2001 Oldsmobile Alero
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Alero › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. if solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. owner notification began on february 5, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. this supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. owner notification began august 18, 2003. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (rpo M86) fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection." when a driver attempts to shift from 5TH gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4TH gear even though the shift lever indicates reverse gear.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In this situation, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission IS in a forward gear, which IS not permitted by the standard.
Remedy
Dealers will disable the 5th/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.
Owner complaints
364 complaints20 involved a crash5 involved a fire18 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
The car will shut off while driving/idling. There are no check engine lights. Took it to get the latest recall fixed that had to do with this and they just gave us new keys. It did not remedy the situation! Now we are paying to fix it because it is still shutting off while driving.
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The consumer stated the vehicle was junked 3 or 4 yrs ago because of the computer going out on the vehicle.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while ignition was on. No warning whatsoever
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Evaporative emissions › Hoses/valves/sensors
Car shut off while driving
- Electrical system
Electrical ground wire to Alternator burnt out; caused battery to lose charged replaced twice within 2 years.
- Electrical system
For some time the turn signals would only work intermittently. It seemed like I had more trouble with them if it was very hot and humid outside. Then, the turn signals triggered the hazard lights to come on. The turn signals are now inoperable. Sometimes the hazard lights come on by themselves and…
For some time the turn signals would only work intermittently. It seemed like I had more trouble with them if it was very hot and humid outside. Then, the turn signals triggered the hazard lights to come on. The turn signals are now inoperable. Sometimes the hazard lights come on by themselves and I am unable to turn them off.the turn signals quit working as I was driving down the road. The turn signals are completely inoperable now.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system
Air coming into the intake manifold and my low trac light comes on every time I have to do a turnaround or back around in a slow position from a start posistion. So im not getting my gas mileages worth nor can I do a uturn in a fast acceleration. It will get slower thats dangerous if upcoming traffic starts to proceed making it liable for an accident. Im scared for my life. im in california in los angeles.
- Engine
Starter turns but will not start
- Electrical system › Ignition
2001 oldsmobile alero. consumer writes in regards to defective ignition coil recall notice states same problem as consumer brake and steering failure accident. *ld the consumer stated while driving over bumpy patch in the road the ignition was inadvertently switched out of the "run" position resulting in an accident.*js
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Just got this car from the dealer and there IS a gas leak also the key comes out of the ignition with the car on acceleration I have to put it back in and wiggle it to get it off and there's a o-ring sensor leak can't pass the echeck. I've had this car since august and the estimate to get the car…
Just got this car from the dealer and there IS a gas leak also the key comes out of the ignition with the car on acceleration I have to put it back in and wiggle it to get it off and there's a o-ring sensor leak can't pass the echeck. I've had this car since august and the estimate to get the car fixed to pass the check IS over the amount for the car and I am still paying a note when the car IS station IS leaking gas when it IS motion it barely leaks when I park it, it pours out
- Electrical system
I was at the gro. Store came out and the car would not start 1/2 tank of gas had some one to try a jump start to no avail. the next day it started went to work same thing it tries to start but will not and that IS where I am now. Went on the internet and see that I'm not the only one. I'm just looking for help. As many other americans I don't have much money as a single mom. I just need a answer thanks
- Electrical system · Engine
Security light comes on, when flashing car will not start.
- Exterior lighting
Turn signal intermittent and safety flashers inoperative at same time. doesn't matter if it's in motion, stationary, on city street, highway, etc., happens approx. 5 minutes after being used. I took my car to a local station and they couldn't repair it due to intermittent problem at first. took…
Turn signal intermittent and safety flashers inoperative at same time. doesn't matter if it's in motion, stationary, on city street, highway, etc., happens approx. 5 minutes after being used. I took my car to a local station and they couldn't repair it due to intermittent problem at first. took to different service repair and they knew immediately of the recall and said it needed a 4 way flasher switch assembly, and to take it to my local gm dealer for repair and when I did, they declined it..!! recall: nhtsa campaign #14v400000. immediately after I bought this car from the dealership, prostrollo auto mall, madison, sd..i had this problem...it came with the car, shouldn't this have been fixed by the dealership before the sale..?
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
I believe it's the security system or something to do with the ignition. I'm not able to start my, all the lights on dash board come on n ac kicks on but the car won't start. When it was the only lights on was the service engine soon, trac off, security light & tire pressure light.
- Electrical system
I recently had my 2001 oldsmobile alero key ignition fail me. I had the recall done on the keys. all they did was put a plastic key cover on my keys. I got stranded due to my "new" keys not allowing my key ignition to turn over at all. I started to do research and have found many complaints that…
I recently had my 2001 oldsmobile alero key ignition fail me. I had the recall done on the keys. all they did was put a plastic key cover on my keys. I got stranded due to my "new" keys not allowing my key ignition to turn over at all. I started to do research and have found many complaints that gm won't fix the ignition problem just drills a hole in the top of the key to make it seem lighter in weight and then just covers the original key with plastic. I can't afford this kind of thing happening. I was stranded for several hours due to this. What if this happens to someone with children?
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the turn signals and hazard lights intermittently stopped working. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined not to be included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v327000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system
My vehicle turn signals are working intermittently. Upon researching this issue, I see that there has since been a recall. however, my vin doesn't fall into their criteria, but the exact same thing IS happening to my vehicle. They refuse to repair at their expense. This IS very unsafe and I have a…
My vehicle turn signals are working intermittently. Upon researching this issue, I see that there has since been a recall. however, my vin doesn't fall into their criteria, but the exact same thing IS happening to my vehicle. They refuse to repair at their expense. This IS very unsafe and I have a young teenager driving that cannot be without the use of turn signals. the recall number IS 03v327000. I indicated the date this occurred as the date the vehicle was given to my daughter. However, it has been an ongoing issue with the previous owners.
- Exterior lighting
We have the same problem as gm recall 03043 for 2001 oldsmobile alero models, but are told our vin IS not included in the recall. why? we have a 2001 oldsmobile alero. turn signals are intermittently inoperative. directly related to the hazard warning lights. if you mess with the hazards…
We have the same problem as gm recall 03043 for 2001 oldsmobile alero models, but are told our vin IS not included in the recall. why? we have a 2001 oldsmobile alero. turn signals are intermittently inoperative. directly related to the hazard warning lights. if you mess with the hazards, turning on and off, you maybe might get your turn signals to work intermittently. this IS what the recall IS directly about, but when our vin IS entered into recall data base, it says no recalls for this vin. doesn't make sense to us. very dangerous to drive without turn signals. please advise. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the passenger side of the dashboard peeled and the air bag was visible. The contact was concerned that the air bag would deploy inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile alero. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled and was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Wheels
TL* the contact owned a 2001 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while in park, the front passengers side wheel well caught on fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away from the scene to a salvage yard and was deemed destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
- Unknown or other
Car cranks wont start it hasbto do with the an electrial system car theft maybe did the ten mint and at im still waiting to get the ignitionswitch and key the recall title n140350 do upset when I bought it in nov.the two keys I got one spare and I thought the other was an oringnal one neither have…
Car cranks wont start it hasbto do with the an electrial system car theft maybe did the ten mint and at im still waiting to get the ignitionswitch and key the recall title n140350 do upset when I bought it in nov.the two keys I got one spare and I thought the other was an oringnal one neither have the chip so the first I had problems we got it to work a few months now again twice in a week how am I suppose get it to the dealer if I cant get it to turn on this IS crazy something has to be done I read do many complaints about the same situation so what do I now thank you donna
- Electrical system
The turn signals work sometimes but if it rains they don't want to.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the turning signal failed to operate. The trac off and anti-lock system warning lights displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the dashboard needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the turning signal failed to operate. The trac off and anti-lock system warning lights displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the dashboard needed to be opened in order to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
When driving the turn signals will work and then not work at random and this concerns me, it can create a serious and dangerous situation
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Turn signal failures
By letter dated august 27, 2003, gm notified the agency that it IS conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03V327) involving certain model year (my) 2000-2001 chevrolet malibu, oldsmobile alero, and pontiac grand am.gm's recall covers 670,740 vehicles manufactured beginning february 1, 2000 through may…
By letter dated august 27, 2003, gm notified the agency that it IS conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03V327) involving certain model year (my) 2000-2001 chevrolet malibu, oldsmobile alero, and pontiac grand am.gm's recall covers 670,740 vehicles manufactured beginning february 1, 2000 through may 1, 2001 (alero and grand am) and february 1, 2000 through may 31, 2001 (malibu).gm reports that turn signal failure IS due to solder joint cracking in the hazard switch, and has identified rapid temperature transitions of the hazard switch and the soldering process as the cause of cracking.electrical current to the turn signals flows through the hazard switch and an open circuit in the hazard switch will cause the exterior turn/hazard lamps to become intermittent or inoperative.gm will replace the hazard switch on all involved vehicles.based on gm's safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
- Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as…
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of the circuit card) will cause incorrect readings to register on the fuel gauge.gm reported in their response to odi dated january 13, 2003 that the primary cause of erratic fuel gauge operation IS excess elemental sulfur in fuel.gm reported that abnormal levels of sulfur sporadically occurred in certain parts of canada and the u.s. Resulting in reports of fuel gauge malfunction.gm modified the sending sensor for vehicles built after october 2000.it made a second sensor modification for vehicles built after january 2003.gm also issued a customer satisfaction campaign (gm number 00101) in december 2000 for u.s. Customers in the state of maine and issued several service bulletins informing dealers of the availability of sensors with improved corrosion resistance.the complaint trend indicates that complaints peaked in late 2000 to early 2001.warranty claims declined since peaking in april 2002.based on the number of complaints and the indication of a declining trend, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248778Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245891Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10245890Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10224309This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The General Motors of Canada Customer Care Centre is the sole authorized provider of a certification confirmation letter which helps our customers identify if their vehicles meets the required USA regulatory standards necessary for importation into the USA.
- 10224273This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every Oldsmobile Alero model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.