What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2003 Oldsmobile Alero

Typical pattern

3.5% of complaints about the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2003 vehicle — around the middle of the 228 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 7.8 yr in service. The most-reported system is electrical system (108 complaints), typically at 8.3 yr or about 84,527 miles.

Complaints
289
Median age at failure
7.8 yr
Median mileage
80,000 n=201
Crash / fire / tow
10.4% of reports
Safety recalls
3

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Electrical system
108 reports · 84,527 mi
8.3 yr
7.4%
Air bags
23 reports · 93,000 mi
11.4 yr
47.8%
Engine
17 reports · 91,000 mi
12.3 yr
5.9%
Exterior lighting
16 reports · 85,000 mi
7.3 yr
0%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

14V400000 2014-07-03
Electrical system:ignition

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In the

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

07E021000 2007-03-12
Fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

04V528000 2004-11-01
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

In owners’ own words

Air bags mileage not reported 5 mo in service crash / fire / tow
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Air bags mileage not reported 1.2 yr in service crash / fire / tow
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH IN THE RAIN CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THEY LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND HIT A LARGE ROCK HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE BOUNCED OFF THE ROCK AND HIT THE EMBANKMENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER THREE TIMES. THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. CONSUMER STATED THAT BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Air bags 15,021 mi 1.3 yr in service
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-95 IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, THE INSIDE OF HER STEERING WHEEL, FELL INTO HER LAP. LUCKILY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD TO TAPE THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BACK IN PLACE SO WE COULD RETURN HOME.*AK
Electrical system 6,000 mi 1.1 yr in service
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP MECHANIC, BUT PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK

Other Alero model years

200420032002200120001999

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