6th Jan 2006, 18:00

Went in for a transmission flush and so while there I asked them to check out a sporadic light I didn't know, and my rear defrost that wasn't working. The light was low coolant which was caused by a leak in the intake gasket (its leaking coolant and oil). Took it to a trusted source and they said intake gaskets are a huge problem in Aleros, very common, very expensive and extensive. Rear defrost not working because the module was burnt and melted - how would that happen? I also had to replace rotors and brake pads/shoes after loud grinding happened when braking. Wish I found this site before buying the car. Serpentine belt also cracked. Quote to repair belt, intake and rear defrost - $1700 CDN.

6th Feb 2006, 15:49

I have a 2001 Alero and have had a string of problems from day 1. When the car was finally delivered, the CD player was broken. There has been always been a chirping noise from the engine that no one can figure out. I just had a wheel bearing replaced and there is a crazy grinding noise coming from the front end of the car. The mechanism that steers the wheels had to be completely replaced.

I enjoy the car other than all the trouble it has caused me!

10th Feb 2006, 15:47

I have a 99 olds alero. I replaced intake gasket twice, ac once, and ignition switch once. Other than those problems everything has been minor such as battery, alternator etc. The car runs great and has 280,000 miles on it. For a total of about $2500 major repair I say the car has done great!

Just don't let the intake leak go undetected!

11th Feb 2006, 12:49

I purchased a 2000 alero about 4 months ago. I love the car, great handling, lots of room, and very comfortable. But I have had my fair share of problems. The low tire pressure light is always on. And there is this horrible tick in the engine that has gotten so bad that the car is undrivable. The tick has something to do with a rocker deep inside my engine and is kind of expensive to fix. It is my only vehicle and I had to take out a loan to get it. Now it is in the shop and I have no way to school or work. I love the car, but I am not sure if the money I am paying to fix it is worth the car itself.

23rd Feb 2006, 20:44

I purchased my '00 Alero w/40,000 miles on it in '02. It's now '06 and has over 105,000 miles. I've had it in the shop three times. New tires which after 70 some thousand miles in the first couple years ANY car would need, new brakes/rotors which is what the squeaking/grinding noise is and happens to EVERY vehicle when the brakes start wearing thin, and new battery which just about EVERY vehicle needs at one point or another. For how rough I've driven this car and how many miles I've put on it, this Alero has been excellent for me. I've never been through an accident (nothing more than the neighbor kid running his bike into a door) so I don't know how it is safety wise. I just know that if it were any other vehicle I would have had to junk it already. I'm still not looking to trade my Alero in. I love it's durability and low maintenance. And the fact that with still rising gas prices I spend maybe 17-20 bucks for a tank and lasts me for at least a week and a half! Go on, get the Alero. You won't regret it!

23rd Feb 2006, 20:46

I have a 99 Olds Alero coupe. I also have the traction off and anti-lock lights on, and have taken it to a mechanic about it. I was told there are wires broken in the speed center of one of my wheels. To fix it they need to replace the wheel bearing. It sounds like a common Alero problem. I also have had issues with the low tire pressure light staying on. I recently found out there is an easy fix. In the fuse panel on the driver's side of the dash, there is a red Reset button. Press and hold until it flashes, then press again and it will go off. This button also works for the change oil light. Hope this helps someone!

8th Mar 2006, 23:57

I just bought a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero and I am having a problem starting it. It seems that when I try to start it the security warning light on it starts to blink, then the car will not start for at least 5 minutes or so. If anyone knows what I can do about this problem please let me know. I have had it to several garages, but no one seems to know how to correct this.

10th Mar 2006, 21:00

I have had my 2000 Alero for about 5 years now. It has never given me a major issue until recently. If I am taking a long trip and going about 70 mph the car will suddenly just shut off like I have run out of gas. I will wait a few minutes and start it back up and it is fine. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?

3rd Apr 2006, 16:02

You may want to check http://www.automotiveforums.com under the Alero... I believe I saw similar symptoms under the forum there.

Maureen.

9th Aug 2006, 09:51

I bought my 2000 Alero in 1999 and now have over 140,000 miles on it. I've kept up on its maintenance and had a few repairs done, but it runs as smooth and tight today as the day I drove it off the lot. I've been very happy with its performance - the V6 engine is powerful, steering/suspension is great. However, it has had more than its share of repair issues. Here is a summary of them:

(1) Grinding from front wheels on turns - These are the bearings, which I've had to replace twice. Not cheap to fix.

(2) Coolant leaks - The original head gaskets from GM were a poor design, there is a TSB about it. Mine needed to be replaced at 60,000 miles, though I've heard of people having to get them replaced as early as 20,000 miles. Once the car is out of warranty, GM won't (though they should) replace them for free. I hassled the dealer about it and was able to get the normally $1000 job done for $400. The dealer will replace the gaskets with an updated design that should not have the same problem.

(3) Blower Motor stops working at some speeds: The location of the blower motor resistor assembly (up above the passenger foot rest) causes it to be affected by condensation from the A/C system. Eventually the assembly corrodes and fails. Mine has failed twice (the first time under warranty). The assembly is a $22 part that, with some bending, crawling, and the proper size hex wrench, you can replace yourself in about thirty minutes.

(4) Turn signals stop working: There is a recall on this. If your vehicle has less than 150,000 miles the dealer will repair this for free. If not, you need to replace the hazard button located to the left of the instrument cluster. It's a $25 part and takes ten minutes to replace. (Yes, the doo-hicky that makes the signals blink is located inside the hazard button). If the signals are intermittent, you can sometimes get them to work again by wiggling the hazard button side to side.

(5) Brakes/Rotors: The car does seem to go through rotors faster than most - for me its about every other time I get the brakes done.