1999 Oldsmobile Alero: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 462 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 462 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. While driving at 20 mph, the service warning light indicator illuminated. The contact had noticed the power steering was no longer effective and difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure for the power steering was repaired. The dealer was not contacted nor manufacturer. The failure mileage was 117,000.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2017
“Front drivers side coil spring broke causing it to rub against the tire causing the tire to blow out while driving! This happened on a country road while driving at 40 mph! *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2017
“1999 oldsmobile alero. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement and seeks reimbursement for ignition switch recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated there were no other keys on the key chain. However, the key would often fall out of the ignition switch while driving down the road and what was more disturbing, the key would come out of the ignition in any position. Numerous times the ignition would not turn off completely which caused the battery to die. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled and warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch was causing the fans, fuel gauge, and air bags to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2015
“1999 oldsmobile alero. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle was towed to the dealer. They gave her a new key according to the recall. The consumer stated the ignition switch did not work. The dealer wanted the consumer to pay for the replacement ignition, when it was supposed to be replaced for free. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2015
“Tl*the contact owns 1999 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however, the replacement keys failed to operate when entered into the ignition key cylinder. The remedy was insufficient and the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after the key was inserted into the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“When trying to start the anti-theft light comes on and blinks you must wait 10 mins to restart and sometimes the vehicle will start or you have to wait the recycle till again. Gm did a recall on the key itself to add a hole in the key for the weight situation, but did not help the ignition problem of starting this vehicle. My question is why hasn't this problem been address yet? I have several complaints on this problem. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“I had the recall done but my car keeps dying and when the car is running I can now remove my key and engine stays running. The security light comes on all the time and I have to sit and wait at least 10 min for car to start. I have a baby and with this cold weather plus being stranded is not safe. I was told all the dealer did was a new key/insert. The whole ignition lock assembly should be replaced under a new recall. The dealer told me for $100 diagnostic fee that could look at the car. Never did this until the dealer did the repair. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“1999 oldsmobile alero. The consumer received a recall letter. However, she was involved in an accident, where the engine power, power steering and power brakes went out. *mw the consumer was injured and the vehicle was totaled. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
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.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Alero by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?
NHTSA has 462 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,480 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.