1999 Oldsmobile Alero: engine failure

6 of the 462 complaints about the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2004
1
2003
1
2002
2
2001
6
2000
7
1999
6

What owners say

Filed Jan 10, 2005 · Engine · 63,000 miles · MA

Without any warning or signs, the car engine died at approximately 65,000 mi. Car was driven locally and was well taken care of. It cost $1,700.00 to replace (with an engine that had 43,000 miles.), and seems that the engine should have lasted for more than 65,000 miles.

Filed Oct 22, 2003 · Engine · 72,000 miles · MD

The "coolant" light came on - then the car died & overheated...apparently coolant was leaking into the engine because a gasket failed...now the engine must be replaced at 70,000 miles. Starting at 3,000 miles, the check engine soon light came on & it has been in and out of dealerships ever since!!! Gm hasn't done a thing to help me! I just spent $1,300 to get the gasket replaced in the intake manifold & now they tell me the engine needs to be replaced!!! Please help me - I need a contact for gm - the customer service line has not done a thing to help & apparently this is a common problem...

Filed Apr 24, 2003 · Engine · KS

We purchased this car in july 2002 from classic chevrolet in owasso, ok. We also purchased an extended warranty. In december the car was hit from the rear by a hit and run driver. In january the engine began to knock. I called the warranty place and got permission to take it to a mechanic, he said it was the intake manifold gasket, replaced it when it still knocked he said it would take awhile for all the water to get out of the engine. We took it back, and got a run around for 4 weeks, finally called the warranty place told them he wasn't getting it fixed and requested permission to take it to a different shop. Granted then when they found out it needed a new engine they refused to pay for it, said they would only contribute a sum of money toward fixing it. I called gmac because they financed the warranty, one person told me that gm should honor the warranty and so I have a call in to a dealer in pittsburgh, ks. We no longer have a gm dealer in our town. My point is that someone needs to make this right and put a new engine in my car at no more expense to me. When I talk to gm I will be letting them know that I found your site and checked it out, and lodged a complaint. I am unsure of the exact date of the incident and since it is 4:15am am unable to call and get it.

Filed Oct 5, 2001 · Body, Engine · MI

Engine failed and was replaced twice.

Filed Apr 21, 2001 · Fuel system · MN

Broken intake manifold gasket may cause total engine failure as fluids then mix. Root cause is determined to be use of bi-metal engine components (I.e. Aluminum heads on cast iron block) research shows this problem can affect *every* bi-metalic gm engine produced from 1980's through late models.

Filed Jul 27, 2000 · Engine · CT

I purchased my 1999 oldsmobile alero on 4/20/00. Four days later, the car overheated. It overheated approximentley 10-12 times after that, each time with me bringing it back to the selling dealership to fix the problem. Each time I took the car back, something in the engine was replaced and I was told it was ok. No more than 5 miles down the road, the car would overheat. It seemed to be a mystery to everbody. Finally, I suggested to the dealership to possibly change the thermostat. They did and that ended the overheating problem. Now, a month later, the factory warranty is up- so olds wont help me, the dealerships warranty is up, so they wont help - they blame olds. I do have an extended warranty, but I dont think it covers a lot of the repairs that need to be done. Ive already had to pay $250 before it totally broke down. And besides this has been going on since I got the car when it was within the "bumper to bumper". The engine will not hold antifreeze (been going on for about 2 week), we put it in and 5 min. Down the road its gone! Its started overheating again, and right now is totally undrivable!! I have to use my works company car (lucky they are so nice) to get back and forth to work with. I bought a 1999 so that I would have a reliable car that I could trust to not give me these kinds of drastic problems! - so bad that it doesnt even work anymore!! I have been on the phone with oldsmobile numerous times and they are of no help!!! So, I've come to my last straw, ive gone to a consumer lawyer to help me figure this mess out...oh yeah, did I mention that I am a 20 year old female - what do I know??? - I have saved all of my receipts, have pics, and a file with olds. Someone has to do something!! I want revenge and to be compensated for this!!! And the way the lawyer talks, I cant sue unless they dont contact me when they recieve the letter of demand to fix the car. But obviously they will. I want more than that. Im ready for a battle!!