2003 Oldsmobile Alero
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Alero › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 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 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. the recall began on december 20, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Owner complaints
184 complaints18 involved a crash1 involved a fire15 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and crossing an intersection, a speeding police vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the front driver's side wheel was bent. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact hit her…
The contact owned a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and crossing an intersection, a speeding police vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the front driver's side wheel was bent. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact hit her chest against the steering wheel. Additionally, the left side of the contact' body hit the driver's side window. The contact was knocked unconscious for approximately 30 minutes. The police officers removed the driver's side door and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where she spent one night. The contact was then transported to another hospital where she spent two weeks. The contact sustained severe head, collarbone, neck, and back pain. Additionally, the contact sustained chest pain bruises, and a broken left foot. The contact was then sent to a rehabilitation center where she spent one week. The contact was then transported to her residence by emergency units. The contact stated that she had not been able to work properly and she had been depressed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Unknown or other
Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone
- Engine
1200 miles after J02 recall car runs sluggish going up canyon. Stop car and engine IS misfiring. Turn around and coast downhill in neutral until check engine light turns on then stop and park car for several hours. Called dealer and asked what I should do. Coast out of the canyon with the engine…
1200 miles after J02 recall car runs sluggish going up canyon. Stop car and engine IS misfiring. Turn around and coast downhill in neutral until check engine light turns on then stop and park car for several hours. Called dealer and asked what I should do. Coast out of the canyon with the engine off. Turn engine on after several miles and no more problems. Drive home carefully. Next day throws several codes and running sluggish. several days later codes are gone right before it goes to dealer. They can't diagnose if car has no active codes or symptoms. About a week later turn car on and car IS making a knocking sound and has several pending codes. Carefully drive home. Codes didn't save. Finally able to take to dealer around june 25TH while car IS making the knocking noise but no codes and they think it's a lifter but not sure. I left the car and they say they can't replicate the issue. Literally the same day I pick the car up it IS knocking and consistently does so for the next week as soon as the engine warms up. july 5 engine sounds like it's being hit by a hammer and throws p0011 cam timing advanced. Oil pressure IS 5PSI at idle and 40psi at 5000rpm. Have car towed to dealer because it probably wouldn't make the drive and they say it IS piston slap without even opening the engine they determine it IS not caused by the recall. At this point the engine IS sitting in my garage with the timing cover, oil pan and one valve cover off and I don't know what to do with it. I can't afford to pay them to fix something that IS happening to dozens of people after the recall. I'm going to try to get the dealer to actually tear it down to diagnose it.. Codes thrown so far are p0011 p219a p0301 p000a p0420 knocking seems to be when oil warms up and oil pressure drops to about 30psi and below.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Car has been having acceleration issues her and there has had a fuel leak for awhile now and now all of a sudden the car will not start..
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While the key was in the ignition, the engine failed to engage without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the technician could not get the vehicle started. The vehicle was then taken to a…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the technician could not get the vehicle started. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module and battery were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also towed to another independent mechanic who was briefly able to get the vehicle started, but the failure recurred. The failure occurred over ten times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Vehicle speed control
While driving on a city road at approximately 40 mph, the car randomly began accelerating on its own. I immediately pushed on the brake pedal only to discover the car continued to accelerate. I stomped on the brake as hard as possible to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I moved the gear shift…
While driving on a city road at approximately 40 mph, the car randomly began accelerating on its own. I immediately pushed on the brake pedal only to discover the car continued to accelerate. I stomped on the brake as hard as possible to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I moved the gear shift to neutral to try to keep the car from accelerating but that did nothing. I was barely able to turn off onto a side street where I was able to shut of the engine and make the car stop before hitting other vehicles. The car's engine revved up so high that it sounded as if it were going to blow up the engine. Now there IS oil leaking severely under the car after this incident.
- Tires
Continuation of a prior complaint (10908068). On 9/20/16, prior defective starfire rs-c 2.0 ultimate touring tire replaced with another similar starfire tire (U30H ldj) at pep boys. paid $42.41 (tire handling charge, wheel balance, road hazard warranty, and valve stem). On 10/13/16 noticed new…
Continuation of a prior complaint (10908068). On 9/20/16, prior defective starfire rs-c 2.0 ultimate touring tire replaced with another similar starfire tire (U30H ldj) at pep boys. paid $42.41 (tire handling charge, wheel balance, road hazard warranty, and valve stem). On 10/13/16 noticed new tire was flat/low, tire pressue was down to 18lbs; inflated to 34lbs. on 10/14 tire was flat again down to 19lbs. Used fix-a-flat type product and inflated to 34lbs, appears to be holding. scheduling appt with pep boys to check tire and possibly reseal. why IS this happening to this tire brand? IS there a defect?
- Wheels
Continuation of a prior complaint (10908068). On 9/20/16, prior defective starfire rs-c ultimate touring tire replaced with another similar starfire tire (U30H ldj) at pep boys. paid $42.41 (tire handling charge, wheel balance, road hazard warranty, and valve stem). On 10/13/16 noticed new tire…
Continuation of a prior complaint (10908068). On 9/20/16, prior defective starfire rs-c ultimate touring tire replaced with another similar starfire tire (U30H ldj) at pep boys. paid $42.41 (tire handling charge, wheel balance, road hazard warranty, and valve stem). On 10/13/16 noticed new tire was flat/low, tire pressue was down to 18lbs; inflated to 34lbs. on 10/14 tire was flat again down to 19lbs. Used fix-a-flat type product and inflated to 34lbs, appears to be holding. scheduling appt with pep boys to check tire and possibly reseal. why IS this happening to this tire brand? IS there a defect?
- Tires
While driving on I-295 north near hamilton twp, nj at around 6:45pm at a speed of about 65 mph, the right rear tire blew out completely. there was a 2-inch square hole on the outside of the tire. conditions were normal and the driving surface was dry. vehicle was towed to pep boys, beverly nj where I purchased all four starfire tires (rs-c 2.0 225/50/r16) on 12/27/2015. each tire has the road hazard warranty.
- Electrical system
Ignition lock cylinder failure resulting in the device stocking and becoming stuck inoperable. At first it was difficult to turn to the run possition. It would feel stuck and took some wiggling and shaking in order to start the vehicle. Which progressed to being stuck permanently.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however the dealer refused to perform the repair due to the contact not having the original key fob. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.
- Engine · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
I was driving on the interstate and the car jumped up ito 6 and 7 rpms in the red got stuck even when pedal was not pressed stayed there I the red for a few seconds with no warning lights finally dropped and started knocking.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While driving 30 mph, the turn signals failed to function and smoke emitted from the top part of the steering column. In addition, while driving 55 mph, the headlights and horn failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
- Visibility/wiper
Rear window defroster was in use during city driving, when an odor similar to exhaust was noticed. Driver continued for 3 more blocks, windows down, then stopped. Significant amount of pink smoke was coming from behind a panel on the passenger side rear pillar. Smoke ended within a few minutes of…
Rear window defroster was in use during city driving, when an odor similar to exhaust was noticed. Driver continued for 3 more blocks, windows down, then stopped. Significant amount of pink smoke was coming from behind a panel on the passenger side rear pillar. Smoke ended within a few minutes of the car being stopped with engine off. Inspection showed burnt and melted defogger unit, damaged insulation, and partly melted plastic panel. Fuse for the unit was removed and car interior cleaned. No other repairs. Event date IS approximate.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alera. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the temperature gauge increased and white smoke or mist emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alera. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the temperature gauge increased and white smoke or mist emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine block was cracked and recommended that the vehicle be taken to a radiator specialist, who diagnosed that there was a crack in the block and the engine manifold. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 215,015. the vin was not available. ....Updated 07/05/16 *bf
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system: ignition). The vehicle did not exhibit any failures prior to the recall repair. After the repair, the contact was provided with a recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system: ignition). The vehicle did not exhibit any failures prior to the recall repair. After the repair, the contact was provided with a recall replacement key that was different from the factory key provided at the time of purchase. The recall replacement key failed to start the engine. The contact stated that the ignition had to be exposed in order to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer provided no assistance. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 165,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle slid on ice and crashed into a light pole. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact sustained an injury to the neck, which required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,860.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock · Structure › Body › Trunk lid
2003 oldsmobile alero. consumer writes in regards to trunk issues. *Smd the consumer stated for the third time, since she has owned the vehicle, the gate release on the trunk lid has failed. the consumer stated the lid would come down with no warning. *jb
- Electrical system · Engine
Tried to start car and it would not start, only crank. started next morning and had it towed to repair shop and it would not start intermittently. repair shop said to take it home because they could not diagnose or fix. I checked the internet and discovered that this has been an ongoing problem…
Tried to start car and it would not start, only crank. started next morning and had it towed to repair shop and it would not start intermittently. repair shop said to take it home because they could not diagnose or fix. I checked the internet and discovered that this has been an ongoing problem with certain gm vehicles and many people are complaining. There IS a way to start it sometimes by waiting ten minutes with key in acc and then turning off and then removing the key and then re starting. this IS working but not always. apparently gm IS fully aware of this problem but has taken no action to correct it. I am afraid that I may be stranded somewhere or the security system could possibly turn the car off. also there IS discussion that this may also be a bad ignition switch but there IS no recall for this vehicle for the switch, only the key!
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, the vehicle loss power without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed and needed to have the pass lock assembly and the lock cylinder replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,227. updated 02/19/16*lj *tr
- Engine · Steering
My ignition switch does not invoke the engine. It has happened couple of times with my alero. Last year as per the recall notice gm dealer changed the keys and not the entire ignition module. have spent over usd 350 in the last three weeks and again today the olds alero IS stop working. The ignition does not seem to turn on.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning four times on the interstate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 117,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system
I had got the ignition switch recall done it work for a little while but now its back acting up my airbag light have come on since then and will not go off. I have had my car check numerous time and everyone says its my ignition thats making my car try not to crank. This happens when you to to turn on car and airbag light have been on since this started happening.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While attempting to start the vehicle, it would not remain on and continued to shut off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. The ignition switch was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. updated 03/15/16*lj *js
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.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
Every Oldsmobile Alero model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.