FaultScore

2001 Oldsmobile Alero window and wiper problems

36 of the 549 complaints about the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 71,000 miles.

B

36

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Window Devices AND Controls 12 33.3%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 5 13.9%
Windshield 4 11.1%
Glass, Side/Rear 3 8.3%
Rear Window 3 8.3%
Visibility 3 8.3%
Exterior 2 5.6%
Rearview Mirrors/Devices 2 5.6%
Linkages 1 2.8%
Visibility/Wiper 1 2.8%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Oldsmobile Alero year

1999 59 33.7%
2000 51 29.1%
2001 36 20.6%
2002 16 9.1%
2003 13 7.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kingston, NY

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

2001 OLDMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10648093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Buffalo, NY

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

REAR DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. WENT TO DEALER FOR ANOTHER ISSUE AND DEALER TOLD ME SOMEONE PUT IN AN INADEQUATE WIRE TO MODULE AND CAUSED IT TO MELT. WENT TO 3 JUNKYARDS TODAY AND FOUND 6 ALERO AROUND THE SAME YEAR THAT ALL HAD THE WIRE MELTED TO THE MODULE. FOUND THIS ONLINE SO HERE I AM.. DEALER TRIED TO POINT FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE BUT ITS OBVIOUS THIS IS AN ALERO PROBLEM. I'LL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER AGAIN TO SEE WHAT THEY'LL DO ABOUT IT BEFORE IT CAUSES A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10550161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO GL AND NOT EVEN A DAY LATER, THE TURN SIGNALS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THE FUSES ARE STILL IN GREAT SHAPE AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS STILL WORK. I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR CERTAIN VIN #'S FOR THE TURN SIGNAL RELAY AND HAZARD LIGHT RELAY TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH MY VIN IS NOT ONE OF THE ISSUED NUMBERS, I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS A DANGER WHEN DRIVING AND I WANT MY VIN TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR THE SAME RECALL. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WAS UNAWARE OF THESE ISSUES. MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY MEAN THE MOST, AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM MYSELF WHEN IT WASN'T CAUSED BY ME IN THE BEGINNING. OLDSMOBILE/GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES AND NOT JUST THE ONES IN THE RECALL BULLETIN.

NHTSA complaint #10515554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles BAY City, MI

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

SEVERAL FAILURES OF EITHER FRONT BRAKES OR REAR BRAKES REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. FAILURE HAPPENS AFTER LESS THAN 20,000 ON EACH SET OF BRAKES. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 3 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON DRIVER SIDE AS WELL AS 2 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH DRIVERS WINDOW AND PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE.... UPDATED 04/11/13

NHTSA complaint #10506095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,000 miles Marshall, MI

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

JUST BOUGHT MY 2001 ALERO RIGHT OFF THE CAR LOT, BUT NOW THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER MIRROR ISN'T WORKING, LIGHTER ISN'T WORKING, CALLED THE CAR LOT TO TELL THEM THAT AND HE SAID THAT IT COULD BE THE FUSE WAS BAD! SO I BUY A USED CAR FOR THREE GRAND AND MINOR STUFF STARTS HAPPENING TO IT.... HOW MUCH IS A FUSE??

NHTSA complaint #10499697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burnsville, MN

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WASN'T ROLLING UP AND WE HEARD IT SNAP. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE WINDOW UP AND HAD IT THERE FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS UNTIL THE WINDOW CLIPS BROKE AND THE WHOLE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. WE BOUGHT A NEW WINDOW AND A NEW WINDOW REGULATOR BUT NOW IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR? THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN LIVING IN MINNESOTA. IT'S ALMOST WINTER TIME AND WE DON'T HAVE A WORKING WINDOW OR AT LEAST ONE THAT STAYS SHUT AT ALL TIMES. SHOULD OLDSMOBILE HAVE TO RECALL ALL WINDOWS AND REPLACE THEM FOR FREE? PLASTIC CLIPS? HOW WOULD YOU EVER THINK THEY WOULD HOLD UP? I'M VERY UPSET BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY AND THESE WINDOW ISSUES ARE COSTING US A LOT OF MONEY.

NHTSA complaint #10363837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Oswego, NY Fire

VISIBILITY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER, LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE BACK PANEL BY THE REAR WINDOW, BECOMES VERY HOT AND MELTS. IT MELTED THE CONNECTION AND THE BOX THAT CONTAINS THE MODULE. AS A RESULT, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT HAS FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE AND BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10256325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Lexington, KY

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, APPROX 105,000 MILES. AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY I WENT OUTSIDE TO WARM UP MY CAR BEFORE WORK AND NOTICED THE HEATER BLOWER WASN'T WORKING. HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS REPLACED SO THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ALSO NOTICED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE CAR, AS IF AN ELECTRICAL MOTOR WAS HOT, SO ASSUMED THE BLOWER MOTOR OVERHEATED AND WENT OUT. LATER THAT DAY CHECKED THE FUSE FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR- IT WAS BAD, I CHANGED IT AND THE HEATER WORKED. HOWEVER, STILL NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL SMELL AND FINALLY ASSOCIATED IT WITH THE REAR DEFOGGER. AROUND MARCH 07 THE DEFOGGER QUIT WORKING. NOTICED TODAY ON MY CAR STATS THAT A COMPLAINT WAS FILED IN FEBRUARY WITH A FAIL DATE OF 01/17/08 WHERE THE REAR DEFOGGER FAILED AND THE CAR ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE. MY CAR DID NOT CATCH FIRE, BUT IT IS THE SAME YEAR AND APPROXIMATE MILEAGE AS THE ONE THAT DID. I'M SURE THESE AREN'T THE ONLY TWO. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IF YOU NOTICE AN ELECTRICAL SMELL, GET IT CHECKED OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10220998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Cincinnati, OH Fire

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE REAR SEAT WAS DAMAGED AND THE REAR WINDOW WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS ALSO SMOKE DAMAGE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10217384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eaton Rapids, MI

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DRIVER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WHEN THE HOLDING CLIPS INSIDE THE DOOR BROKE OFF THE LIFT MECHANISM.

NHTSA complaint #10214414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hawthorne, CA

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SINCE FEB. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 05 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WENT ON HOT (AND THE CAR WAS NOT). I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY OF COURSE FOUND NOTHING WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER THEY USE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS WASN'T REGISTERING ANYTHING. NOT QUITE A MONTH HAD PASSED WHEN I STARTED TO HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE CAR, A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN A.M. TRAFFIC ON THE FWY. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN, THEY STATED IT WAS CPC COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE IGNITER HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, IT STALLED AGAIN, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AGAIN THE NEXT DAY IT WAS TAKEN IN AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS PASS AND THE SAME PROBLEMS START TO OCCUR, THIS TIME WHEN IT WAS THERE, NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THIS TIME AGAIN DRIVING ON THE FWY. THE CAR STALLED, I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, THE CAR AGAIN AS USUAL WOULD NOT RESTART, NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS I MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY. MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER CURRENTLY AND THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. IN READING OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A PROBLEM. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO KILLED BEFORE GMC DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS?

NHTSA complaint #10155089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ADA, OK

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DRIVER'S SIDE CAR WINDOW ROLLED DOWN BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. CAR IS 2001 OLDS ALERO 2 DR. WAS HAVING PROBLEMS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WITH THE WINDOW ROLLING ALL THE WAY DOWN INSTEAD OF JUST PART OF THE WAY. THE REGULATOR IS STILL MAKING A SOUND SO THE MOTOR IS STILL OPERABLE FOR THE MOMENT BUT THE WINDOW IS OFF THE TRACK OR THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD THE WINDOW ARE BROKE. WHAT HAPPENED TOSSING METAL. IT WOULD SAVE HEADACHES FOR EVERYONE.

NHTSA complaint #10153593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Waukesha, WI

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

AROUND JULY 15, 2005 MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT OF THE CHANNEL AND INTO THE DOOR. (THE WINDOW WAS BEING ROLLED UP AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. WHEN TRYING TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW AGAIN IT FELL INTO THE DOOR.) I HAD THE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED BY A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTER ON JULY 15, 2005 FOR A TOTAL OF $231.15 PARTS AND LABOR. ON JANUARY 30, 2006 THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN AND WHEN ROLLING IT BACK UP A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AS IT REACHED THE TOP OF THE DOOR FRAME. WHEN PRESSING THE BUTTON TO ROLL THE WINDOW BACK DOWN THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER AND WAS QUOTED OVER $400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR FOR A NEW MOTOR/REGULATOR AND NEW GLASS SINCE THE ARMS OF THE REGULATOR WERE BROKE AND STILL STUCK TO THE GLASS. I HAVE NOT HAD THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FIXED YET SINCE I AM TRYING TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO BOTH WINDOWS IN LESS THAN A YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10149230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Wheaton, IL

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

2001 ALERO (2 DR. COUPE) I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL SITES AND AM FINDING MANY ALERO OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. FUEL PUMP, WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS, POWER WINDOW FAILURE(GRINDING/BREAKING CLIPS/REGULATORS), SERV ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY ON, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BRAKE PROBLEMS ETC. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT OLDS KNEW THEY WEREN'T MAKING THIS CAR ANYMORE, AND SENT A SUB-PAR PRODUCT OUT INTO THE MARKET "HOPING" TO GET AWAY WITH AS FEW RECALLS AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH OLDS AND GENERAL MOTORS. GENERAL MOTORS HAS GONE WAY OUT AND OFFERED ME A $500.00 CERTIFICATE TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. GIVE ME ONE REASON I SHOULD GO THROUGH ANOTHER NIGHTMARE LIKE THIS ONE. RECALLS HAVE NEVER BEEN ISSUED ON ANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE IT WOULD PROBABLY COST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I CONSTANTLY WAIT TO SEE IF ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS INVOLVING THESE VEHICLES OCCURS AS I WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO JUMP IN. WHAT'S THE SAYING..."IF IT LOOKS LIKE DOG CRAP AND SMELLS LIKE DOG CRAP DON'T STEP IN IT, IT'S PROBABLY DOG CRAP". THERE'S A DEFINED PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND GM SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM.

NHTSA complaint #10131778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Herriman, UT

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

I HAVE A 2001 OLDMOBILE ALERO WITH AUTOMATIC WINDOWS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 WINDOWS DUE TO THE MOTOR GOING OUT CAUSING THE WINDOW TO NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. I AM WAITING FOR THE 4TH WINDOW TO BREAK.

NHTSA complaint #10129717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lancaster, PA

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

2001 ALERO GL HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER, CRUISE CONTROL, AND THE FLOOR WAS LEAKING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GAS, THE VEHICLE ONLY GOT 208 MILE PER TANK OF GAS. THE REAR DEFROSTER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION AND ABS BRAKES. ON TWO OCCASION THIS FAILURE CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SEAT SLID FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED ABRUPTLY.

NHTSA complaint #10122625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington, KY

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

I HAVE A 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND BACK IN 2003, WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, MY PASSANGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR CEASED TO WORK. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THIS WINTER, HOWEVER, AFTER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED TO WORK AND MY WINDOW IS STUCK AND UNABLE TO GO DOWN. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST AN EXCESS OF $400 TO FIX THIS PART, WHICH IT APPEARS, WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT THE INABILITY TO RETRACT MY WINDOW IS A SAFETY CONCERN. IF I WERE TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE WINDOW WOULD NOT OPEN, THE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES OR I COULD DROWN, ETC...BEFORE HELP WOULD ARRIVE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION THAT SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE GENERAL MOTORS.

NHTSA complaint #10116007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,558 miles LOS Lunas, NM

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOW WAS UNABLE TO COME DOWN. DEALER STATES THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10109621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakdale, NY

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER TURNED ON THE HEAT AND THE DEFOGGER, AND BOTH FAILED TO COME ON PROPERLY. CONSUMER SMELLED AN ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK...

NHTSA complaint #10105599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,240 miles Clayton, DE

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

IN THE SPRING OF 2003 MY WINDOW, DRIVERS SIDE SLID INTO THE DOOR JAM. MY BOYFRIEND TOOK THE DOOR OFF AND WE REALIZED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS BENT AND THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT ATTACH TO THE WINDOW TO HOLD IT UP WERE BROKEN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WOULD COST $500.00 TO FIX IT. $300.00 FOR THE PART AND THE REST IN LABOR. I LOOKED INTO GETTING A USED PART, SO I BEGAN CALLING JUNK YARDS. A FEW HAD NO REGULATORS, HOWEVER AT FITZGERALDS IN LINCOLN DE I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS THE 4 OR 5TH PERSON TO CALL IN REGARDS TO A REGULATOR FOR AN ALERO. HE STATED THAT HE COULD ORDER THE PART WHOLESALE AND IT WOULD COST $120.00. I ALSO BEGAN A SEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND A MECHANIC IN NY THAT WOULD FIX MY REGULATOR OR GIVE ME A REPAIRED ONE FOR AROUND $80.00, SO I SENT IT TO HIM. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PARTS THAT HE GAVE WITH THE REGULATOR WERE NOT RIGHT AND WHEN TRYING TO INSTALL THE REGULATOR THE PLASTIC PIECES BROKE AGAIN. THE MECHANIC IN NY SEND ADDITIONAL PIECES AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE WINDOW WORKING PROPERLY, AFTER USING SOME ADHESIVE TO GET THE WINDOW TO STAY ATTACHED TO THE REGULATOR. THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET THE WINDOW COMPLETELY FIXED TOOK MONTHS. WE FINALLY GOT THE WINDOW WORKING AROUND OCTOBER OF 2003. NOW IT IS DECEMBER 2004 AND AGAIN THE WINDOW IS STARTING TO SLIP. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS SOMEHOW A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS INDEED A RECALL. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10100994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,642 miles Cheektowaga, NY

VISIBILITY

THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WILL NOT SUSTAIN. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD AIR DAILY. THE DEALER REFUSED TO COOPERATE. *AK THE LEFT FRONT DOOR BODY SIDE WAS FALLING, THE SOLDER JOINTS IN THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH MAY CRACK, THE COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THERE WAS AN ERRATIC SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION WAS FIRST TURNED ON, THE DRIVER WINDOW HAD A WATER LEAK, THE LEFT POWER WINDOW WON'T SEAL, THE REGULATOR WAS BROKEN, AND THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO BINDING CYLINDER LOCK. SC

NHTSA complaint #10090196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

London, KY

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 24 OCT 02, FROM A SMALL CAR LOT. ON 25 OCT 02, MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK. I TOOK IT IN TO THE CAR LOT AND THEY PUT A FOUR-WAY FLASHER IN IT. ON 26 OCT 02, IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED THE CAR SALESMAN AND HE SAID SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY, THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL MONDAY. AFTER WORKING ON IT FOR SEVERAL HOURS, MY FATHER FINALLY CLEANED OUT THE FUEL LINE AND GOT IT STARTED. ON NOV 6 2002, MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT BACK UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. ON 24 NOV 02, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE DIED AND THE "TRAC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD A ROLL BACK HAUL IT IN TO A MECHANIC. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID MY ONE MONTH/1,000 MI WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THEY WERE NOT GOING TO COVER CHARGES. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF 600.00. IN MAR 03, MY CAR BEGAN VIBRATING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP AND THEY PUT A NEW SET OF ROTORS ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE OLD ONES (FROM THE FACTORY) WERE TOO THIN TO BE RESURFACED. IN JUN 03, I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS CORRECTED IN THE SAME WAY, WITH NEW ROTORS. IN MAY 04, MY WINDOW FELL BACK DOWN INTO MY DOOR. MY FATHER GLUED THE PIECE BACK ON THAT HAD BROKEN LOOSE. ON JUL 8 04, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL OLDSMOBILE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPAIRED. THE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED AND NEW PADS WERE INSTALLED. ALSO, ON 21 JUL 04, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE WINDOWS REPAIRED. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $600.00 TO HAVE THEM FIXED BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME PIECE THAT WAS SHATTERED. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL WRECK-REPAIR SHOP AND THE GUY FIXED IT FREE OF CHARGE. HE SAID THERE WAS ONLY A PIECE THAT HAD CAME UNGLUED AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DIDN'T EVEN NEED ANY REPAIRS AT ALL. I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE MOST PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR'S WINDOWS.

NHTSA complaint #10082464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Augustine, FL

VISIBILITY

THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY. THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL TRIES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEVER "CRANK OVER." THE ENGINE VIBRATED WHEN THE A/C WAS USED,THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, THE FRONT WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN, THE REAR HANDLES FELT LIKE THEY WERE STICKING, THERE WAS A BURNT OIL SMELL, AND AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD RUN ROUGH. THE MASTER SWITCH, A/C COMPRESSOR, CRANK SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL TANK, HAZARD SWITCH, AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANICS REPOSITIONED A WIRE HARNESS FROM THE CRANK SENSOR AND REPLACED THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID. THE TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING IN TRAFFIC IN WHICH THERE WAS ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. THE ANTENNA WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE RADIO SIGNAL WOULD GO OUT EVERY TIME THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS USED (THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM). THE BACK WINDOW HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED TO SOLVE THE ANTENNA PROBLEM. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE SEAL FOR THE COOLANT LEAKED. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10074104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Payette, ID

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

WINDOWS REGULATOR & POWER WINDOW MOTORS BOTH SIDES BECOME INOPERABLE,HIGH COST OF REPAIR. ALSO THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM. WIRES LOOSE,GET PINCHED BY GEARSHIFT. NOW THE RADIOS VOLUME TURNS UP WITH HIGHER RPM OR DOWN AT LOW RPM.WHEN BACK WINDOW DEFROSTER IS ON RADIO CRACKLES OR COMPLETELY TURNS OFF.SAME HAPPENS AT TIMES WHEN PUTTING GEAR INTO PARK. THERE IS REALY NO INCIDENT DATE, THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 6-8 MONTH.

NHTSA complaint #10066483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mesa, AZ

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

WHILE ROLLING UP THE WINDOWS CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE AND SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER, DRIVER, AND REAR WINDOW DROPPED DOWN INTO THE FRAME OF THE WINDOWS, CAUSING ALL THE WINDOWS TO BREAK. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED.

NHTSA complaint #10067324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Groton, CT

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS START WHEN I TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO TURN OVER. DRIVER SIDE MIRROR SHAKES. THE NUMBERS ON THE RADIO BUTTONS HAVE RUBBED OFF. REAR DEFROST DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. ROTORS ARE ALWAYS WEARING OUT. USED TO HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE EVERY TIME I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL - HAD THE STEERING RACK REPLACED. INTERIOR DOME LIGHT FALLS OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10023707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Groton, CT

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS START WHEN I TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO TURN OVER. DRIVER SIDE MIRROR SHAKES. THE NUMBERS ON THE RADIO BUTTONS HAVE RUBBED OFF. REAR DEFROST DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. ROTORS ARE ALWAYS WEARING OUT. USED TO HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE EVERY TIME I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL - HAD THE STEERING RACK REPLACED. INTERIOR DOME LIGHT FALLS OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10023707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Brunswick, NJ

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

THE REAR DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #10011477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union Grove, NC

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER'S STOPPED ROTATING NORMALLY AND BEGAN "JUMPING" AROUND ERRATICALLY AS IF SOMEONE WAS BEATING THEM DIRECTLY ONTO WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER TURN VEHICLE OFF/ON AND WIPERS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION ERRATICALLY UNTIL THE WIPER MOTOR BURNED OUT. NOW WIPERS ARE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. TS

NHTSA complaint #8022940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Forks, ND

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

NO HEAT TO PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR DURING WINTER MONTHS. DEALER NOTIFIED AND HEATER ASSEMBLY POORLY DESIGNED. UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. DT

NHTSA complaint #768789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 Oldsmobile Alero problems

← Full 2001 Oldsmobile Alero report