2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2.2 ECOTEC from North America

Summary:

Get rid of it

Faults:

- Brake changes completely after 17K KM.

- Both front wheel bearings changed (91K KM and 105K KM).

- Fuel pump changed after 100K KM

- Clutch cylinder changed after 110K KM

- Complete clutch assembly changes after 130K KM (for $2500)

- At least 10 repairs to the windshield washer system and pump.

- Replaced both from tires after 5K KM because of excessive vibrations.

- Ventilation fan broke after 30K KM.

- Cruise control stops working randomly, problem never fixed by dealer.

- All of the radio lights stop working.

- Pumps at least 2 to 3 pints of oil between oil changes.

General Comments:

Car very unreliable, should not have been sold on the market. Poor service from the dealership; often the dealer is unable to fix the problems. Every Alero should be recalled by GM.

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

Review Date: 22nd April, 2008

2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4L 6 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Time to get rid of this car before it costs me any more money!

Faults:

Rear defroster stopped working within two days of purchase. Returned to dealership for service and have not had a problem with that since.

Drivers front wheel hub has been replaced twice (36k and approx. 70k) and front passenger hub replaced a month later (72k).

Have been told that the intake gaskets are leaking and need replaced. Coolant light will randomly come on and go off.

Car started experiencing security "glitch" at about 65k where the car will not start since fuel injector has been shut off. Researched "glitch" on the internet and found that 10-15 minute process to restart that car and cancel the security trip. Has happened more regularly since car hit 75k.

Have replaced front rotors three times since purchase.

Stereo buttons are peeling off.

Blower decided to not work on all but the two highest levels. Sometimes it will not blow warm air even when the car is warm.

General Comments:

This car gets quite decent gas mileage and is comfortable to ride in (when not needing new rotors or wheel hubs).

Handles well and has great power for a smaller car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th April, 2008

2003 Oldsmobile Alero LX 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Nice car but it requires too much maintenance

Faults:

On both the 99 and 03 replaced intake gasket - recommend Prestone extended wear and lose the Dex Cool (caustic to your motor). The black stuff floating around your reservoir... need to flush that out. (Take off reservoir and put some rocks and h2o in it and shake it - flush really good)

99 had electrical problems (no start, intermittent gauges, etc...) after periods of heavy rain.

Sold 99 for 2005 Honda Accord V-6. Best decision ever made. Except bird crap will eat through the paint on the Honda if you let it sit there too long. I had to have the deck lid repainted (on their dime). I think they have a cheap clear coat or forgot to put some on. Anyways, I am going to have a friend sand it down and put some hi-quality clear coat on it.

On 03 I put 100.00 slotted rotors and EBC brake pads on and no problems (suggest you lose the stock rotors - worth the extra money for good steel).

Blower switch relay - behind glove box. Easy fix - did not find signs of h2o like someone mentioned though. I will watch for this during the coming summer.

03 have the front suspension issues - feels like the ride gets harder as the bushings wear out. Must be a design flaw somewhere because it continues even after parts are replaced (twice already). Oh, I have the 225 tires on the car - supposedly the suspension is supposed to be a little more sporty than the 215 tire set up. I never had a suspension problem on the 99.

Currently, the 03 has had about a 5 second pause before the interior power (dash, radio, door switches, etc... work) comes on. I think it is the ignition switch - will check connections and possibly replace.

Radio buttons peeling - not much I can do there except swap it with aftermarket but I really like the radio - do not have any other issues with it.

Car has a rough idle (03), dumped in some Lucas fuel treatment - smoothed it right out. Car runs good now.

Oh, and my dash is peeling on the right side where it comes around the edge to the fuse box panel door. I am going to find some upholstery expert and see if they can re-glue it. I always put vinyl treatment on my dash (UV protection - stuff they use on boats) and tint my windows. I have 89 mustang that is immaculate on the inside because of this.

If your rear window defrost ever quits working and all switches appear to work - there is a relay on the back right pillar that is not noted in most tech manuals - you can buy and replace yourself.

General Comments:

I like the look, handling, and the feel of the car but I do not like the fact it is one thing after the other going wrong... Most of my problems have been eliminated with the exception of the suspension and the current interior power problem (motor still runs).

No paint problems - Ziebart put something on it when I bought the car - darn near bullet proof. I let bird crap sit on it for days and it did not eat through the paint.

Headlamp covers have not faded (knock on wood...), I find that amazing!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th April, 2008

13th Jun 2008, 20:41

WOW! It's not only me! I have an '03 Alero with all the same problems, plus more. Fuel pump was first to go out! And everything else has been downhill since...