Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone
2003 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems
103 complaints (56% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 84,527. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 103
- of this car's complaints
- 56%
- typical mileage
- 84,527
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Horn11
- Ignition9
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module5
- Ignition: switch2
- Starter assembly1
- Alternator/generator/regulator1
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
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 electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- 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
What 2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Car has been having acceleration issues her and there has had a fuel leak for awhile now and now all of a sudden the car will not start..
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While the key was in the ignition, the engine failed to engage without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the technician could not get the vehicle started. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module and battery were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also towed to another independent mechanic who was briefly able to get the vehicle started, but the failure recurred. The failure occurred over ten times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Ignition lock cylinder failure resulting in the device stocking and becoming stuck inoperable. At first it was difficult to turn to the run possition. It would feel stuck and took some wiggling and shaking in order to start the vehicle. Which progressed to being stuck permanently.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however the dealer refused to perform the repair due to the contact not having the original key fob. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. While driving 30 MPH, the turn signals failed to function and smoke emitted from the top part of the steering column. In addition, while driving 55 MPH, the headlights and horn failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system: ignition). The vehicle did not exhibit any failures prior to the recall repair. After the repair, the contact was provided with a recall replacement key that was different from the factory key provided at the time of purchase. The recall replacement key failed to start the engine. The contact stated that the ignition had to be exposed in order to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer provided no assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tried to start car and it would not start, only crank. Started next morning and had it towed to repair shop and it would not start intermittently. Repair shop said to take it home because they could not diagnose or fix. I checked the internet and discovered that this has been an ongoing problem with certain gm vehicles and many people are complaining. There is a way to start it sometimes by waiting ten minutes with key in acc and then turning off and then removing the key and then re starting. This is working but not always. Apparently gm is fully aware of this problem but has taken no action to correct it. I am afraid that I may be stranded somewhere or the security system could possibly turn the car off. Also there is discussion that this may also be a bad ignition switch but there is no recall for this vehicle for the switch, only the key!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle loss power without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed and needed to have the pass lock assembly and the lock cylinder replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,227. Updated 02/19/16*lj
Questions about the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero electrical
Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 103 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 56% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 84,527 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 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).
Other 2003 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Engine 29Airbags 24Lights 15Acceleration 14Brakes 14Steering 13Visibility 12Fuel system 11Suspension 10Transmission 7Body 5Tires 5Driver assistance 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Wheels 1
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