Total Complaints
549 filings
OLDSMOBILE ALERO · model year
2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
549 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2001OLDSMOBILEALERO carries 549 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 7 fires, 25 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 ALERO is electrical system with 89 filings, followed by exterior lighting (20) and engine and engine cooling (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2001 ALERO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
549
Complaints
28
Crashes
7
Fires
25
Injuries
2
Deaths
Crashes Reported
28 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 89 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 20 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 17 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH | 17 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | 16 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 15 |
| ENGINE | 15 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 14 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE | 13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 12 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 12 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 11 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 9 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
Recalls (5)
03V32700028/08/2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
03V25000015/07/2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE
00V37200013/11/2000
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EV
07E02100012/03/2007
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
14V40000003/07/2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agen
Recent Complaints
20230418ENGINE
The car will shut off while driving/idling. There are no check engine lights. Took it to get the latest recall fixed that had to do with this and they just gave us new keys. It did not remedy the situation! Now we are paying to fix it because it is still shutting off while driving.
20230418ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car will shut off while driving/idling. There are no check engine lights. Took it to get the latest recall fixed that had to do with this and they just gave us new keys. It did not remedy the situation! Now we are paying to fix it because it is still shutting off while driving.
20220726ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The consumer stated the vehicle was junked 3 or 4 yrs ago because of the computer going out on the vehicle.
20210711ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while ignition was on. No warning whatsoever
20210711ENGINE
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while ignition was on. No warning whatsoever
20210711FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving the vehicle the car shut off while ignition was on. No warning whatsoever
20210621FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS
Car shut off while driving
20210619ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical ground wire to Alternator burnt out; caused battery to lose charged replaced twice within 2 years.
20200801ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FOR SOME TIME THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. IT SEEMED LIKE I HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH THEM IF IT WAS VERY HOT AND HUMID OUTSIDE. THEN, THE TURN SIGNALS TRIGGERED THE HAZARD LIGHTS TO COME ON. THE TURN SIGNALS ARE NOW INOPERABLE. SOMETIMES THE HAZARD LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THEM OFF.THE TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE TURN SIGNALS ARE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE NOW.
Mileage: 130,000
20190214ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AIR COMING INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MY LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I HAVE TO DO A TURNAROUND OR BACK AROUND IN A SLOW POSITION FROM A START POSISTION. SO IM NOT GETTING MY GAS MILEAGES WORTH NOR CAN I DO A UTURN IN A FAST ACCELERATION. IT WILL GET SLOWER THATS DANGEROUS IF UPCOMING TRAFFIC STARTS TO PROCEED MAKING IT LIABLE FOR AN ACCIDENT. IM SCARED FOR MY LIFE. IM IN CALIFORNIA IN LOS ANGELES.
Mileage: 5
20190214ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR COMING INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MY LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I HAVE TO DO A TURNAROUND OR BACK AROUND IN A SLOW POSITION FROM A START POSISTION. SO IM NOT GETTING MY GAS MILEAGES WORTH NOR CAN I DO A UTURN IN A FAST ACCELERATION. IT WILL GET SLOWER THATS DANGEROUS IF UPCOMING TRAFFIC STARTS TO PROCEED MAKING IT LIABLE FOR AN ACCIDENT. IM SCARED FOR MY LIFE. IM IN CALIFORNIA IN LOS ANGELES.
Mileage: 5
20190214FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AIR COMING INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MY LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I HAVE TO DO A TURNAROUND OR BACK AROUND IN A SLOW POSITION FROM A START POSISTION. SO IM NOT GETTING MY GAS MILEAGES WORTH NOR CAN I DO A UTURN IN A FAST ACCELERATION. IT WILL GET SLOWER THATS DANGEROUS IF UPCOMING TRAFFIC STARTS TO PROCEED MAKING IT LIABLE FOR AN ACCIDENT. IM SCARED FOR MY LIFE. IM IN CALIFORNIA IN LOS ANGELES.
Mileage: 5
20180808ENGINE
STARTER TURNS BUT WILL NOT START
Mileage: 178,000
20180330ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION COIL RECALL NOTICE STATES SAME PROBLEM AS CONSUMER BRAKE AND STEERING FAILURE ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPY PATCH IN THE ROAD THE IGNITION WAS INADVERTENTLY SWITCHED OUT OF THE "RUN" POSITION RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.*JS
20171128STRUCTURE:BODY
JUST GOT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER AND THERE IS A GAS LEAK ALSO THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR ON ACCELERATION I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN AND WIGGLE IT TO GET IT OFF AND THERE'S A O-RING SENSOR LEAK CAN'T PASS THE ECHECK. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE AUGUST AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET THE CAR FIXED TO PASS THE CHECK IS OVER THE AMOUNT FOR THE CAR AND I AM STILL PAYING A NOTE WHEN THE CAR IS STATION IS LEAKING GAS WHEN IT IS MOTION IT BARELY LEAKS WHEN I PARK IT, IT POURS OUT
Mileage: 79,780
20171128ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
JUST GOT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER AND THERE IS A GAS LEAK ALSO THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR ON ACCELERATION I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN AND WIGGLE IT TO GET IT OFF AND THERE'S A O-RING SENSOR LEAK CAN'T PASS THE ECHECK. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE AUGUST AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET THE CAR FIXED TO PASS THE CHECK IS OVER THE AMOUNT FOR THE CAR AND I AM STILL PAYING A NOTE WHEN THE CAR IS STATION IS LEAKING GAS WHEN IT IS MOTION IT BARELY LEAKS WHEN I PARK IT, IT POURS OUT
Mileage: 79,780
20171128UNKNOWN OR OTHER
JUST GOT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER AND THERE IS A GAS LEAK ALSO THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR ON ACCELERATION I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN AND WIGGLE IT TO GET IT OFF AND THERE'S A O-RING SENSOR LEAK CAN'T PASS THE ECHECK. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE AUGUST AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET THE CAR FIXED TO PASS THE CHECK IS OVER THE AMOUNT FOR THE CAR AND I AM STILL PAYING A NOTE WHEN THE CAR IS STATION IS LEAKING GAS WHEN IT IS MOTION IT BARELY LEAKS WHEN I PARK IT, IT POURS OUT
Mileage: 79,780
20170730ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS AT THE GRO. STORE CAME OUT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START 1/2 TANK OF GAS HAD SOME ONE TO TRY A JUMP START TO NO AVAIL. THE NEXT DAY IT STARTED WENT TO WORK SAME THING IT TRIES TO START BUT WILL NOT AND THAT IS WHERE I AM NOW. WENT ON THE INTERNET AND SEE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I'M JUST LOOKING FOR HELP. AS MANY OTHER AMERICANS I DON'T HAVE MUCH MONEY AS A SINGLE MOM. I JUST NEED A ANSWER THANKS
Mileage: 194,073
20170729ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN FLASHING CAR WILL NOT START.
Mileage: 58,300
20170729ENGINE
SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN FLASHING CAR WILL NOT START.
Mileage: 58,300
Compare 2001OLDSMOBILEALERO to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO have?▼
The 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO has 549 NHTSA complaints, 28 crashes, 7 fires, 25 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO?▼
Yes, the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO?▼
The most-complained component for the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 89 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include EXTERIOR LIGHTING and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.