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2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero is electrical system, typically around 87,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Alero model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
279
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
446
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-25mpg
Typical repair
$700

The worst 2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Won't start 43Stalling 17Fuel pump 15Power windows 8No deployment 6Fire or smoke 6Loss of power 6ABS 5Check engine light 5Knocking 5

Recalls 1

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
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 number for this recall is 14350.

Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Defect investigations

Turn signal failuresOpened September 27, 2005, closed January 13, 2006

In december 2004, gm issued a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v327. The policy covered turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurred first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. Gm sent letters to owners starting december 30, 2004.in january 2006, gm will update the special policy to include my 2002 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v‑327.the policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch.gm will send letters to owners starting late april 2006.the actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE05055

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 446

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 446 bulletins for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero

2002 Oldsmobile Alero fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD21-223024-25
3.4L 6‑cylFWD182721

What 2002 Oldsmobile Alero owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · WY

2002 oldsmobile alero was driving on interstate and very low on fuel when i exited the interstate at the street light it turned green and as i was accelerating my car stalled out and since then ive pur 2 gallons of fuel in it and now it cranks but wont start up and now it back fires when trying to start it and my security light is off and I'm getting fuel pressure in the front rail and I got spark and yea my fuel pump is humming.

Filed Feb 2, 2022 · Airbags, Seat belts · GA

1. Security turns on while driving, making the vehicle to spin but not drive normally on road or highway when driving 2. Horn malfunctioning, stops working when security turns on while driving 3. Seatbelt warning and airbag light flashing when security turns on while driving, seatbelt becomes locked preventing driver from being able to move to check blind spots or rear while driving 4. Emergency lights become disabled when security lights turn on Key ignition was inspected and fixed according to recall. The above are things that have been noticed by new driver/owner. Only drive when necessary to avoid traffic accidents. Do not have money to pay a dealership or GM to check problems. These problems occurred since day 1 after purchasing the vehicle.

Filed Jan 2, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation someone referred me to this site

Filed May 18, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 187,037 miles · OH

2002 olds alero,present mileage@5/17/20-187,037. Where do I start? Okay,the trunk has started to arbitrarily decide to pop open...apparently during rain/thunderstorms...I wonder if this has anything to do with the door locks recently deciding to not lock the passenger side when using switch on dr,side door...and now since the trunk's been popping open for the last 3wks,the key fob won't open the trunk,and the button on interior door to the trunk won't work either,unless the car is running(and not all the time then,either) interior door locks won't respond to the interior switch anymore..what a pain in the a**....I'm keeping a bungee cord over the spoiler to the bumper to keep the trunk closed. Fyi~I keep the car on a trickle charge to the battery24/7 ,since I avoid driving the thing-the passlock bs seems to cause the battery to drain since it has to sit with the key on.also carry a noco charger at all times in case I need a jump..the rust is unbelievable. Rear fenders are all but crumbled off.have to fix dr,side window now~had to fix pass. Side 2yrs ago.regulator afu,probably need new switch,window went off the track, getting good at taping them up discreetly.the aluminum rims cause slow leaks in tires,buy yourself an inflator..massive power steering leak now,brake lines replaced twice..they're under the car exposed to where they get to rust away constantly~I live in north west ohio where it snows&rains alot,so I'm hosed. Once I mastered the passlock 2step I thought that it couldn't get any worse~but in reading all the other complaints& starting to have what may be a bcm issue,I'm not driving this thing if I don't have to! I paid my aaa dues and full coverage insurance.. Oh,yeah-had that"recall" a few yrs ago and all they did was monkey around with the keys,not the ignition! I've been told a 100 times I'll need a new ignition~anybody out there have $700???

Filed Sep 20, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

"takata recall" I own a 2002 oldsmobile alero and my blinkers only work maybe 2 time a month when I use my turning signals in either direction I just hear a buzzing sound sometimes it is only in one direction and sometimes there is no sound and no blinker at all. Now my gas gauge says empty and I just put $30 of gas in it and once I ran out of gas and and was stuck on the hwy for 4 hours because my gas gauge said full tank b

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Suspension · 230,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle had aftermarket struts installed by an independent mechanic. The struts caused premature wear and pulled apart the control arms at the center bushings, which caused the geometry of the suspension to change. As a result, it was dangerous when making turns. The part manufacturer denied any failures with the struts. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2019 · Engine · 203,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. While exiting a parking lot, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and it was able to drive normally; however, the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 97,000 miles · OH

Car often stalls starting. Easily cuts off when portable phone charger is in place or if radio is on after 5 minutes with discontinuing engine. Cut off at a stop sign recently without warning and would not restart until some time later. Has new battery less than 8 months old. Did the same things with old battery and was thought that it was the problem but continues with the same issues. Seems to have a short in the electrical system somewhere.

Filed May 6, 2018 · Electrical · 167,000 miles · IL

Takata recall- I bought this car last year and have had trouble with the ignition. When I try to turn the key I feel the ignition move. I also have a hard the keeping it started. When I'm driving with my seat belt on my no seat belt light flashes on and off as if it wasn't on.

Filed Mar 22, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 141,111 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. The contact heard a whining noise when turning the steering wheel from right to left. The "service vehicle soon" indicator illuminated. The contact called a local dealer (jerry seiner chevrolet, 1530 s 500 w, salt lake city, ut 84115) and was informed that the original key was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 141,111.

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Questions about the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Owners have filed 279 complaints about the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, close to a typical Alero model year.

What is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero year score?

The 2002 Oldsmobile Alero scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Oldsmobile Alero: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?

Electrical system, with 133 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles. Next is lights (78).

How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have?

1 recall, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Oldsmobile Alero have the most electrical problems?

The Oldsmobile Alero model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (133 complaints), 2001 (130 complaints) and 2003 (103 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero range from 21 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 30 highway.

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