1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4 from North America

Summary:

It's a love/hate relationship!

Faults:

At 51,000 miles the serpentine belt had to be replaced as it was glazed over.

At 51,000 miles there was a leak in the power steering line.

AT 51,000 miles the power steering pump had to be replaced.

At 51,000 miles the back passenger door had to be have the latch replaced.

At 53,000 miles the water pump had to be replaced.

At 55,000 miles the molding on the doors and trunk are starting to deteriorate.

At 56,000 miles it blew a head gasket.

At 56,000 miles the trac light and anti-lock brake lights wouldn't stop flashing.

At 60,000 miles the electrical warning lights would come on for no apparent reason, and continues to this day.

At 62,000 miles battery needed replacing.

At 65,000 miles the ball joint had to be replaced.

At 80,000 miles the electrical charging system is flashing.

General Comments:

Problems began the first week.

Dealership had poor customer service and unhelpful staff.

Dealership failed to fix the problem the first time resulting in the vehicle needed to be towed.

Vehicle was recalled on a latch for the console.

Overall the vehicle had poor performance in several areas.

Overall quality of the vehicle has diminished.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2003

13th Apr 2004, 22:25

What did you do to fix the low trac light flashing?

1999 Oldsmobile Alero 4.0 Twin Cam from North America

Summary:

A nice looking car with hidden problems

Faults:

Replaced brake pads and rotors twice so far and they are shaking again.

Change oil light and low tire pressure light come on about every other week.

Just had to replace front wheel bearing.

Replaced battery and alternator at 40,000.

Rear passenger door handles are very hard to open.

General Comments:

I like my car's appearance and overall comfort, but I can't handle the way the brakes shake all the time, and I will be replacing them again here soon, for the second time. I am also disappointed with all the dashboard lights that come on, even though the problem the light is alerting you about, is not a problem at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2003

14th Oct 2003, 21:05

He said: "Engine and transmission

4.0 Twin Cam Automatic"

The Alero never came in a 4.0- The Aurora did. The highest the Alero gets made in is the GM 3.4 V6. Check your info, buddy.

17th Apr 2004, 08:42

I also have a 1999 Alero, 3.4L V6 and have experienced the same problems myself. Brakes and rotors, lights coming on all the time, although I really only have a problem with the "low tire pressure". I currently need to have the front wheel bearing replaced. Glad to know it's not just me!

9th Jul 2004, 10:17

I too have experienced issues with brakes and rotors. I have had them replaced now 4 times in two years. They are good for about 6 months. Luckily for me I bought from the dealer and they didn't expose this issue to me therefore they are on the hook for replacing them.

I am about to get them done again. Machining doesn't help either just makes it worse. Apparently after market rotors help the situation. Not sure though, but willing to give it a try...

T-Dawg.

21st Jul 2004, 11:04

I have a 2001 Olds Alero and trust me the issues with the Alero did not get any better from the 1999 model. I have had several issues with my car (mostly electrical). I have also had the rotors replaced (was making a horrible grinding sound). I have had the ignition lock cylinder and the box module replaced three times. Also my starter has been replaced twice. My radio had to be replaced because something along the line fried it. I have had the chip for the dashboard light replaced 2 or 3 times (after so many things it is hard to keep track). Hope everybody has better luck than mine.