1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2.4L from North America

Summary:

It had potential, good riddance Oldsmobile!

Faults:

Power steering fluid disappears, I have to refill it every year or so.

The AC/heat fan doesn't work on setting 1 and 2 (of 5). I'm obviously not the only one.

Passenger power window mechanism had to be replaced.

Rear defrost stopped working in 2003.

I had my rotors turned at 8,000, replaced at 16,000, turned at 24,000, replaced at 33,000... I now use composite brake pads which seems to extend rotor life to around 30,000 miles.

Both front wheel bearings had to be replaced by 45,000 miles.

General Comments:

I've always liked the look and performance of this car. If I saw my Toyota and Honda friends having the same problems I wouldn't complain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS Sedan 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

A good car with some quirks

Faults:

1) The turn signals would only work every now and again. Fixed with a 30.00 part.

2) The hazard button went into the dash. fixed with cleverness.

3) The trunk would randomly open itself. Fixed with a 15.00 trunk relay fuse.

4) The car drinks dex-cool like its going out of style, and at 10.00 a gallon that adds up.

5) backed out of garage and huge puddle of dex-cool on ground, fixed with a 125.00 water pump.

6) door seals on the back window must be warped-very loud road noise.

7) speeds one and two on the fan don't work, haven't since I got the car. not sure what to do.

8) Had to have a coolant system flush because it was gunky with brown slimy stuff. 80.00.

9) the rear defogger does not work, not sure if something wrong in computer or if happened when windows were tinted.

10) sometimes the driver door will lock itself with the car running in park with all the doors unlocked.

General Comments:

I think the only major problem with this car is the cooling system. Other than that I am very happy with my car. I got a bright red one with tan leather, sunroof, rear spoiler, tinted windows, V6, and polished aluminum rims. Although this is my first car, I have driven many and feel that this car handles very well and has good power with the V6. Overall very happy with the car just not the extra costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2004

27th Jan 2004, 12:04

I own a "99 GL and the fan problem is just a replacement of the switch, $20-something repair.

1st Mar 2004, 07:14

The Dex-cool leak could be due to a broken intake manifold gasket. I had mine replaced at 60,000, for $680.

12th Aug 2004, 11:21

Re the 1999 Olero fan. Speed 1 & 2 not working is caused by the resistor switch. Mechanic told me this is a common problem in many vehicles, but is a first for me. Not expensive to fix, just an annoyance.

MF.

16th Aug 2005, 20:01

I own a 99 Oldsmobile alero I have had several issues with my car.

1.) 1 and 2 on the fan switch does not work.

2.) Rear defrost does not work.

3.) Problems with the track light and ABS light coming on, I have had two wheel bearings changed and I still have the problem.

4.) Struts needed to be repaired, twice.

5.) I have replaced both regulators to the power windows.

6.) Gas lid does not close properly.

7.) Water come in from around the window because of a manufacturing weld come apart and water went in to my electric box... warranty would not cover this.

Needless to say I have sunk some money into this car and it is time to trade it in.

11th Jun 2009, 13:18

I have had all of the problems listed here with my 1999 Olds Alero. But I have one more to add:

The trunk latch has completely rusted and the truck will not close securely.

I have found during my research that it rusted because water gets into the trunk due to a faulty seal. It is recommended that you drill holes in the trunk so accumulated water will run out. Shouldn't this have been recalled and fixed by GM? (Along with all of these other issues!)