The Alero is the worst car that Oldsmobile has come up with. Just looking online at peoples' website about the Alero...everyone complains about this car including myself. My dashboard and driverside warped after only having the car for one year. My emergency brake broke only have a year and 4 months...and I tried to get the dealership to fix it and comes to find out that even though you hav a 3yr/36,000mile warranty the brake is only covered for 12mths/12,000 miles. Don't buy the extended warranty if you decide to buy this car...because it only covers corrosion and nothing else. Also my head unit started to peel only after having the car 6 mths. This car is a lemon...it is all looks and is a piece of crap. DONT BUY THE OLDMOBILE ALERO. If you don't want to take my word for it....search online and you will find that many..I mean many people have had trouble with this car and have tried to complain to Oldsmobile and all they do is ignore us. Many people have had worse cases than me like the brakes just don't work at all and being on the freeway. Please everyone ALERO owner with problems with their cars we need to get together and complain the Oldsmobile.

I've searched this and another major forum and, including you, only 3 people total have spoken of warped dash pads and door panels. People like you (no offense) make a problem like this seem like the world is comming to an end. I can speak of many, many more vehicles that have a worse track record than the Alero. I can also say than many other auto manufacturers have worse customer service standards than GM. You spoke of GM not fixing your brake after 12 months / 12K miles. Well, to be frank, you had the chose to review the warranty booklet and see the warranty terms. It's right there, black and white. This problem happened to me, but was only a $48 fix. Chances are you had an automatic transmission, so what's the big deal? Save up if you really, really wanted it fixed.

You also spoke of 'Oldsmobile ignoring' you. Give me a break. If your vehicle is out of warranty, they have zero obligation to answer to you. Get over it.

Bottom line: You and a very minute group go around speaking of these vehicles like they are pure crap. They're not. They have issues just like any other vehicle on the market.

Jeremy

Warped dashboard/head unit rub off...honestly what car's materials goes bad that quickly. Acutally I have a manual transmission. The fix on emergency brake was not 48 dollars....if I took it to the GM Dealership it would have been 325 dollars because they had to fix the whole thing. The way they built the emergency brake....if one part of it brakes the whole thing has to be replaced...I took it to two other mechanics and cousin ( who is a mechanic) to see if this was just all bullshit...I took it to my mechanic and it cost me 200 dollars. All told me that the whole thing had to be replaced. The inside plastic part that connects the button and the actually brake broke. I have never came across a problem like that with japanese made cars. Yeah you are also correct about me looking at the warranty and I understand that they have no obligation to me...but still after only a year of having this car all this going wrong...It is ridiculous.
Yes, there are probably worse cars than the Alero...but that still doesn't justify ANY car to be poorly made. And when you say just basically suck it up save up and pay for it...you are just giving more credit to auto manufacturers to make shit cars because...people are just dumb enough to SUCK IT UP SAVE UP AND PAY FOR IT.
3 people??? ok..you are just searching major forums..why don't you actually search websites. There are actual websites out there..not forums.
Honestly why do you think American Made cars value drop so fast after you drive it off the lot..it's because American Made cars are known for very poor manufacturing. I bet all the other vehicles that have worse track records that you mention are all American Made.
And there probably won't be a recall I know that, but if I at least make one person think twice about buying this car..then I will be satisfied.

I've searched this and another major forum and, including you, only 3 people total have spoken of warped dash pads and door panels. People like you (no offense) make a problem like this seem like the world is comming to an end. I can speak of many, many more vehicles that have a worse track record than the Alero. I can also say than many other auto manufacturers have worse customer service standards than GM. You spoke of GM not fixing your brake after 12 months / 12K miles. Well, to be frank, you had the chose to review the warranty booklet and see the warranty terms. It's right there, black and white. This problem happened to me, but was only a $48 fix. Chances are you had an automatic transmission, so what's the big deal? Save up if you really, really wanted it fixed.

You also spoke of 'Oldsmobile ignoring' you. Give me a break. If your vehicle is out of warranty, they have zero obligation to answer to you. Get over it.

Bottom line: You and a very minute group go around speaking of these vehicles like they are pure crap. They're not. They have issues just like any other vehicle on the market.

Jeremy

Never had a dash problem except when I read a thread that they peel I thought for sure mine was starting to untill I looked closer and it was a piece of foam... As for the head unit/doorlocks/window buttons the fact that they wear and chip off is more aggrivating then I can express hear! Has anyone had the gear indicators chip off yet? It seems GM hosed olds and put parts on it that would last the lease time and/or the shotty warrenty!!!!!! Love my Olds not that I can go buy a new one anymore so I guess its all moot points! I think Ill go german now the car cost more the parts cost more but it breaks down about the same amout woot!

You said the main reason the value of American cars drop off so fast is because of bad quality...if you knew that why didn't you just by that Japanese car to begin with?? Also, the main reason American cars' values fall so quickly is because GM, Ford, and Chrysler sell their vehicles to rental agencies and also sell fleet vehicles, which flood the market. THAT'S the reason.

Jeremy

You are correct about the American cars flooding the market but honestly the reputation of American made cars are carp. Honestly I got what a paid for....I bought a cheap car and now I'm paying for it...I won't make that mistake again. I was niave and I was looking more for price than anything else....I bought the Alero because it was an Oldsmobile and I have an oldsmobile previous to buying this one. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it. It's a 83 Hurst/Olds 15th Anniversary Cutlass.
Jeremy honestly...just looking on the Aleros' Thread pages not only on this website....there are so many complains of things going wrong with it.....looking at other car threads there are less complaints. There was no intent in offending you if I came across that way. You seem to be very hostile about this subject. This is my opinion and I have a right to it and you can't force your opinion on me and just expect me to fall in line and agree. You have your opinion and I have mine. My opinion on this car is that it's warranty sucks, the car itself is just looks...it's a lemon car....with many defaults.

I have two things to say then I'm done:

1) Honda / Toyota have the same warranty.

2) You said on your first post, "Get together and recall the Alero". The only time a recall occurs is if there is a SAFETY OR DRIVABILITY issue with the car. I hardly think your warping dashpads are a safety concern.

BTW - There is a fix for that water leak.

Jeremy

Acutally Toyota has a 3 yr warranty on their BRAKES...OLDSMOBILE only covers... 12 months/12000 miles warranty on brakes.(do your research)...and I wasn't talking about a recall because of my warped dashboard JER...I was talking about the faulty brakes....what if I was on the freeway and I had to use my emergency brake and it just didn't work...I could cause a serious accident...and looking at trends and websites many people have the same problem...maybe not on the emergency brakes but on their brakes...

Straight from the Toyota website:

"Basic: 36 months/36,000 miles (all components other than normal wear and maintenance items)."

Hate to tell you pal, but brakes/rotors count as wear. YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH

Jeremy

STRAIGHT FROM SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA:

Longo Toyota
3534 North Peck Road
El Monte, CA 91731
Phone: (626) 580-6000
Fax: (626) 580-6137

Emergency brake..if broken 36/36,000 miles warranty...totally free...

FOR AN OLDSMOBILE ALERO:

Emergency brake..if broken costing the consumer something...WHY because Oldsmobile's warranty sucks... cost me 200 just because I knew the mechanic for a long time and didn't charge me labor.

Note: A toyota emergency brake probably wouldn't brake in a year and some months because their quality of craftsmanship is awesome compared to the alero.

You have too much time on your hands...Anyway, regaurdless of what Toyota said, I had the same issue you did with your e-brake and it only cost me 50 bucks...you got hosed.

Jeremy

Hey AleroSucks,

You are right, there are lemons and I think maybe you got one and that sucks for you. I have a 2000 Alero and it is now 2004. I do not have any of the problems you speak of. The only major thing I've had to do was replace the signal light arm assembly to the tune of $250.

Like Jeremy said, no need to recall a vehicle unless there is a serious defect.

You are just mad that you got a lemon. There is some Toyota owner out there pissed off at their car too. Sell it and buy something else if your not happy. Don't whine here.

i have a 2000 alero, only problems iv had is with the recaled turn singnal / hazard button. it whent flakey.

ebake works fine. no waped. stearing is fine.

i did hit a tree stump and have to get a new bumper and bent my tie rod

Just curious: What does a bent tie rod to do the driveability of the vehicle?

Jeremy

had to replace it.. my alinement was like /\

your complaining about a broken e-brake? geeze, you probably broke the cable or it may have slipped, its a 30 minute (atmost) job.

Warrenties on breaks are stupid they only make the company loose money, I can runn through a pair of pads in about 2 months if I want to, so your saying if I had a Toypta I could go to the dealer every 2 months for 3 years and get new pads?

I'm interested, what exactly broke with your e-brake? sound to me that even your buddy mechanic ripped you off. lol

I have an 2001 Oldmobile Alero that I have had nothing but problems with. Currently the Service Vehicle soon light, anti-lock, and trac off light are on and the mechanics have ran numerous diagnostic tests only to get a different reading each time all of which could cost a minimum of 1000.00 I have had it with my ALero I will never again purchase another Oldsmobile vehicle. You will be driving along with the lights on and not have any problems next thing you know you have NO brakes and 30seconds to a minute later they kick back in and start working. I have a 3 year old son and am currently pregnant I cant afford to be in my car with my family and have no brakes. Oldsmobile will not help with this issue they need to recall the Entire car. The car is not safe and if you could find out for definite what was wrong maybe then someone could fix it only you never know what is wrong cause every diagnostic test sayd something different depending on the time I guess. I would not reccommend for anyone to buy an Oldmobile ALero for anyone.
Brandy
If you have had similar problems with your Alero PLEASE email me at
bubbers2@mchsi.com
Thanks

well you cant buy a new olds... thay got baught out. my 2000 alero hasnt had a problem yet. but i replace my brakes when i need to and change my oil on time

RE: Sunnshine:

Is your Serveice ENGIN Soon light on or is it you Service VEHICLE light? The Alero is equipped with both, and each serve a very distinct and very different purpose. The Service Engine light is for emission control issues such as a loose gas cap, bad o2 sensor, fouled spark plugs, bad plug wires, ect. The Service Vehicle light is only for isssues regaurding daytime running lights. My 97 Malibu had it and my 2002 Alero has it, but I personally think it's stupid. It makes many people, who have no clue about cars whatsoever, freak out since it sounds so serious. If the Service Vehicle light is on, just replace the bulb or check the fuse for the DRL system.

When the dealer says that "it gives different codes each time" that's a lie. Anytime a code is thrown, it is stored in the powertrain control module and cannot be cleared unless you use a scantool to do so. I suggest you take the car to a different GM Goodwrench service center or a qualified independent mechanic. Honestly, these vehcicles are about as easy as they come in terms of service...anyone who is ASE certified (all dealer mechanics) is more than capable of working on the 3.4L engine that's in the Alero.

Jeremy

The Alero is the worst car that Oldsmobile has come up with. Just looking online at peoples' website about the Alero...everyone complains about this car including myself. My dashboard and driverside warped after only having the car for one year. My emergency brake broke only have a year and 4 months...and I tried to get the dealership to fix it and comes to find out that even though you hav a 3yr/36,000mile warranty the brake is only covered for 12mths/12,000 miles. Don't buy the extended warranty if you decide to buy this car...because it only covers corrosion and nothing else. Also my head unit started to peel only after having the car 6 mths. This car is a lemon...it is all looks and is a piece of crap. DONT BUY THE OLDMOBILE ALERO. If you don't want to take my word for it....search online and you will find that many..I mean many people have had trouble with this car and have tried to complain to Oldsmobile and all they do is ignore us. Many people have had worse cases than me like the brakes just don't work at all and being on the freeway. Please everyone ALERO owner with problems with their cars we need to get together and complain the Oldsmobile.

-How about we all get together and bring the alero back. It's not like it hasn't grown in popularity among the custom car enthusiast'. Quit your bitchin' and start looking at the good things in life......superchargers,Cat-Backs, and what the hell, its christmas, let throw in a Body Kit. I'm sorry you feel that way about the olds, its only trying to win but you keep abusing it. (ever hear of "dash protectant"??)-

I agree with 02oldsalero. I firmly believe that everyone who bitches about problems with their car, don't take care of their cars that well.

Jeremy

I have the first model a 99 gls with the v6. It has 104K and runs perfect without any serious concerns. The 3.8 is actually used in many GM cars like the camaro and the gt grand am. The interior is still in like new condition. My only problem was a crack in the overflow bottle that acted like a blown head gasket. I LOVE this car. I can easily beat honda's and other Euro cars with this thing. And I get about 25 mpg

The Alero uses the 3.4L, not the 3.8L. The 3.4 is used in the Grand Am, and both the 3.4 and 3.8 were used in the Camaros/Firebirds. The last generation of F-Bodies used the 3.8, while the 94-96 models used the 3.4L. The 3800 would rule in the Alero/Grand Am, too bad they never stuffed it in there.

yo...i was just going to let you know that my dash has also fallen apart...i have a 2001 and my headunit has the letters coming off...i was driving down the road and the A frame between the door and the windshield decided to fly off for no reason...and my window motors have gone out 3 times. also my steering wheel tilt has broken and just been stuck at the top (school bus style) but my E brake is still fine... i am surprised though because i pull it a lot.. but i dont think that they should recall them... i just think that all of this mess breaking on me is more of a reason to give it hell

I have a 2003 Olds Alero with 39,000 miles on it, and the only REAL problems I have had with it was the Tilt steering wheel broke when it was in the top position, like Tyleydun's did, and then I had a sensor go out, oh and the painted letters on the stereo unit coming off..... Thats all.... Their are a few other things that the car does that I dont like, but have been told is normal...... All in all I think its a great car!!!! I use it as an out-of-town car and use it to travel to Austin once a month, and Houston 2 times a month and San Antonio 1 time a month... I love it. Its a great car with pretty good gas mileage.. I have the 2.2L I4 ...

Wes

I don't know what in the world you guys are talking about with having an Alero being a piece of junk. I take care of my car and I street race with no problems. Most of the problems you people are talking about is just usual wear on any car. The only bad thing about the car is the air foil is low in the coupe that I would end up ripping it off if I drove through most interesctions at full speed.

I Used To Love My Car, But Now I'm Just Trying To Get Rid Of It. However, Not Too Many Car Dealers Are Willing To Give You A Good Price For It. I'm Wondering Why The Alero Has Not Been Recalled. I Tried To Put The Yr Make And Model In To See If There Was A Recall But There Are Only Recalls On Aurora, Bravado, And Silhouette. Did They Forget That They Messed Up On The Alero Too. Just Tell Me What We Need To Do To Get This Taken Care Of Because All I Wanted Was A Reliable Car When I Purchased It But I Was Mislead!

As has been stated several other times in this forum (and in others), recalls are for safety related issues, not because the letters are wearing off the radio, you put 150,000 miles on your car and the tranny puked, etc. I've owned many different cars - every one has quirks, like it or not. If you're that unhappy with your car, sell it, cut your losses and buy something that will (hopefully) make you happy. I've lost my a$$ on more than one car by dumping it just to rid myself of the problems. But then again, when a car hits much more than 130,000 miles you're pretty d*mn stupid if you think nothing is going to go wrong.

Also a reply to minolet - I agree about the front air dam - just ripped mine off last week hitting an ice chunk that fell off a truck ahead of me. Maybe I should write to GM and see if they'll replace that on my 5 year old car with almost 80,000 miles.... Must have been installed improperly at the factory.

I just want to say that I understand some people having issues with their Alero's. I own an Alero and have had no major problems with it, only a few things that I caused myself. This car runs and drives beautifully. This is not the only car out there with issues. Try searching some other car makes and you will find that they have just as many problems. I did it myself and found that major names like Volvo, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, etc. They all have tonnes of sites with people complaining about the cars. All car models have a lot of lemons. My dad owned a Volvo and i have to say it turned out to be the worst car I have ever seen, and he bought it brand new.