2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

294

Owner Complaints

27 Crashes 3 Fires 2 Deaths

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

24

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

The 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO has received a total of 294 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (79 complaints), Air Bags (22 complaints), and Engine (17 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO, potentially affecting up to 5,971,323 vehicles.

Recall 14V400000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 5,877,718 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's...

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Recall 04V528000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

| 92,863 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

294 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 79 6 Crashes 1 Fire 5 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bags
Complaints: 22 8 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries 1 Death
Engine
Complaints: 17 1 Fire
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 11
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 11
Steering
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes 5 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 9
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 9
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4
Tires
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblypressure Relief Devices
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11563760 | AIR BAGS | | 75,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and crossing an intersection, a speeding police vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the front driver's side wheel was bent. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact hit her chest against the steering wheel. Additionally, the left side of the contact' body hit the driver's side window. The contact was knocked unconscious for approximately 30 minutes. The police officers removed the driver's side door and assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where she spent one night. The contact was then transported to another hospital where she spent two weeks. The contact sustained severe head, collarbone, neck, and back pain. Additionally, the contact sustained chest pain bruises, and a broken left foot. The contact was then sent to a rehabilitation center where she spent one week. The contact was then transported to her residence by emergency units. The contact stated that she had not been able to work properly and she had been depressed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
#11444480 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone
#11444480 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone
#11444480 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone
#11233626 | ENGINE | | 74,350 miles
1200 MILES AFTER J02 RECALL CAR RUNS SLUGGISH GOING UP CANYON. STOP CAR AND ENGINE IS MISFIRING. TURN AROUND AND COAST DOWNHILL IN NEUTRAL UNTIL CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON THEN STOP AND PARK CAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS. CALLED DEALER AND ASKED WHAT I SHOULD DO. COAST OUT OF THE CANYON WITH THE ENGINE OFF. TURN ENGINE ON AFTER SEVERAL MILES AND NO MORE PROBLEMS. DRIVE HOME CAREFULLY. NEXT DAY THROWS SEVERAL CODES AND RUNNING SLUGGISH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER CODES ARE GONE RIGHT BEFORE IT GOES TO DEALER. THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IF CAR HAS NO ACTIVE CODES OR SYMPTOMS. ABOUT A WEEK LATER TURN CAR ON AND CAR IS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AND HAS SEVERAL PENDING CODES. CAREFULLY DRIVE HOME. CODES DIDN'T SAVE. FINALLY ABLE TO TAKE TO DEALER AROUND JUNE 25TH WHILE CAR IS MAKING THE KNOCKING NOISE BUT NO CODES AND THEY THINK IT'S A LIFTER BUT NOT SURE. I LEFT THE CAR AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUE. LITERALLY THE SAME DAY I PICK THE CAR UP IT IS KNOCKING AND CONSISTENTLY DOES SO FOR THE NEXT WEEK AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP. JULY 5 ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S BEING HIT BY A HAMMER AND THROWS P0011 CAM TIMING ADVANCED. OIL PRESSURE IS 5PSI AT IDLE AND 40PSI AT 5000RPM. HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALER BECAUSE IT PROBABLY WOULDN'T MAKE THE DRIVE AND THEY SAY IT IS PISTON SLAP WITHOUT EVEN OPENING THE ENGINE THEY DETERMINE IT IS NOT CAUSED BY THE RECALL. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE WITH THE TIMING COVER, OIL PAN AND ONE VALVE COVER OFF AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THEM TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS HAPPENING TO DOZENS OF PEOPLE AFTER THE RECALL. I'M GOING TO TRY TO GET THE DEALER TO ACTUALLY TEAR IT DOWN TO DIAGNOSE IT.. CODES THROWN SO FAR ARE P0011 P219A P0301 P000A P0420 KNOCKING SEEMS TO BE WHEN OIL WARMS UP AND OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO ABOUT 30PSI AND BELOW.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

General Motors, LLC has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

010842001N — EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.

PIP5352 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an engine crank no start condition. Technician may find no fuel injector pulse and Diagnostic Trouble Code P0645. Technician should inspect fuse in the under hood fuse panel, position #37. If the fuse is found open replace...

PIC3557 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with diagnostics for a class 2 communications Diagnostic Trouble Code U1000 may not lead a technician to a final repair. Technician should be advised to disregard the Diagnostic Trouble Code U1000 that may be set current or in history.

070201 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

INCORRECT OUTER BACKING PLATE. OUTER BACKING PLATE HAS SHORT CENTRE PROTUSION. OUTER BACKING PLATE SHOULD HAVE TALL CENTER PROTRUSION. *KB

0804 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL LIFE SYSTEM RESET PROCEDURES - CARS. *NM

01262004 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

THIS IS A PRODUCT SERVICE MESSAGE REGARDING THE NEW PART NUMBER FOR THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR FOR CUSTOMER CONCERN OF THE HEATER MOTOR NOT BLOWING ON ONE UP TO ALL SPEEDS. *TT

01556 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT RUN. *TT

01477 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

4T45E 4T40E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1815. *TT

02139 — SUSPENSION:FRONT

SQUEAK OR RUB TYPE NOISE ON TURNS COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AS IF IT IS COMING FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER OR THE TOP MOUNT. *TT

03064 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPGRADE - OBD SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS. *TT

Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the OLDSMOBILE ALERO

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