Faults:
(1) The brakes have been completely worn 4 times.
(2) Rotors had to be replaced twice.
(3) The ABS, Traction, and Service Vehicle Soon lights have come on at least once a month regularly.
(4) The rear defrost broke in November due to computer problem.
(5) The dome light has also been broke once, and is not working again today due to a computer problem that was supposed to be fixed.
(6) And finally my wheel bearings were also replaced yesterday.
I have voiced concerns of computer failure time after time, with my car being returned from the dealership with the computer lasting only a week or two, until the lights come back on.
After the complaints being made about the computer and ABS brakes, and being told these problems were now fixed, I found myself driving on the highway when the lights returned yet again, except this time adding the emergency brake light, my gas dropped and the car started to accelerate to a dangerous rate. When I tried to apply the brakes, there was absolutely no stopping power for at least 2 minutes. I had absolutely no brakes!
Now recently in the last two months, our rotors have been completely gone, which we have replaced.
We are now told we need $1,000.00 in repairs due to our wheel bearings. I have no doubt that since we drove this car off the lot, it had a computer defect, which we have been paying for in time, money, and frustration.
This car is supposed to be 1 year old!
27th Apr 2003, 05:19
As an owner of a 2002 Alero, I must say, that these problems seem quite isolated to one reported case. I have owned my Alero and enjoy driving on a daily basis. In the months since driving off the lot in August of 2002, I have racked up nearly 25 000 km, estimating about 15 000 of which being on highways.
The vehicle itself is like none other driven. Compared to a Chev. Cavalier which is not much cheaper, the quality of the Alero is second to none in it's class. From the features such as removable head lights (the complete headlight!) to the great sound system inside, the Alero design team has definately done it's homework with this one!
The only complaint or problem I have with the Alero is the uncovered child seat clips just above the folding seats in the rear. This is simply a cosmetic thing. However, after reading your review of the car, I believe the dealership should step in. If the car is defective in such a way as you say, GET A NEW ONE!
Every so often there are lemons, no doubt. However, reading other Alero owner reviews and from the experience of driving mine, I assure you it is worth it to keep a 'non-lemon' of the model. I do know that the systems which you speak of (ABS, Emerg. Brake, etc.,) are displayed via an on board computer system. The dealership can run it's programs with the on board system to check the systems and back up systems (yes, the Alero has them). If they see nothing wrong, then definately go past the dealership and contact Oldsmobile/GM directly.
Problems such as these should not be dealt with alone. I'm sure GM would be more than happy to provide you with helpful options. Best of luck though, and I hope many many km's of good driving. May the trees be rubber and the roads straight.
Mark.