause of the problem.*ak | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 68000 | 3 | 04/01/2000 |
| I have a 2000 oldsmobile alero. my rotors have been replaced 3 times while still under warranty and whereby the shim kit was placed. i am still experiencing the same brake problems. my turn signals and hazard lights have completely gone out. now every few weeks, without any warning, my car completely shuts down, leaving me on the road. i have had it towed to repair shops where they put it on the computer and it doesn't give any code. they cannot figure out what is caused it to stall. this has happened to me 3 times this year. the regulator had to be replaced on the passenger side door window. my car is currently at the shop, and i have recently read the voluminous complaints to the engine coolant system and will inform my mechanic to check to see if that was the cause of the stall. the car will just shut down on the interstate while at 70 mph. this is very dangerous. *la | |||
| 09/01/2003 | 48000 | 1 | 05/30/2000 |
| Premature intake manifold gasket failure on gm sohc v6 engines causing an external coolant leak. this is common knowledge to mechanics and parts stores. in my case at less than 50k miles, although most commonly occurs around 70k miles. *jb | |||
| 09/09/2003 | 55060 | 2 | 04/25/2000 |
| I have a 2000 oldsmobile alero with 55,000 miles on it that is leaking coolant. i have brought it to 2 different auto locations, one a dealer snd the other a mechanic whom i trust. both places agreed that the intake manifold gasket has worn out. i am now in the process of getting the gasket replaced which will cost me $600.00, not including the towing charges and diagnostic expenditures that i have gone through. the mechanic who is replacing this gasket said that this probobly about the 15th alero that he has had to do the same replacement work to and that he has read that this a common defect for this car. the first time that the car wa towed, because the engine coolant leaked all over the garage of a friend's house, it was taken to a pep boys shop and he also said that he had read in car magazines that this was a common problem for old's aleros from the year 2000-2003. i believe that gm should put out a recall on this problem as it is costing many people a lot of money and it is a road hazard, something which could cause a fire | |||
| 01/04/2003 | 50000 | 07/06/2001 | |
| Intake manifold gasket failure causing leakage of coolant into engine | |||
| 12/13/2002 | 48463 | 0 | 02/20/2000 |
| After experiencing loss of coolant in my 2000 oldsmobile alero, i was informed that i needed a new intake manifold gasket (it was leaking) which would cost almost $700 to fix. although my vehicle is no longer under warranty, i feel that a leaking intake manifold is a premature repair for a vehicle only 3 years old. i have done some searching and know that i am not the only gm owner with this problem. this problem is obviously a manufacturer defect not to mention a potentially dangerous one. any longer and i would have had a ruined engine that could have caught fire or stalled on the highway. gm needs to take responsibility for this problem. | |||
| 01/05/2001 | 1 | 10/04/2000 | |
| Consumer stated the coolant temperature indicator was replaced.*jb | |||
| 07/06/2002 | 9 | 10/12/1999 | |
| While driving 55mph vehicle will shut off, and will be hard to start back up. dealer notified.*ak consumer was also informed that the intake was leaking coolant.*jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 50 | 1 | |
| Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) i bought a 2000 oldsmobile alero about 3 years ago, i noticed at the beginning that the turn signals nor the hazard lights worked. we have done everything from changing bulbs,checking fuses and ground wires to no avail. i recently started having another problem where the oil has backed up into my oil reservoir, my car has not overheated and no oil leaks. that is how i came to find out that there had been a recall on the hazard switch on the alero. i contacted gm and gave them all the information that they needed. after being on hold for about 15 minutes, they then told me that it was not my make or model that had been recalled. the description on their website pin pointed my problem to a tee! and they are telling me that it is not their fault. my car has 91,000 miles. vin: [xxx]. i feel that gm should be held accountable for this defect in my vehicle, just because it was not my make or model as they are stating does not mean that it could not happen. i believe that it is a defect that they should be held accountable for. *tr | |||
| 09/14/2000 | 98549 | 1 | |
| I join the ranks of sorry from gm, i really can't believe that gm can get away with the junk they now produce, i know they test these vehicles way in advance,and should of known of the faulty head gasket the oldsmobile alero is in my opinion the junk. when will gm be held accountable for the junk they produce, my complaints have gone unanswered for years oh well should of bought a toyota! shame on you gm. *tr | |||
| 02/11/2006 | 29514 | 6 | 06/21/2000 |
| I have had a number of problems with my alero, including the turn signal issue, water leaks in the interior of the vehicle, loss of coolant due to a problem with the manifold intake gasket, water/coolant leaking into the oil, excess oil burning and oil leaks. i am particularly concerned about the problem with the manifold intake gasket as i took my vehicle in with regards to loss of coolant while it was still under warranty and the service form states that evap system was performing to spec. i plan on complaining again, but probably to no avail. i am considering litigation. *jb | |||
| 03/10/2005 | 60000 | 05/01/2000 | |
| My alero's (2000 3.4 v6 60,000 miles) coolant light came on. i checked the coolant and added what was needed. a couple of days later i noticed a pool of coolant on my driveway. it turned out to be the lower intake manifold gasket - aparently a common porblem and design flaw by gm in a number of their vehicles. i have not fixed the problem as of yet because of the cost involved and i am not currently driving the vehicle until i can get it fixed. i am unaware of any other problems as a result of the gasket at this point - will have to wait until it get fixed. | |||
| 11/16/2004 | 1 | 10/31/2004 | |
| Intake manifold gasket leaked coolant internally and externally. *bf | |||
| 01/07/2005 | 85000 | 1 | 03/01/2001 |
| Low coolant light continually on for nearly 2 years, despite repeated attempts to refill it. when took car into the shop for separate issue, was informed that the intake gasket was faulty, resulting in $700+ of repairs, and concerns over possible enging damange done by leaky coolant in engine. i understand this is a common issue faced by many gm owners, and urge gm to issue a proper recall for this part.*ak | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 48000 | 2 | 02/12/2004 |
| 1. i started to get loud popping noises when turning my steering wheel in either direction. . coolant leak getting progresssively worse and i am smelling ethylene glycol in the interior of the vehicle.*ak i have looked up both items and found them to be inherent problems with my 2000 alero. the first is related to the steering arm/gear problems and the second is to the plastic intake manifold gasket defect. i am facing nearly $1600.00 in repairs. i wish i would have researched these items before buying this car used even with 35,000 miles on it. it has just turned 60,000 miles. | |||
| 05/05/2004 | 40000 | 1 | |
| The 3.4l v6 engine regularly lost coolant, and the reservoir had to be refilled about once a month. also noticed thick white goo on the oil cap (but not on the oil dipstick), and heard a ticking sound after starting the engine, which went away after the engine warmed up. the dealer said the head gasket was leaking, and the repair cost $1,100. the engine had 53,000 miles at the time of the repair, which is well beyond the warranty, but this type of problem would have developed several thousand miles ago, before any symptoms were noticeable. it is very disappointing to have major engine work done with so few miles (also had to have serpentine belt replaced), especially when the alero's sales brochure brags about long life fluids, including coolant, that will last up to 100,000 miles or more. when the dealer replaced the head gasket, they said that replacement part is the same as the original (gm had not made any design changes to the part), so this will most likely be a recurring problem for the life of the engine. overall, im happy with the cars design and performance, but its upsetting to have such high cost repairs on a car i plan to drive for several more years. | |||
| 01/03/2003 | 0 | 1 | 05/15/2001 |
| I have a 2000 oldsmobile alero gls. on or about 1/3/04, the fill coolant light came on. i refilled the coolant level. since then i have put 2 and 1/2 containers of coolant in the car. the car was the losing coolant quickly but it was not leaking in the ground. i had it checked by two separate mechanics and was told that the coolant is running into my oil and my engine has blown a head gasket. there is no warranty on the car. i don't understand how a car of 4 years old can blow a head gasket. the car is still reasonable young. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 02/03/2010 | 1 | ||
| 2000 oldsmobile alero engine dies. my car, up to date with all recalls, has numerous issues still with driving and dying. when you start the car, sometimes it has a high idle- 1500 to 2200 rpm. when you shift it into drive, it dies. sometimes you can be driving and the car just shuts off. i have had the car looked at by 3 different auto shops. 1 of them a gm dealership and 2 of them local auto shops. they have replace the fuel filter and played around with the idler. the problem still continues. a local mechanic did suggest that the issue might be that the engine would be getting flooded when it shuts off and then has way too much excess fuel when you try starting it. he said if it is true, his thoughts, it could eventually lead to an engine fire. this has been going on for over 8 months now. i will report the incident as today's date, as it has done it all day. when the car does shut off it is hard to control and i have had to use curbs as my stopping mechanism. *tr | |||
| 12/11/2008 | 105000 | 1 | |
| The intake manifold gasket is failing, introducing coolant to engine oil. this problem is a result of a poor design. general motors has been aware of the problem for years. however, gm currently does not have a recall on these vehicles. while the part itself isn't costly, the labor to repair it is very intensive, and has been quoted around $800. recalls should be mandated in all cases of incompetence, not solely when it affects public safety! *tr | |||
| 09/14/2002 | 10 | 06/15/2002 | |
| I purchased a 2000 oldsmobile alero in june of 2002, since the purchase i have had nothing but mechanical issues. the first being brakes/rotors being replaced twice a year, then my head gasket went, tires wear too quickly, and now my service engine light, abs light, no traction light (which does not work), change oil light is on, and now i am having problems with my wheel bearings, and cv joints, the car actually makes grinding noises when turning to the left and often sounds and feels as if i have a flat tire. i have had all of these repairs done and the car was fine for 1 week and now all of the problems are back except for the head gasket. did i mention i also had to have the power steering pump replaced as well, i feel that for the price i paid and the research i have done, there are many others that are having the same difficulty as me, when i read others problems, i feel like i am reading about my car. this was my first car i had ever purchased and feel that mine and my family's safety is at risk because you never know when something is going to happen and i am about out of money replacing parts. please look into anyone who owns a oldsmobile alero and give me some advice. thank you. *nm | |||
| 05/04/2004 | 67342 | 1 | 01/17/2000 |
| Manifold gasket failure, excessive loss of coolant. returned car to dealer, dealer stated it was a normal occurrence. have since talked to several people with same problem. we had problem fixed at our expense, $861.63. have been to several sites where complaints such as ours have been excessive (mycarstats.com)*jb | |||
| 03/01/2004 | 70000 | 1 | 08/18/2002 |
| Cracked head gasket, causing leaking of oil and radiator fluid! causing possible damage to my engine causing costly repairs. *jb | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 40000 | 1 | 07/06/2000 |
| The gaskets on the alero engine are not compatible with the type of materials used on the engine causing them to leak very early in life. if coolant leaks into the engine it could cause damage and potential hazard while driving.*ak | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 12 | 09/17/2002 | |
| Service engine soon lamp: intake manifold gasket: cruise control: transmission. *ph | |||
| 06/10/2003 | 6 | ||
| Rotors bad, brakes bad, wheels leak air, windows leak air in, windshied shakes, engine runs high temps and knocks, paint is starting to rust. cd player is always shuting off. dealer has not done a thing to help and my car is under warranty for a few more months. i need help soon.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 08/25/2007 | 104435 | 4 | 11/26/1999 |
| Driving on parkway, at 65 mph. car lost all power. no warning lights, no chimes. this happened four times on one trip. each time the car died, was a shorter distance traveled than the previous time. *jb | |||
| 11/21/2004 | 80000 | 1 | 02/24/2004 |
| At 80,000 miles my car's engine rod went bad. i do regular maintenance on my vehicle and expected the engine to last much longer. i have a 2000 olds alero with a 2.4l pfi dohc 16v engine. with this it requires a used engine to solve my problem. the cost for the engine and labor will exceed $2,000. *jb | |||
| 08/23/2003 | 50200 | 1 | 06/22/2002 |
| My 2000 oldsmobile alero (50,000 miles) got a blown head gasket. the manufactures instructions stated to use dex cool anti-freeze only. our mechanic believes the anti-freeze rotted the gaskets which caused the problem. he had another newer alero with the same problem.*ak | |||
| 09/17/2002 | 10 | 02/01/2002 | |
| Car would be going down highway, and just stop running, this also happen to me back in august of this year, i took it into the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it, then yesterday coming back from vacation it did the same thing, its now at the dealer and they havn't found why it just stops running. back in august it ran fine for over a month, it ran fine after sitting over nite to take it to the dealer today.*ak | |||
| 07/22/2002 | 2 | 06/01/2002 | |
| The anti-lock brake system is inoperable, it is causing the engine to shut off at any particular time while driving. so i'm afraid that this problem was cause by the oldsmobile manufacturer, and the situation need to be check into.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 1 | 06/20/2000 | |
| With vehicle warm or cold, a knocking noise can be heard. dealer unable to correct problem, but in turn stated this was normal operation of the engine. *tt | |||
| 06/02/2002 | 9 | 09/01/2000 | |
| While driving on the highway the engine cuts off with no warning signs on any of the gauges, and no indication that the engine is going to quit. the first time it happened it took approx. 20 minutes to restart the car. the second and consequential times it happened it cut off at the next 20-50 miles from the previous time. each time the engine would turn over, but wouldn't start until 20-30 minutes of sitting on the side of the highway. auto is currently under warrantee. i've had it at the dealership in the service dept. for 14 days now, and they claim they cannot find the problem, although a technician did take it out on the hi-way, and it happened to him. i'm currently disgusted with the dealership and about to contact the attorney general as this is a safety issue. i was one time sitting on a bridge with no breakdown lane at 9:30 pm and almost got hit by oncoming vehicles while the car was broke down. i'd apprecaite it most greatly if you could investigate this problem. *ak | |||
| 1 | 10/01/2000 | ||
| Consumer states vehicle stalls while driving, and at times the vehicle will not start at all, possibly engine related.*jb | |||
| While driving 70 mph and without warning vehicle stalls. contacted dealer, and dealer could not identify cause of problem. please add vin. *ak | |||
| 1 | 10/01/2000 | ||
| Consumer states vehicle stalls while driving, and at times the vehicle will not start at all, possibly engine related.*jb | |||
| 6 | 04/22/2000 | ||
| While driving the engien light came on, vehicle was taken in for inspection and vehicle was reset , however the following week the light appeared again and was reset for the second time, this continued until finally, the switch assembly, automatic transmission fluid was replaced, one month later the light appeared again and this time the body module was replaced which was on sept 7,2000 vehicle remained in the shop several weeks, weeks later the light came on again, vehicle was checked for codes and the channel plate/gasket.*jb | |||
| 04/20/2001 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Motor making knocking noise. was spun rod bearings. new motor installed. *ak | |||
| 08/14/2000 | 3 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Car completely shuts down while driving and will not restart. this occurred on 3 separate occasions during rainy conditions. 1st occasion vehicle was towed to dealer and while at the dealer it started right up. they checked the computer but were unable to find any reason for the problem. 2nd occurance was approximately 2 weeks later and dealer was notified. after vehicle dried out, it started. dealer made an appointment to check the vehicle 9/5/2000. 3rd occurance - 9/3/2000- unable to restart vehicle. tow truck contacted and towed to dealer. | |||
| 07/10/2000 | 5 | 06/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle engine will turn over, then cut out for no apparent reason | |||
| While driving and without warning vehicle will completely shutdown, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 10/20/2007 | 14442 | 7 | 03/15/2000 |
| While driving 65mph in the fast lane on the highway my car died. i had to cross over the highway to make it to break down lane very scary and very dangerous three mechanics later no one can solve problem . it happened 4 times on the highway and now it happens on the main streets. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 01/21/2004 | 80000 | 3 | 04/24/2003 |
| I have researched this problem and there seems to be too many people whose windows jam than fall down into the door. i have personally paid over $400 two times to have this fixed. also another incident with this car are the blinker which sometimes work and sometimes don't. just this week another problem with the air conditioning. the blower is not working therefore no defrost in this cold weather. *tr | |||
| 08/15/2001 | 35000 | ||
| I bought the car used in 2001 with 30k miles on it. i bought the extended warranty to carry me over to 75k miles. i first had to replace the ignition. then i had to get a new fuel filter and fuel pump. i have had to replace the brake pads approx 4-5 times in 2 years. the rotors twice. they both need changed again. the air conditioner had to be serviced because the switch was broke and it was blowing air at all vents including the floor and windshield. then, the motor went out. at approx 65k miles. a used motor was paid for by the warranty company and installed after sitting at the dealership for over a month. this was in january. at that same time the exhaust had went out. i was told my warranty would not cover it because it was not the catalytic converter it was a piece that hooked onto it. finally after they replaced the motor the put a new catalytic converter in. then comes the cd player. it ejects at random and skips. it also gives error codes frequently. then i started having problems with the lights. the abs light and the trac off light stay on along with the check engine light. i was told the check engine light was on because the fuel injectors were clogged. well, yesterday i took the car in for a fuel injector cleaning and flush. i also had a tune up, oil change, tires rotated, air filter installed, new fuel filter, and new spark plugs. still i am having a fuel problem of some sort. the car idles and misfires very badly. it shakes badly enough to make you nauseous. it also misfires when you speed up and sometime sputters like it does not want to go. this was after everything was done. then i am told it sounds like my catalytic converter is going out again after only 8 months. they should be responsible for these problems. i would not say that but i have done extensive research online and found that every single complaint mentioned the brake system but 50% of them mention the fuel system and several mentioned the engine problems. | |||
| 01/29/2004 | 55000 | 2 | 06/30/2001 |
| I have a 2000 alero (64025 miles). my mechanic said that i need to replace the intake gasket, a cost of $600.00 to fix. he told me that he has replaced many of these mostly in aleros between the years of 2000-2003. this is not the only problem i am having with my car. the motor for the window on the drivers side has been broken for about 1 yr. the oldsmobile dealership gave me a quote of just under $400.00 to repair it. not to mention that i have had the rotors and brakes replace all the way around the car (about 1 yr ago) and about every 3-5 months i have to go in and have the rotors turned. it cost me close to $800.00 to have the brake and rotors replace and the turning of the rotors are under warranty...but i have to take time to do this and it is very inconvenient. not to mention the car is only 3 years old...oldsmobile should take care of all of these problems. this is costing their customers time and money!*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| Engine check light came on . vehicle idles up and down. had to have fuel control valve replaced. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 55000 | 01/25/2000 | |
| 2000 oldsmobile alero. diagnosed with a leaking lower intake manifold gasket at 55,000 miles (~ $800 repair). contacted oldsmobile for cost assistance because this is such a common problem. they told me that this was a case of negligence on my part. considering discussing with a lawyer due to the high volume of similar problems on this engine type. | |||
| 11/16/2004 | 62200 | 1 | 06/30/2000 |
| Intake manifold leaking on 2000 oldsmobile alero. oil system is contaminated, and engine is running poorly, and will be permanently damaged if not repaired soon. there is a tsb out to replace the defective design. i had the vehicle in to a gm service department for diagnosis , and then discussed issue with gm customer service. they will not pay for complete repair because it is out of warranty even though the gasket design is defective. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Leaking intake manifold gasket. *ak | |||
| 08/03/2004 | 38500 | 1 | 11/26/1999 |
| 2000 alero gls with the 3.4 l v-6 had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced due to failure and coolant leaking. the car had 38,000 miles on it at the time of the failure. this is the third gm vehicle i have seen that had this problem. a 2000 malibu with the 3.4 l and a 2000 bonneville with the 3.8l. all of these cars had the new dexcool coolant in them. *ak | |||
| 02/03/2004 | 1 | 03/23/2002 | |
| Check engine soon light comes on; had prob fixed before mechanic said a wire was laying on manifold, repositioned and tightened but prob is occuring again; service vehicle light stays on along with trac off light; car engine presur is decreased and makes noises and when turning wheels left or right there is a sound like rubber running together; pads have to be changed every 6 months and rortors have been changed twice.*ak | |||
| 69000 | 1 | ||
| Engine coolant indicator light illuminated. dealerships mechanic found the intake manifold gasket was faulty, and was replaced. *ak | |||
| 11/22/2003 | 49000 | 1 | 03/22/2000 |
| My intake manifold gasket began to fail earlier this year. starting in sept. 2003 i had to add dexcool every two weeks to my reservoir; beginning in oct. 2003 i had to add every 7 to 10 days. my car was not quite yet to 50000 miles. gm claims that my problem was not caused by dexcool and that i should have had my coolant system serviced at 30000 milles but i have three pieces of gm documents that say that the coolant system does not have to be serviced until 150000 miles. i was told by one gm service technician that the part i had to replace was a piece of junk. fortunately there were no crashes or fatalities. i had to add two months to my car note in order to have this problem fixed. the part cost $58 and the repair cost $540. i have read complaint after complaint on the internet that this part has caused many problems and that gm refuses to do anything about it.*ak | |||
| 07/06/2003 | 1 | 04/09/2003 | |
| I am in the navy and have had my car for around 8 months but just found this site now. my intake manifold gasket went on me at 40,000 plus miles. i have read tsb's and found many others have had this problem. i know oldsmobile is being phased out but i love my car due to it being my first car and i have been financially stricken due to incidents like this. my warranty had expired and it cost me 600 dollars to repair it. i was told by my family and a navy jag to file a complaint with the better business bureau and the dealership but i decided to take this route. please get back to me on this. i would appreciate it. *la | |||
| 09/17/2003 | |||
| While driving the vehicle reach high temperatures because the intake manifold failed which caused coolant to get inside the engine. dealer notified. please provide further information. *nlm | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 12 | 09/17/2002 | |
| 3 months after buying my used 2000 alero i found that the intake manifold was leaking and needed to be replaced soon. once i saved up money i took it in and had it replaced. since then (one and a half months later) my service engine soon lamp continually comes on. place that repaired my intake manifiold gasket has no idea what the problem is--something with my air system. also, immediately after repair of img my fuel gauge is stuck on (e)mpty.. will occasionally move. i am extremely upset that i wasted my money on a piece of junk. also, my cruise kicks out when i am in overdrive--has not worked since a week after i bought the car. i have put more money than need be into a car that is only 3 years old and i have not even owned for a month! what is going on with my car?? *ph | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 12 | 09/17/2002 | |
| Service engine soon lamp: intake manifold gasket: cruise control: transmission. *ph | |||
| 06/06/2000 | 6000 | 3 | 12/31/1999 |
| The brake rotors turned twice and replaced once. this caused the brake pads to have to be replaced. the drivers door automatic window motor had to be replaced twice and now the passenger door window was doing the same thing. the interior light fell out and had to be put back in. the sun visor came loose and had to be tightened again. the cd player had to be replaced. a backlash of electricity caused a fuse to be replaced. the car died on a highway and towed to the dealership. the intact manifold leaked, it was tightened up and one month later the same problem happened again. the drivers side seat belt did not detract automatically. *tt | |||