1999 Oldsmobile Alero GS 2.4 liter from North America

Summary:

Not a well constructed automobile

Faults:

The plastic guides on the window regulator (driver's side)broke.

The factory radio does not receive any stations.

General Comments:

The dealer does not offer to sell the plastic guides on the window regulator, but will gladly sell you the entire window regulator for a minimum of 277.00 dollars. The manufacturer and dealer need to offer all parts to their customers. I refuse to pay that kind of money for a few poorly designed plastic window regulator guides that broke under normal conditions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th October, 2003

21st Oct 2003, 16:29

I can't help, but notice almost everyone has had problems with their window regulator clips. Today both of my driver's side ones are broke, and this is not the first time. My advice to anyone who actually plans on keeping an Alero would be to make sure and alternate the side facing the most direct afternoon sunlight. From my experience, that helps a little. It is very sorry of the company to make you pay for the whole window motor/ regulator. I now have 125,000 miles and I'm at the mechanic every other week. My advice sell as soon as possible.

1999 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

A very nice car, but the windows and motors are very poorly designed

Faults:

My window motor has gone bad on the front, left drivers door.

The back 2 window motors are still good, but the brackets that hold the window in place have cracked and pretty much fallen to pieces. I have temporarily used a epoxy to place them back together.

Who ever decided to use plastic brackets, made a bad decision.

Also my power steering pump makes the same noise as stated by others on this web page.

General Comments:

The Alero is a really nice car, but the window motors and brackets will definitely keep me from buying another.

If this problem were fixed then I would reconsider purchasing another Alero in the future.

I just don't like driving along and hearing my window slam down inside the door. For one it is embarrassing for me when I have company in the car and it is their window that falls. Second I expect a fairly new car to go awhile and not to worry about these types of problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th August, 2003

9th Aug 2004, 08:30

I have just had the same window bracket problem that you had. I totally agree that the plastic pieces are ridiculous. There is nothing wrong with my motor or anything else, only the brackets, which can be taken off, however, no one will sell you the brackets by themselves. You have to buy a whole new window set up and the cheapest one I have found is $180.

4th Jan 2009, 21:51

Everything listed on this site sounds so familiar. I also have the same problem with my window. I cannot afford to put any more money into this car that has cost me far more than it is worth. SO as of now, I had someone rig the car window so it will stay up. Every time I pull up to a drive through, I have to open my door. It's winter now, but I'm sure I will be dying for some fresh air in the summer.

1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL V6 from North America

Summary:

I love my car, but how can I be sure this fix will be my last costly fix?

Faults:

I'm getting the vibration from the front of my car. I'm being told it's the Torrington Bearing. This is supposedly a $1500 rebuild the transmission fix. Previously, I was told it was a Hub Bearing, but those were replaced and still the problem persists. Is it worth to get fixed or should I chalk it up as a Lemon and buy a new car?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th August, 2003

5th Oct 2003, 16:32

I agree. I bought a 1999 Alero a year ago and I love it, but... it has been one problem after the other. It is a great handling car (2.4 twin cam), it is very comfortable, and it looks great, but it's a lemon. I have had to replace both front wheel bearings, right front upper strut mounts, fuel pump, heater fan control knob, power-lock relay, and traction control switch. Like I said, it looks great and drives great, but is it really worth it???

29th Sep 2004, 20:53

I thought I was the only one with a lemon, but I see now that lemons must come cheaper by the dozens. I have all the same symptoms as everyone else. The brakes, the blower motor and I have a new one. Every time I turn hard to the left it sounds like the front wheel bearing is dry or something.