2000 Oldsmobile Alero from North America

Summary:

All in all, I'm fairly satisfied with my Alero

Faults:

I've also had problems with my driver's side window motor. Two days after purchasing the car, the driver's side window stopped working. It actually got stuck down, and of course it was raining out. Since I had only had the car a couple days, the dealership was nice enough to cover the cost to fix it. Since, I have not had any problems with it, but I certainly look forward to having to replace all the other motors.

There was also an issue with my rear defrost not working. This was also noticed shortly after buying the car. It took several hours (and several different appointments) of "diagnostic time", but the problem was found and fixed... And paid for by the dealership because of the short time I'd owned the car. It was something electrical, I believe.

Recently, I have also experienced some problems with the mechanism that gauges tire pressure. The "low tire pressure" light comes on, but the tire pressure is not low in any tires. I just end up taking it to the dealership and they manipulate the reset button to turn it off. Has anyone else had these problems?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th August, 2004

30th Aug 2004, 12:57

The driver's side window problem seems to be a very common complaint. Mine has gone out twice, and my brother (who has the same model) has also gone out once.

Also the deal with the low tire pressure, if you look in your manual, it tells you how to reset it. I don't know why it does that, but it's easy to reset (takes a few seconds), and certainly more convenient than taking it to the dealer to do.

Lastly, unless you bought this car with no warranty, the dealer wasn't "being nice" in fixing those things. They are covered under warranty, and they are obligated to fix them free of charge.

21st Sep 2004, 20:44

I have the same problem with the low tire pressure. I looked in the manual, but could not find were to find the reset button.

If someone knows where I can find the reset button or where I can find it in the manual, I would truly appreciate the help.

Thank you.

20th Nov 2004, 08:42

The tire pressure and oil change light reset button is located in the fuse panel on the drivers side instrument panel between the door and the panel. The instructions for reset are in the owners manual and can be easily found on the internet using a google search. Readers Digest version: open the fuse panel and press the red reset button once and the tire/oil warning light will begin blinking, then hold down the button until you hear the chimes.

7th Jul 2005, 11:51

I have had some of the same problems with my 2000 Alero that I've just read in the comments section. The problem I am having now is apparently electrical. When I shut off the engine and open the driver's side door the car constantly dings and the key are out of the ignition. Also, the head/taillights won't go off. If anybody has experienced anything like this anything you can tell me would be helpful before I take it to be repaired. Getting things repaired these days is a risky business. You don't know who to trust anymore. Thanks.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4 from North America

Summary:

I would not recommend this car to anyone

Faults:

Replaced intake gasket at 48,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at 53,000 miles.

Replaced power steering pump at 56,000 miles.

Stupid passlock system seems to be malfunctioning.

We may be developing a problem with the transmission.

General Comments:

I like all the options and power for the price of this car.

I do not like the cheap look and feel of the interior.

Have put way too much money into this car within the last year for repairs.

I cannot believe the lack of thought that went into the pass-lock security system of this car.

Pass-lock has caused me to be stuck in a mall parking lot on a 95 degree day with a small child, to be sitting in a bad part of town at nearly midnight and for my wife to be stuck in a parking lot at night by herself.

Even with the key to the car you cannot start the car if pass-lock system has engaged, this is an ignorant attempt at security that makes no sense.

A person must wait 10 minutes for pass-lock to shut off before car can be started even with the key.

Just hope car always starts on first try and you will be OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st August, 2004