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1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering problems

30 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
65,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist: pump
    6
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    5
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    4
  • Rack and pinion
    3
  • Linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
    2
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
    1
  • Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Oldsmobile Alero steering problems in other years

199920002001200220032004

Related recalls

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported December 15, 1998 · 217 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut could have been improperly tightened.
Risk
This condition could cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary.

Recall number 98V320000 · Recall details

What 1999 Oldsmobile Alero owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 19, 2017 · Steering · 117,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. While driving at 20 MPH, the service warning light indicator illuminated. The contact had noticed the power steering was no longer effective and difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure for the power steering was repaired. The dealer was not contacted nor manufacturer. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Airbags, Steering · 90,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 1999 oldsmobile alero. While driving approximately 20 MPH over a bump, the contact lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the right shoulder and a concussion, which required medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Power windows have both went out had to replace the motor for that, 2 times now the rack and pinion has came out and 2 times I have had to replace altenator had to replace overflow resorvoir I dont find this to be a reliable or safe car to be in. I bought it used so who knows what has happened before I got it I forgot to mention my part-time signal lights they work when they want to and I had to replace air conditioning compresser I have only had car 5 yrs myself and its so not worth the money I have put into it the dates vary but the first was in 2004 and the last was 2009.

Filed May 1, 2009 · Fuel system, Steering · 10,375 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile alero. The contact was experiencing issues with the driver's side door regulator and motor. In addition, the rubber channel that is located inside the window was not tight and could cause the window to fall out and shatter. The window failure was repaired at the contact's expense. He also stated that the fuel system pressure regulator was failing. He heard a ticking noise and the vehicle drove differently. The dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle because it was no longer under warranty. The contact also believed that the steering wheel was not steering correctly. The dealer still refused to inspect the vehicle. The contact would like his complaint to be a priority because he is a vietnam veteran with multiple physical challenges and a limited income. The failure mileage was 10,375 and current mileage was 13,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 75,000 miles · TX

I have had an 99' oldsmobile alero for 7 years. It has had almost every problem listed on this website. It has had an over heating problem every year since I got it and I have spent thousands in repairs for the cooling system, fuel pump, poor interior manufacturer, AC/heater blower motor settings failure, fuel gauge failure, transmission leakage, poor springs/struts, gear slipping, hard starting, water leaking in from rain under glove compartment, off alignment (set three times in year), poor gas mileage, overheating or running above normal temperature and sudden overheating without notice of gauge lights or sounds. Has had front right caliper failure locking brake pads down against rotor causing burnout of pads,rotor warping, caliper cylinder damage. Has had power steering pump leakage. This car is a lemon and gm should not be allowed to get away with selling unsafe, worthless vehicles. The only reason I still have mine running is because I have put a lot of personal as well as paid labor into its upkeep over the years due to that I cant afford another car.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Steering · TX

Noticed play and looseness in steering had it check out by mechanic and found it was my rack and pinion I am replacing it with another used part.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

Rear defroster, steering, brakes (3x's), engine, radiator, belt, security systerm, tape deck, power windows.

Filed Nov 11, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 32,000 miles · NY

Purchased the car in february'03. Bad vibration when driving at speeds over 45 MPH, tires rotated and balanced 4+ times, both front wheel bearing/hub kits replaced in less than 6 months after purchase, still occurs and have just grown accustomed to the shaking. Engine coolant leaks: replaced pump and "o" ring. Power steering pump and return hose replaced. Driver side window does not roll back up(believe dealership replaced prio to purchase). Driver side mirror motor has never worked properly, dealer(in rochester) put on receipt of last repair that they replaced motor, but didn't actually have part, but was on order. Never received a phone call back when or if part came in(dealership is over 300 miles from my home, purchased car on the internet).

Filed Feb 26, 2004 · Steering · 134,000 miles · MO

While driving at any speed consumer heard a squealing sound coming from the steering column. Consumer added power steering fluid, that stopped the noise. Also, consumer heard a clanking sound when right turns were made. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that rack and pinion needed to be replaced.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · CT

Within my 36,000 of driving from 50,222 to 86,119 my intake gaskets have been replaced twice. My rack has been replaced twice and will need to be replaced a third time. I am also aware that the rack was replaced while the previous owner had the car. Recently I realized why water was getting into my passenger side of the vehicle. The window seal is shifted causing the window to leak if the car is parked at certain inclines. This repair is not covered by my pre-owned vehicle warranty. All major repairs have been covered by my warranty and any additional costs have bee quote "eaten" by repair facilities.

Questions about the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering

Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero have steering problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V320000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Oldsmobile Alero have bad steering?

The Oldsmobile Alero model years with the most steering complaints are 1999 (30 complaints), 2000 (22 complaints) and 2001 (17 complaints).

Other 1999 Oldsmobile Alero problems

Brakes 121Electrical 89Engine 85Visibility 56Suspension 46Lights 45Transmission 34Fuel system 32Body 29Acceleration 14Airbags 14Seat belts 11Seats 10Wheels 9Tires 2Locks 1

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