is the alero problematic??

from what i can tell from here and other places the alero has some problems. any major problems with it or just some small things here and there?? i wanna know the scoop on the alero!!:)

Yes and Yes....

They have a nice group of issues, but overall mine has been amazing.

- Jeremy

what kind of problems??

Intake manifold gaskets, bad wheel bearings/speed sensors, bad alternators, and bad ignition tumblers.

- Jeremy

We had problems with our '02 GL2 (42K miles) back in 2003 under warranty. Power steering pump and a complete rack and pinion due to a leak. Driver's side strut mount. The intake manifold gaskets were changed out because we had a good dealer and they alerted us to the GM TSB. No malfunction but replaced free of charge. AC Delco battery failed a year ago.

However, it still has the original hub/bearings, alternator, ignition switch, brakes and Goodyear Eagle RSA tires.

Our alero (3.4L) V6 80K+ had all the major ones on the list
-Intake Gasket
-Blower Motor Resistor
-Hazard Warning Switch
-2 Passenger Side Front Wheel Bearings
-Rear Window Defogger non-operational

I also remember replacing CV Joint Boots, but I guess I would classify that as normal wear/tear items.

hmmm interesting... some of that is simple but some are a tad bigger. its nothign i havent done before but thanks alot for the info guys. im currently looking for one to buy!!

I've had the blower motor resistor die, one hub bearing go bad, left front coil spring broke (never had that happen before), and the whatever box that goes between the radio antenna and the rear defroster gird go bad. All that was fixed under warranty except the blower motor resistor - that died 500 miles after the warranty ran out. I've got the 2.4, so no intake gasket problems for me. I replaced the battery this spring right around 98K.

Other than the above, it's just been maintenance items like plugs and oil changes and brakes. I can't complain much for a 7 year old car with 110K. I'll give it one thing - it's never left me stranded, it always limped home, although it was an interesting drive home with a busted coil spring....

hmmm interesting... some of that is simple but some are a tad bigger. its nothign i havent done before but thanks alot for the info guys. im currently looking for one to buy!!


Look, talking man to man.. Don't buy one.. There's other used cars better than this..

I guess that's true reliability wise, but you can't beat the price. I found a 2004 GL1 V6 online with nearly everything except leather and sunroof with only 22K miles on it for under $9500. That's a steal. There's no way you can find a similarly equipped midsize vehicle with V6 and traction control that's 2 years old for that price. Plus, these cars are amazingly easy to service yourself. That's always a plus.

- Jeremy

I've got a 99 with the 3.4 V6 and have had some of the same problems as everyone else. Jeremy hit the nail on the head. You get a good bang for your buck. Will you have problems? Maybe, maybe not. You could always go get a Grand Am and be just like the other 40 million Grand Am owners out there. lol...

The bottom line IMO is that the only cars in existence that don't have problems are the ones sitting in museums, barns or junk yards.

You have to take the good with the bad, there's no such thing as a perfect or malfunction-free vehicle.

Intake manifold gaskets, bad wheel bearings/speed sensors, bad alternators, and bad ignition tumblers.

- Jeremy

Same here, 3 wheel bearings, strut mounts, window guides, etc.

i have come across some things before, i have a 99 cougar that has ALL sorts of problems so im not really scared about the problems. i was just curious as to WHAT type of problems the Alero has. like stated before every car has problems!! im sure there are better cars out there, but im not into the whole import thing persay and i already have an olds so i wanted to go back to where my heart is and thats with Oldsmobile.

i have come across some things before, i have a 99 cougar that has ALL sorts of problems so im not really scared about the problems. i was just curious as to WHAT type of problems the Alero has. like stated before every car has problems!! im sure there are better cars out there, but im not into the whole import thing persay and i already have an olds so i wanted to go back to where my heart is and thats with Oldsmobile.


It's an easy target to beat up on, but I bought mine brand new in Dec '02 and have 145K miles.. I'd list my problems with it but I don't have the time.. Probably spent about 3-4K in repairs on it over the years..


Just check the oil and coolant to make sure of any leaks (without removing stuff of course).. When you take off the Radiator cap look on the bottom of the cap and check for a brown sludgy looking substance.. Also it wouldn't hurt to take a socket and check one of the spark plugs.. If they look like this RUN!!!!!!!

http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3435255

i really appreciate all your comments man!! ive pretty much seen it all. it sounds like its car dependent on the problems. well i guess we shall see how it goes.