Oldsmobile Alero Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Oldsmobile Alero across 7 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (85). The words owners use most often: “intake manifold” (28% of reports).
- 257engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $1,350typical repair cost reported by owners
- 50%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Intake manifold: mentioned in 72 of 257 complaints (28%)
- Head gasket: mentioned in 17 of 257 complaints (7%)
- Coolant leaking: mentioned in 14 of 257 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Oldsmobile Alero at $1,350, and half of them between $1,150 and $1,500.
Based on 33 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2008), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 154 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 257 complaints, 5 a fire.
Oldsmobile Alero engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Alero | 4 | 4% | 42,500 |
| 2003 Alero | 12 | 7% | 66,500 |
| 2002 Alero | 28 | 10% | 62,600 |
| 2001 Alero | 46 | 13% | 64,400 |
| 2000 Alero | 81 | 15% | 53,474 |
| 1999 Alero | 85 | 18% | 63,000 |
| 1998 Alero | 1 | 50% | 3,457 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine and engine cooling for the Oldsmobile Alero. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alera. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the temperature gauge increased and white smoke or mist emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated…
2001 oldsmobile alero ignition switch. *mw the consumer stated the ignition switch was replaced in november 2010, due to the vehicle stalling when placed in reverse. Also, none of the gauges and dash lights worked, the fuel pressure regulator and head gasket were replaced. *jb
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving roughly and there was a sudden increase in engine rpms. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump…
Appropriate handling- submission from re 2000 oldsmobile alero vehicle defects *tgw the consumer stated he has been unsuccessful at getting the recall repairs rectified free of charge. The consumer referenced recall # 00v140000. *jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. The contact filled the radiator with coolant yet two days later, the vehicle began to overheat again. The vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis where the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Oldsmobile Aleros have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 257 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Oldsmobile Alero. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Oldsmobile Alero engine and engine cooling?
No recall currently lists engine and engine cooling for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Oldsmobile Alero?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,350 (half paid between $1,150 and $1,500), from 33 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Oldsmobile Alero?
The most frequent phrase is “intake manifold”, in 72 of 257 complaints, followed by “head gasket” (17).
Other Oldsmobile Alero problems
- Electrical System problems (601)
- Exterior Lighting problems (356)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (315)
- Visibility problems (170)
- Suspension problems (107)
- Air Bags problems (101)
See all Oldsmobile Alero problems.