Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
| 3070 | 01/01/2004 | 10009605 | Service engine soon light with diagnostic trouble code p0130, p0134 and/or p0135. *tt | 10/08/2004 | |
| 01758 | 01/01/2004 | 10006382 | Code b1327 diagnostics missing. *mr | 04/30/2004 | |
| 010845006A | 02/01/2002 | 010845006 | 632312 | Subject regarding availability of new micro 64 electrical terminals for wiring repairs. *tt | 07/12/2002 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||||
| 3082 | 01/01/2004 | 10010221 | Blown htr a/c fuse 10 amp without u2k. *sc | 11/04/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||||
| 010849020 | 12/01/2001 | 631899 | Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *slc | 06/25/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 0208116001 | 01/01/2002 | 631229 | Subject regarding intermittent communication or serial data diagnostic trouble codes stored in history. *slc | 05/21/2002 | |
| 111201 | 12/11/2001 | 629615 | Subject regarding vehicles with automatic transmissions setting diagnostic trouble code p0716, 717, input speed sensor codes. *tt | 04/04/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||||
| 01740 | 01/01/2004 | 10006270 | Cross injector wires causing misfire at steady state speed and rpm, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated, and a p0300 set. sit bulletin 1460291. *tt | 04/27/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||||
| 3648 | 10018915 | Hesitation on acceleration after internal engine repairs - check injector harness orientation. *tt | 01/24/2006 | ||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 02/11/2013 | 1 | ||
| I love my car but the thing is a death trap. it shut off 15 times within a mile of driving in 5 o'clock traffic. it has almost me my life several times. the dash cluster goes out so i have no idea what speed im going or if the car is running hot. gm if you think this isn't a problem it is please recall the car fix it and i will keep it till i need a bigger car. *tr | |||
| 02/11/2013 | |||
| I love my car but the thing is a death trap. it shut off 15 times within a mile of driving in 5 o'clock traffic. it has almost me my life several times. the dash cluster goes out so i have no idea what speed im going or if the car is running hot. gm if you think this isnt a problem it is please recall the car fix it and i will keep it till i need a bigger car. | |||
| 10/17/2005 | 1 | ||
| The car has broke down and wouldn't restart, fuel pump, ecm? modulator fuses. powering steering leaks all the time and sometimes locks up. rear defroster won't work. driver's side controls for windows, locks, stopped working. drivers side window drops down and breaks-repaired 3 times and just happened again. belt broke, lost power barely able to get it off the road. front passenger wheel thumps, pops, etc. had fixed and still has the same problems. i've maintained routinely, but it continues to keep breaking down. the handle to put in gear/park has broke. a lot of plastic parts, clips etc crumbling apart, knobs, light switches, window tracts. all out of pocket. recall for windows, rear defrost, power steering, fuel pump, belt breaking, front hubs/wheels/steering !!!!! *tr | |||
| 10/17/2005 | |||
| The car has broke down and wouldn't restart, fuel pump, ecm? modulater fuses. powering steering leaks all the time and sometimes locks up. rear defroster won't work. driver's side controls for windows, locks, stopped working. drivers side window drops down and breaks-repaired 3 times and just happened again. belt broke, lost power barely able to get it off the road. front passenger wheel thumps, pops, etc. had fixed and still has the same problems. i've maintained routinely, but it continues to keep breaking down. the handle to put in gear/park has broke. a lot of plastic parts, clips etc crumbling apart, knobs, light switches, window tracts. all out of pocket. recall for windows, rear defrost, power steering, fuel pump, belt breaking, front hubs/wheels/steering !!!!! | |||
| 01/03/2011 | |||
| I attempted to start my 2002 oldsmobile alero and it won't start. it was as if the fuel was shut-off. i had to have my car towed home. i noticed the security light was flashing. i checked on-line and people suggested, turning the key to the start position and leaving for 10 minutes, apparently this allows the computer to reset. (or you can disconnect the battery and reconnect it, this will also reset the computer.) there is a problem with the passlock system. it's a huge problem for many people. gm does not acknowledge this problem and is unwilling to correct the defect. this defect should be recalled. | |||
| 09/22/2011 | 46560 | ||
| On many occassions now my 2002 oldmobile alero would be working perfectly one day and then the next time i went to start it would not start. the first time it happened i had my uncle who is a mechanic come and look it over, he told me that my security system is locking the car up and to let it sit with the key turned for 10 minutes and it will start again. this worked but now the problem is happening more and more often. so, i came online to see if any other oldsmobile alero owners were experiencing the same problem and i found over 50 reviews on one site alone that this was happening. on top of that many of these car owners were saying that the problem only continues to get worse to the point the car shuts off while driving!!! i have a child, as many of the others owners said they did also, and as a parent that is absolutley terrifying. what if i'm on a highway? others said they spent a lot of money for the problem to be fixed for it to continue to come back or cause more problems. and as if this issue was not dangerous enough, my turn signals also short out and do not blink at times. i do not believe a car could be anymore dangerous. i would like a response and resolution to this issue asap! please!!! | |||
| 02/01/2012 | |||
| When i put my car into drive and let off the brake the car accelorats by itself. i do not have my foot on the gas and the car will continue to speed up until i hit the break. while breaking the car seems like it is still trying to accelorate. you have to push the break all the way to the floor and hold it to try and maintain a full stop.if i put the car in neutral the rpms shoot way up. if i brake and stop the car and quickly throw it into park and shut it off and restart the car it usually solves the problem but it is definitly not a fix. there is just over 180,000 miles and i have just recently started to notice the problem it has happened a handful of times and i am trying to find the problem and get it fixed. this is very dangerous. the blinkers also peridoically stop working and can be fixed by clicking the hazard lights a few times but again not a permanent fix. the cruise control has gone out and the trac control doesnt turn on. this car is becoming a death trap and expensive and dangerous to drive! | |||
| 01/12/2012 | 120000 | ||
| There is intermittent clicking noise coming from the hazard switch. gm issued a recall on this matter back in 2004. i went to my local gm dealer and he told me my vin was not covered | |||
| 11/28/2011 | 124000 | ||
| Was driving slowly in heavy traffic. weather: approximately 50 degrees and raining. i have the heat and defrost (including rear window) on. i hear a pop from the back and i think someone has just lightly rear-ended me. i look over my shoulder and the rear passenger seat, at approximately the right-hand shoulder is on fire. i pulled-over, turned-off the car, and tried to dowse the flames to no avail. all i could do was watch it burn until the fire department showed-up about 10 minutes later. fire department agreed likely cause was rear defroster short-circuit. rear seat and rear window destroyed. water and smoke damage. car is likely totaled due to age (11 years) and miles (124k). | |||
| 06/11/2002 | 154753 | ||
| I have 2002 olds alero it won't start....changed the fuel pump and fuel filter..... but my security light keeps flashing so i went online to see what could me the problem....and found many people with the same problem thats causing me which is that the security light keeps flashing and make the whole vechical not start, think its locked which i don't understand cause it drives fine for few days and then kaput..... this should b a recall or some what | |||
| 02/09/2009 | |||
| My hazard lights / turn signals work intermittently, sometimes they just flash like crazzy. same as 01's but gm says not 02's. | |||
| 05/25/2011 | |||
| Have problem staring my car lerned on line that is a security problem.it started 5/25/2011 it happened immediatly.had many of problems with this car,this last issue did it for me.there has been 50 complaints on this security problem i have three kids very dificult to fix all the problems when i barly have money. | |||
| 10/28/2010 | 87000 | ||
| I was stranded at work at night when my car would not start up. ended up walking 7 miles home in the dark, since my husband works till 1am. i thought it was the fuel pump that had died, but after seeing a website of many people that have had the same issue, i tried leaving the key in the on position for 10 minutes to reset the computer, and this worked. i just got home with my car, but am praying to god that it does not decide to shut down while i'm driving (there was complaints about this happening as well on the website). i think that gm might be in for a big lawsuit if they do not recall this problem soon, only for the fact that somebody can seriously get injured, and that's if they're lucky enough to not die from an accident. | |||
| 09/14/2010 | |||
| My 2002 oldsmobile alero has a problem with the passlock security system which causes it to not start. this has been a recurring problem that comes up without warning. i have spent several hundred dollars having parts replaced before doing an online search and realizing that this is a manufacturer defect with the security system. if the key is placed in the on position for ten minutes, the security light eventually turns off and the car will start. since gm is not willing to do anything about this defect, i would like to place a complaint. in my opinion, this is a safety issue. i work in public service, and i use my vehicle to visit clients on a daily basis. it is not only inconvenient to need to wait ten minutes in my car before it will start, but in many locations, it is very unsafe. at any given time, the car will begin to start, but will never turn over, necessitating the ten minute fix. this has occurred several times in the past year, but i have read that the time between incidents is likely to become shorter and shorter. since gm refuses to issue a manufacturer recall of its own accord, i urge you to take action to ensure that drivers remain safe. | |||
| 06/15/2010 | 102000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. while driving at 30 mph the security warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. the contact then pulled over and was not able to turn it back on and then was towed to a garage. the mechanic then diagnosed it stating that it was the anti theft system had a malfunction and that he needed a key less starter that needed to be installed. the dealer has not been contacted and there has been no repairs. the failure mileage was 102000 and the current mileage was 108000.cv | |||
| 07/21/2010 | 90000 | ||
| I have a 2002 olds alero that has alot of electric problems (or so i assume) the turn signal noise turns on while i'm driving and my signal isn't on. this happens daily and is hard to determain if my flasher is actually on or not. also my car wont always start. my track control light, service engine & low tire pressure light are pretty much always on i've had everything checked out and nothing comes back as to why those lights turn on & off. | |||
| 06/15/2010 | 102000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. while driving at 30 mph the security warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. the contact then pulled over and was not able to turn it back on and then was towed to a garage. the mechanic then diagnosed it stating that it was the anti theft system had a malfunction and that he needed a key less starter that needed to be installed. the dealer has not been contacted and there has been no repairs. the failure mileage was 102000 and the current mileage was 108000.cv | |||
| 07/21/2010 | 90000 | ||
| I have a 2002 olds alero that has alot of electric problems (or so i assume) the turn signal noise turns on while i'm driving and my signal isn't on. this happens daily and is hard to determain if my flasher is actually on or not. also my car wont always start. my track control light, service engine & low tire pressure light are pretty much always on i've had everything checked out and nothing comes back as to why those lights turn on & off. | |||
| 06/15/2010 | 102000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. while driving at 30 mph the security warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. the contact then pulled over and was not able to turn it back on and then was towed to a garage. the mechanic then diagnosed it stating that it was the anti theft system had a malfunction and that he needed a key less starter that needed to be installed. the dealer has not been contacted and there has been no repairs. the failure mileage was 102000 and the current mileage was 108000.cv | |||
| 07/21/2010 | 90000 | ||
| I have a 2002 olds alero that has alot of electric problems (or so i assume) the turn signal noise turns on while i'm driving and my signal isn't on. this happens daily and is hard to determain if my flasher is actually on or not. also my car wont always start. my track control light, service engine & low tire pressure light are pretty much always on i've had everything checked out and nothing comes back as to why those lights turn on & off. | |||
| 01/03/2010 | 84000 | 1 | |
| Car wont start because of security system malfunction found out lots of other people have this same problem with no recalls yet please help! *tr | |||
| 08/03/2007 | 40000 | 1 | |
| My 2002 oldsmobile alero turn lights,high lights,horn doesn't work. work sometimes. i took it several times to the mechanic and he didn't find anything. *tr | |||
| 05/06/2008 | 1 | ||
| I purchased a 2002 alero from the dealership. it had a certified sticker and a warranty on the window. after signing all papers and putting $2,000 down on it, the sales man informed me that there was no warranty due to the age of the veh. about a month later, i began having issues with it. 9-5-07 the brakes were squeaking and making loud noises. i had the dealership repair it under warranty. on 9-10-07, the front wheels began to shake and heard a loud noise as if the wheels were going to fall off. this happened by the dealership as i was going to work. i dropped it off and it was repaired. they said it was their fault due to a few nuts or bolts fell off. 5-6-08 is when the car completely left me stranded. turn the key, all lights come on and seat belt alert came on. it sounded like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. i had it towed to the dealership. it cost me $588.00 to repair it. they said it was the pass lock sensor. 9-3-08 my car left me stranded again. it had the same issue as the first time. it sounded like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. had it towed to the dealership again. they quoted me $350 for repair it. they said it was the anti-theft mechanism in the ignition switch. after speaking to the manager, i paid a $50 deductible and the veh was supposed to be repaired. on about 5-9-09 the veh left me stranded again. it displayed the same problems as the prior 2 incidences. i had the veh towed back to the dealership and this time they said after the diagnostic, it was the bcm and would be approx $480 to repair it. a few days later, i had a friend to help me tow it to my home. i turned the key and it started up fine. i called the dealership and i was told it is the bcm and if the veh sits long enough, it may reset and start up. he also said it may leave me stranded again. i have been driving the veh locally and on 11-27-09, the veh will not start. *tr | |||
| 10/26/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Hazard and turn signals intermittently fail; same as the 2001...there was a recall for this issued on the 2001, but not the 2002? i lose my turn signals approximately 2-3 times per 10 mile trip. i have not been involved in an accident due to this malfunction...yet. no repairs seem to fix the problem. the incident date is the last time this problem occurred (i haven't driven the car for a few days), but it has actually been going on for over 2 years. apparently this is a common problem with the alero's reguardless of the model year. the vehicle also won't start when it rains, and shuts down while driving. the trunk opens by itself, and the door locks don't always work. sometimes the stereo won't turn on, and most recently the driver's door window won't open. i replaced the wheel house assembly 3 times in two years. this car is an electrical nightmare! frequently it won't start because it thinks i'm trying to steal it. i also put air in all my tires at least once a week because they won't hold air...apparently there is a problem with the wheels. i have to manually check the tires because the warning light for low tire pressure is also an electrical malfunction. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Blinker is very intermittent and dangerous. sometimes it works, other times nothing. when it is not working the hazard or blinker sound seems to be going off and on constantly. the repair shop said that they would have to tear apart the whole dash just to troubleshoot the problem. this is a very scary problem and can potentially lead to tickets or accidents if not fixed. *tr | |||
| 05/03/2009 | 96000 | 1 | |
| My 2002 oldsmobile alero has a start malfunction which causes the security system to shut the car off while driving. i have replaced the ignition switch and fuel pump on my car, which were told to me were the problem, and the car still will not start at times, and whenever it does start, the car cuts off while driving. this puts me and my children in danger of getting hit by another car because the car stops abruptly. *tr | |||
| 05/15/2006 | 80000 | 1 | |
| I bought my 2002 olds alero in may of 2006 and have had problems ever since. i had to have the front left wheel bearing replaced 2 days after i bought the car. the dealership paid for the parts and labor that time, but i was on my own from there. frequently i was having the problem of the engine turning over, but not starting. i had to call a tow truck 6 times in 2 months. the fuel pump was replaced and a week later i had the same problem. this time it the body module was replaced. 2 days later i was calling the tow truck again. the ignition switch was replaced this time. the next time i threatened to sue the mechanic who had worked on my car. this time the car started right up for the mechanic. he contacted gm to see what the problem could possibly be and of course they had never heard of this problem. after the car was towed to the shop a few more times the mechanic finally got a hold of another mechanic who specialized in gm repairs. that mechanic told him about the faulty security system. he passed on the info to me. if the car won't start, turn the key on for 10 min. until the security light stops flashing, turn the key off, take it out of the ignition and try it again. this has worked every time for me, but really, who has the extra 10-15 minutes to spare every time they need to go somewhere, just in case their car won't start? i also have problems with the turning signals working only when they want to. this seems to be a common problem among alero owners. after the nightmares i've had with this car and the disrespect shown by gm to their valued customers, i will never buy another gm model as long as i live! buyer beware!!! *tr | |||
| 02/15/2008 | 50000 | 1 | |
| A.. the rear window defroster quit working. replaced fuses, relay but still did not work. having done some internet research found out that a rear connector will melt. looked at the rear connector and it had melted. dealer charges $ 45 for a new connector so i hot wired it to the module. if they melt they should have been recalled. b. the security light will come on and within a few days the car will be locked down. if you sit for 10 minutes with the ignition on but not started the security will reset. luckily for me, this has not caused me any $, but i am sure others have had to pay for towing. one should be able to disconnect this option. *tr | |||
| 12/28/2008 | 1 | ||
| Since 2006, on six different occasions the security light flashes and two to three days later the system locks down and the car does not start. i am stranded and have to have my car towed. each occurrence has cost me anywhere from $600-$800. towing fees, taxis to and from work, and use of other individuals' cars are additional expenses. i only take the car to the dealer for the repairs. each time they tell me a different feature on the anti-theft system has failed and needs to be replaced. i have asked the dealer repeatedly to dismantle the anti-theft device and they say they cannot. who is going to steal a 2002 alero? i am a single mother with two children in two different colleges. this alero is our only car. to date i have spent $3000 on this sophisticated anti-theft system. help me please. i cannot afford to purchase another car. *tr | |||
| 11/11/2008 | 1 | ||
| Two years ago, my security light came on in my car and my car wouldn't start. took it to the gm dealer and they said it was the computer module on my security system that needed to be replaced which cost more than $700. last friday, 11/14/2008, my car wouldn't start again and the security light came on again. i took it to the same gm dealer again and now they are saying the bcm (body control module) needs to be replaced? and now, again, this will cost another $700 to fix, if that is all that is wrong with my car. i have been stranded before when the computer module went out. i was lucky this time since i had my car at home when this bcm went out. the bcm only has a year warranty. *tr | |||
| 11/09/2008 | 1 | ||
| My passlock theft deterrent system on my 2002 alero has been defective since the first year i had it. i have to wait ten minutes with key in on position before it will start. this is a big concern for me, and as i observed online, for many others. i had it towed and looked at several times but they could never figure out what it was and until i get a 100% accurate diagnosis on something, i don't pay out money for assumptions. i found out on my own and by reading the owners manual, what the exact problem was. i realize i must die or be seriously injured for any thing to be done. sad to say that is how things work in this dwindling economy. i have the fear that stalkers i have had in the past may catch up with me at a time when my car won't start. should i tell them hey wait ten minutes before you can attack me then i can get away. please prove me wrong and do something about it. it needs to be recalled. if you would like you can google to see the many other complaints. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 24500 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. the contact has been experiencing failures with her vehicle ever since it was purchased. the speedometer displayed inaccurate readings and the braking system was locked twice due to a defective wheel bearing. the ignition switch was replaced twice and recently failed again. she is unable to remove the key from the ignition because it locked in place. the contact will take the vehicle in for repair. the failure mileage was 24,500 and current mileage was 92,273. | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| I have had my 2002 oldsmobile alero since 2002. within six months of having this car the ignition switch went bad and was unable to start the car and it had to be repaired. this was repaired by the dealer that i purchased it from because the company that was in charge of my extended warranty went bankrupt. since then i have had to pay to replace a gasket in the engine that keeps engine coolant and engine oil from mixing together because the gasket that was manufactured with the car was not the right thickness. (since this is a known defect by mechanics why wasn't this recalled or a service bulletin initiated?) i continue to have problems with the driver door control panel that controls the windows and the side mirrors and window locks. the windows in my car can only be controlled by the driver because the window lock is stuck in the on position. i have also had problems with the windows falling down into the door and have had one window replaced in december 2007 but now in september 2008 the passenger window is experiencing the same symptoms and now will have to replace this window as well. right now the most annoying thing about this car is the turn signals. they function as they should but the clicking noise for the turn signal will not turn off when i have made a turn (it actually makes a clicking noise about 3 times as fast as the regular turn click). i have had this looked at by a mechanic and i was told that this was not part of the hazard light recall which my car falls under so it was not fixed. it is a very distracting problem and the only time i can get relief from the clicking noise is when i actually get ready to make a turn by turning on the actual turn signal. there are a number of problems that numerous owners are experiencing. i am hoping that some thing is done about the windows and the engine gasket. i don't think consumers should be responsible for poor engineering and design. gm should make things right. *tr | |||
| 07/18/2008 | 102000 | 1 | |
| Security system malfunction - car will not start and security system light is blinking for no reason. must wait about 10 minutes and the system resets it self. hundreds of people are having the same problem. *tr | |||
| 04/16/2007 | 88183 | 1 | |
| Oldsmobiles have electrical problems and i am having more electrical problems with this car. this was the start of my problems last year first it was the passlock system that cost me 775.00 to fix. i went to the mall for lunch and came back and the car would mot start. had to have the car towed to the dealership to find out that sensors were not covered under warranty. the problems continue and come more frequently this was 3-12-2008 the second problem cost me 589.00 the module and poil pavk assembly, i was parked in at school and barely made it home, the car was going all of 10-15 miles an hour and would not accelerate, by the grace of god i made it home only live about 10 miles from school. when i got up the next day the car would not start at all. had to have the car towed to the mechanic. this started may 1, 2008 that leads us to problem three which is going on right now the turning and hazard lights work sometimes and the car makes a ticking sound like the turn signal is on when its not and them it sounds like its short circuiting.. ( was told that this is covered by gm, will contact them to see if this is true) now here we are at problem this stated 5-18-2008 four in a matter of weeks: the trac off light, service engine soon and another light is on the dash ( i will follow up with which light that is) all of my problems with this car has been electrical and i was told by someone at the auto advantage that these cars are notifies for this. there really should be something done in regard to this. i have searched the internet and it is full of the same issues. there is not way that all of these people located in all states everywhere are having the same problems and this is not a defect that should be repaired by gm and not the consumer. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 22000 | 17 | 08/01/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. the contact stated that she was unable to restart the vehicle after it was parked. the dealer stated that the ignition and the fuel pump caused the failure and they made the replacement. approximately a year and a half later, the failure recurred. while driving 30 mph, the vehicle would shut off without warning. the dealer stated that there was a malfunction with the security system and was unable to duplicate the failure. however, the dealer replaced the electrical harness. the contact also stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle jerked and then shut off. the dealer stated that the timing chain failed and made the repair. the failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 58,000. | |||
| 10/20/2006 | 72500 | 5 | |
| Intermittent turn signals dash and tail lights go out when auto lights try to turn on. *jb | |||
| 07/14/2005 | 1 | 05/21/2003 | |
| Blinkers fail especially during humid weather. it began during the summer. blinkers sometimes work, but then will fail. the problem has not been corrected yet. there is a recall out for the 2001 oldsmobile alero, but not for the 2002 even though it is the same problem. *nm | |||
| 04/28/2004 | 40000 | 200 | 07/01/2003 |
| There are several defects with this vehicle. the first started in 2004. the windshield wipers do not work, will not shut off, or start again while in the off position and stop in the middle of the windshield. this creates a hazard while driving, especially at high speeds on the highway - startles you, then blocks vision. next, the security feature is malfunctioning. sometimes the vehicle will not start, security light flashes and problem is fixed with leaving the car in the on position for 10 to 20 minutes (resets the security). this drains the battery and is a major inconvenience. also, the turn signals have now begun to work only intermittently. this is dangerous obviously. the window controls sometimes don't work, the side-mirror controls also do not work sometimes. the heat/ac controls do not work properly - most of the positions do not blow. you can hear the muffled sound of the air when on high, but air does not come out of the vents. these are the combination settings, the individual settings work, so it cannot be clogged vents. lastly, the rear defrost recently stopped working and, when turned on, emits a burning smell. this car is an accident waiting to happen and driven daily out of necessity. *nm | |||
| 07/06/2005 | 51000 | 1 | 01/11/2003 |
| Dt: the contact complained about a turn signal problem. the turn signal did not work when turning it on. when applying the hazard light switch the turn signal came on. then, it failed intermittently. there was a recall 03v327000 on other year models, but this model was not included. dealer said they will not offer help, it should be fixed at contact's expense. manufacturer has not been contacted yet.*ak updated 11/16/2005 - the problem is frequent but not constant. the turn signals do not work. when the hazard button is partially pressed the signal starts working. the vehicle has had other electrical problem in the dashboard area but doesn't seem to be related to the turn signal problem. the consumer does not understand why the 2001 models have been recalled but the 2000 has not even though they have the same problem. *nm | |||
| 05/26/2005 | 63480 | 08/23/2002 | |
| On may 26th, 2005 i started my 2002 oldsmobile alero and turned on my rear defroster. after about 3 minutes of driving down the road there was an explosion in the rear of my car. the rear defroster heating mechanism that hooks up to the rear window exploded and caught fire to the entire rear of my car. the vehicle was not able to be repaired due to the cost, my insurance company totaled my car. my car has never been in an accident and no major work has ever been performed. gm will not get involved due to the fact that luckily no one was injured. | |||
| 03/14/2005 | 56000 | 05/31/2003 | |
| My turn singals do not work properly. the singnals work only part of the time. when the turn signials do not operate the hazord lights dont work as well. i found out it will cost aprox. $200.00 to fix the problem. they will need to replace the turn signal switch that cost 130.00 and 70.00 for labor. this is a hazord that i will need to have fixed. there are some dangerous intersections where i live. it is also againts the law not to singal which way you are turning. the problem started in march. it had taken it in several times but they could not find the problem until it was more freqqent and they could reproduce it. i finally found out on may 19, 2005 it is the switch. | |||
| 01/01/2005 | 20500 | 6 | 08/18/2003 |
| Out of the blue the turn signals stop working. almost causing an accident. took my car to the dealership they gave it back to me , and said that they found nothing wrong with it. until this day i still have this problem, is there anything i can do to solve this problem? *jb | |||
| 08/05/2004 | 1 | 10/30/2002 | |
| I have been having this problem for the past 7 months. i have changed out the battery, that didn't solve the problem. i have taken it countless time to the dealership, and they couldn't find out the problem. i have called the plant where the car came from and they referred me to a car service that specializes in oldsmobiles. they thought it was the fuel pump, and they fixed it. they also said that it could be something electrical, however they won't know until the car tears all the way up. this is what is wrong with my car. it sounds like it wants to start, however, it takes three tries before the car finally starts. sometimes, it sounds like the car will not even start. i have also had occassions where the car has cut off as i am pulling off from a stop sign or pulling out of a parking spot. the car is only 2 years old and only have 49,900 miles on it. it no one knows what is wrong with the car or the severity of it, how do i know whether the car will breakdown to a point where it will cause a fatal accident. i believe the car needs to be recalled.*ak | |||
| 10/15/2003 | 37300 | 1 | 06/15/2002 |
| I made a long vacation trip in oct. of 2002 at which time my 2002 oldsmobile alero turned over 36,000 miles. by the time i arrived home, it had turned 37,000. i didn't drive the car for a few days upon my return. when i opened the door to drive it next, i saw that the dash and three of the door pads had come unglued and buckled really badly. i took it back to dan cummins in paris, ky as soon as i discovered that the interior was falling apart. the service manager refused to even look at the car since it had gone over the 36,000 mile warranty during my vacation before i returned home. he suggested i call gm and complain to them about it. i did call them and they took my complaint. they gave me an complaint number, but have since refused to answer their phone when i call, or to call me back after i leave them a voice mail on their machine. i have created a website at http://www.alero.info in order for interested persons to be able to view the pictures of the poor factory workmanship and materials used to build my 2002 alero. the pictures say it all as to what my complaint is about with the dash and door pads coming unglued and buckling. at 37,500 miles while it is still only two years old, it has developed an electrical problem that could potentially dangerous as something is causing the fuse to the tail and interior lights to blow while driving it at night. *nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 02/07/2005 | 50000 | 3 | 04/14/2004 |
| I started having problems in feb. of this year(2005). the car would not start. towed it to a dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder. 3 days later was having the same problem. took it back to the dealer and they then replaced the housing. begining of june had the same problem occure agian. towed it back to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. of course it started at the dealer. 2 weeks later and it still will not start agian. the security light was comming on before it stoped running. this is a problem that many people are having and it needs to be fixed. if you go to www.automotivehelper.com and go under alero, you will find lots of complaints. | |||
| 10/04/2003 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle stalled while driving approximately 25 mph and would not restart. the dealer replaced the battery. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 37500 | 8 | 07/15/2002 |
| When my 2002 alero turned 37,500 the fuse to the tail and dash lights blew leaving me driving after dark with no tail and dash lights. *ak so far the mechanics have not been able to trace down the short in the electrical system in order to fix the problem. they keep putting in new fuses and they just keep blowing. they have ordered a switch, and it is to go back into the shop again to have the switch replaced again, and to try once more to track down the electrical short that is causing the fuse to blow that takes out the tail and dash lights. i can't drive this 2002 alero after dark even if i have just put in a new fuse because it will just blow again. if it doesn't blow while i am driving it, it will just be blown the next time i start it. it makes driving this 2002 alero very unsafe to drive, especially after dark. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 06/30/2008 | 131000 | 1 | |
| I purchased a 2002 v-6 oldsmobile alero sedan in aug 2006 at 80,000 miles and at 85,000 miles in sept 2006 already had my first repair on the ignition passlock system. the ignition lock cylinder was supposed to be replaced but in june of 2008 a failure occurred again with the ignition lock cylinder. i contacted superior chevrolet mon july 21st in person and requested reimbursement for my repair that occurred at perry chevrolet in columbia, mo. the service manager told me that i was out of the warranty limits but this was an uncommon problem for the ignition lock cylinder to be replaced twice within 45,000 miles. his name was bernie smith. i then contacted gm customer service agent daniel churchill the same day 7/21/08. i was told i would be contacted between 11:30a and 3:30p on wed july 23rd 2008 but ws contacted at 4:30p with the news that the service advisor jerry at superior chevrolet said this problem was common for the mileage and age of the vehicle. i have yet to be reimbursed or given a straight answer of why the part failed. *tr | |||
| 02/07/2005 | 50000 | 3 | 04/14/2004 |
| I started having problems in feb. of this year(2005). the car would not start. towed it to a dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder. 3 days later was having the same problem. took it back to the dealer and they then replaced the housing. begining of june had the same problem occure agian. towed it back to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. of course it started at the dealer. 2 weeks later and it still will not start agian. the security light was comming on before it stoped running. this is a problem that many people are having and it needs to be fixed. if you go to www.automotivehelper.com and go under alero, you will find lots of complaints. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 118000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero purchased in 2003. she stated that a year after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. the security warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. she adhered to the instructions given in the owner's manual to override the system failure; however, the process was too lengthy to attempt each time she has to start the vehicle. no repairs were made to the vehicle to date to correct the failure. the dealer advised her not to invest in correcting the failure since it was a defect in the design of the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were under 118,000. | |||
| 03/05/2008 | 68500 | 4 | 10/10/2001 |
| Passlock theft deterrent system keeps disabling vehicle. it is currently in the shop for the 4th time for this problem. the security light comes on, then the vehicle eventually will not start. *tr | |||
| 09/26/2007 | 56000 | 3 | 11/26/2006 |
| On 9/26/2007 my 2002 olds alero refused to start, i finally had to leave at at my job, it started the next day, i called the dealer (i had purchased it from drivetime) in nov 2006, they stated that i had to bring it to their approved mechanic, i took it there, their mechanic stated it was the fuel pump and it would cost 755.00. that included the drivers window which fell into the door for the second time, i called drivetime who then put me on a repair assistance program, i drove the car home, that same day the car would not start again, it is now january 2008 and i still do not have a working vehicle and am refusing to pay for it. the mechanic called me back and said that it is the computer and he cannot fix it i now have to have it towed to the nearest dealer who may or may not fix it free of charge. i think its a disgrace, that a company can make such a piece of junk have all these complaints on it and nothing is done. i for one am not going to pay one more cent, the dealer could keep the car, and do with it whatever he wants, i realize this is a reposession but i am not a rich person and it is obvious that problems will only get worse with this vehicle, i think there should be a class action suit against gm, olds, drivetime for selling the lemon knowing all the problems these vehicles have. *tr | |||
| 09/07/2007 | 2 | ||
| When the vehicle is worked on by a mechanic, such as replacement of the fuel filter, it disrupts some component in the car and makes the passlock security system think that the car is being stolen. this shuts the car down and doesn't allow it to be started again. this could be deadly if traveling at high speeds or in heavy traffic. | |||
| 02/20/2007 | 103678 | 1 | 03/24/2005 |
| While driving down the road, the car shut off, i was unable to get the car restarted and was almost rear ended by another vehicle. i was told that the passlock engaged while the car was in operation thereby telling the computer that the car had been stolen and to shut off the fuel pump. i have since learned that this passlock failure in gm vehicles is a very common complaint and only the dealership is able to repair it. the approx cost is $900.00 in which the dealership will replace the ignition and bcm module with another defective part. other individuals with the same problem have broken down at night in unsafe locations, on the highway, etc and although general motors has received several complaint's they have failed to issue a recall. *jb | |||
| 01/16/2007 | 94974 | 4 | 10/17/2001 |
| Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero gl. the contact stated that the there was a a sensor cylinder failure in the ignition that was effected by the theft system on the vehicle. the contact stated that the dealer said that the vehicle's computer believed itas being stolen, and kills the engine, this happened on 4 different occasions. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 10/07/2005 | 1 | 04/07/2003 | |
| Car will not start. *jb | |||
| 02/07/2005 | 50000 | 3 | 04/14/2004 |
| I started having problems in feb. of this year(2005). the car would not start. towed it to a dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder. 3 days later was having the same problem. took it back to the dealer and they then replaced the housing. begining of june had the same problem occure agian. towed it back to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. of course it started at the dealer. 2 weeks later and it still will not start agian. the security light was comming on before it stoped running. this is a problem that many people are having and it needs to be fixed. if you go to www.automotivehelper.com and go under alero, you will find lots of complaints. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 03/25/2008 | 74000 | 30 | 02/20/2008 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. it took him approximately 40 minutes to start the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they repaired the fuel pump. immediately after the repair was made, the failure continued. he took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch of the electrical system. the vehicle has not been repaired. the contact has only owned the vehicle for seven weeks. the failure and current mileages were 74,000. | |||
| 04/09/2007 | 181000 | 2 | 01/01/2002 |
| Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero with a current and failure mileage of 181,000 miles. while driving at 35 mph began decelerating and the vehicle lost power with no warning in the middle of the road. the weather was sunny and 75 degrees. she was able to restart the vehicle after 30 minutes. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed her that the vehicle was part of recall 07e021000 for fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: pressure relief devices. the recalled failure could result in a fire, but the contact had not experienced the recall failure to date. she spoke with delphi, gm and oldsmobile dealers, and none of the dealers were willing to complete the recall work free of charge. *ak the consumer stated the dealership is asking for additional monies besides the $417.21 that was already paid. the consumer stated the vehicle is still in the dealerships possession and she wants the vehicle returned with the problem fixed. the consumer stated that on 06/07/07 the dealership informed her to pick up the vehicle that it was ready when consumer came to pick up vehicle the manager informed her he does not feel safe returning the car to her and the dealership is requesting an additional $262.00 for an ignition switch. updated 06/25/07 *tr | |||
| 10/13/2006 | 63900 | 5 | 06/20/2002 |
| The security light started coming on in my car in 2004. my car is a 2002. i brought my car to a gm dealership and they said that they couldn't find anything wrong, so i did not pay attention to the light until one day my car refused to start. as i had just replaced the battery and the lights/radio worked, my husband asked around and a few people who have owned oldsmobile vehicles stated that if you leave the car in the on position for 10-12 minutes that it will reset the security light and the car will start. it worked and i brought my car to a second gm dealership and they quoted a diagnostic run to determine what is causing my car not to start, but they too did not know what was causing it. the most recent occurrence was in october 2006, but instead of resetting for a few months, like before, the car refused to start the very next time i tried to start it. i did research online and found that there are several models (1999-2002, at least) that have the same problem. i contacted gm to notify them of this occurrence and the fact that it was not only occurring to my car. i have not heard back... yet? i no longer have confidence that my car is reliable. for the time being, i use the method, but now that i am pregnant and winter is fast approaching (i live in minnesota), i no longer find this solution acceptable. i do not want to jeopardize my child's life by having to remain in negative degree weather for ten minutes in order for the car to reset itself, so i am currently researching alternative cars to purchase. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2006 | 60000 | 1 | 05/02/2002 |
| The security warning light was coming on intermittently and would stay on for 1-4 minutes then go off. this started in march 2006. then one day the car would not start. called aaa - mechanic fixed by leaving key turned on for about 10 minutes - then car started. this problem of not starting started occurring more frequently and so had a mechanic check into it. he immediately told me, once i presented the problem the car was having, that the ignition switch in these cars were notorious for going bad and needed to be replaced. so, i had it replaced. now, it's july 2006 and the security warning light is coming on again. so - now what?! *nm | |||
| 09/24/2005 | 53000 | 1 | 11/15/2004 |
| For a couple of days i've had trouble turning the key to turn on the vehicle. two days ago i put the key in the ignition and it wouldn't budge. i cannot get the key to turn the slightest bit. i bought a new ignition switch in hopes that this will solve the problem. *jb | |||
| 08/11/2005 | 60000 | 1 | |
| Timing chain broke at 60k miles. destroyed valves. also ignition switch broke at 45k miles. *nm | |||
| 02/07/2005 | 50000 | 3 | 04/14/2004 |
| I started having problems in feb. of this year(2005). the car would not start. towed it to a dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder. 3 days later was having the same problem. took it back to the dealer and they then replaced the housing. begining of june had the same problem occure agian. towed it back to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. of course it started at the dealer. 2 weeks later and it still will not start agian. the security light was comming on before it stoped running. this is a problem that many people are having and it needs to be fixed. if you go to www.automotivehelper.com and go under alero, you will find lots of complaints. | |||
| 03/26/2004 | 4 | ||
| Consumer took vehicle to dealer for regular maintenance and dealer determined that vehicle needed the following replacements: a new ignition lock cylinder, intake manifold, multi function switch, and an engine oil flush. consumer stated that when she put key in the ignition it would not turn, but did not know that vehicle would need a new switch. also, there was ticking noise when she tried to start the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 51000 | 1 | ||
| The consumer had problems with the ignition. the consumer had a difficult time turning the vehicle on and off. the consumer stated the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the intake manifold was replaced. the consumer was informed that coolant was leaking into the oil. provide further details. *jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 01/31/2007 | 1 | ||
| Rear defroster circuit failure. fuse ok, relay ok, window imprint ok. rear electrical defrost and antenna module fails. rear visibility in cold climate completely blocked when rear. window frosted. *tr many customers on the internet are complaining of the same problem and some have reported that the connector to the electrical module inside the rear-column on the passenger side is overheating and melting, breaking the electrical contact. | |||
| 03/04/2005 | 1 | 02/15/2005 | |
| Dt: consumer states that if the fuse is in the vehicle the windshield wipers constantly run. when he first bought the vehicle dealer claimed he fix it. the signals on the vehicle seem to be going too fast, and it smells like the wires are burning.*ak | |||
| 07/18/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that vehicle was shut off and it caught on fire. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 37500 | 8 | 07/15/2002 |
| When my 2002 alero turned 37,500 the fuse to the tail and dash lights blew leaving me driving after dark with no tail and dash lights. *ak so far the mechanics have not been able to trace down the short in the electrical system in order to fix the problem. they keep putting in new fuses and they just keep blowing. they have ordered a switch, and it is to go back into the shop again to have the switch replaced again, and to try once more to track down the electrical short that is causing the fuse to blow that takes out the tail and dash lights. i can't drive this 2002 alero after dark even if i have just put in a new fuse because it will just blow again. if it doesn't blow while i am driving it, it will just be blown the next time i start it. it makes driving this 2002 alero very unsafe to drive, especially after dark. | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 29000 | 4 | 04/03/2002 |
| Leather on front dashboard and back passenger door is detaching from surface and bubbling. it is rather severe on the front dash. cigarette lighter (one near front passenger foot) was poorly installed. it pops out all of the time. front end makes loud scratching noise when moving slowly or breaking and turning. drivers side window stopped working today. it went out without warning. trunk smells like there has been a problem with water leaks. i've found interior trunk to be damp on occasion. occasional water leaks on front passenger side (at feet). appears to be condensation of some sort. back cup holder pops out of place. because of the defect, drink spills resulted in stained carpeting.*ak | |||