Purchased 2003 alero in 2004, 2nd one (I loved the first one), with 32k miles. Vinyl over passenger airbag was peeling - dealer fixed at no cost - now in 2010 it peeled off completely. At 39k had to replace the ignition cylinder. One of the front drivers side window bracket broke - waiting for the window to fall into the door. At about 50k the turn signal clicking starting without using the signals & is still do it today. I have not tried to fix it because I have read so many thing on the internet about cost & that it was recalled on older alero models. It has finally gotten to the point that the signals only work part time and I have to turn on the hazards to get the turn signal to work - accident causing I think so. The plastic around the gear shift that lights up at night now gets hot enough to hurt if touched. I am very disappointed that gm won't help so many people that have put money and faith in their product. I think gm just doesn't want to deal with the olds products. If it was a problem then and there are so many complaints now then it must still be a problem. I personally will not recommend a gm vehicle to anyone and will be going back to ford.
2003 Oldsmobile Alero electrical complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2003 olds alero in which the passlock theft deterrent system keeps acting up, shutting my car down completely. This has happened many times prior to today (6-19-10) however those were instances that I was trying to start the car and after doing the "key in the on position for 10 minutes"method, the car would start. Today however the car stalled as I was driving down a busy street. I was completely stranded. I've owned the car now for 4 years, and the passlock has sporadically engaged a total of 10 times, including today. However, unlike the previous enabling, my car now sits on a trailer unwilling to start at all. Having a car completely quit while driving down a road is a life threatening situation and I would like to have it remedied immediately by the manufacturer, as I feel the passlock system should be recalled.
The olds alero has a defective passlock theft deterrent system. It shows up when you insert your key in the ignition, turn it, hear the engine cranking, only to fail to start. The dashboard's red warning light, security, flashes on and off. It believes it is being stolen, thus shutting off the gas to the engine. The problem actually stated 4 months after I bought my car, which I purchase used from a dealer, I believe im the 2nd ower. This issure happens about once or twice every 3 weeks or so. My dad actually thought it was the battery contacts because they were loose, so he tightened them up, then it took care of the problem for about a month. The another strange issue came up, about 3 months ago, as my car sat in park for about 2 hours, just out of the blue the horn started to "blow" like the alarm was set off, but the lights were not flashing so it wasnt that, about 20 minutes it did this til it blew the fuse for the horn. And now im without a horn in my car, which is not very safe. So I changed the fused, the horn worked for 1 day, then blew again, I changed the actual horn and another fuse, and just 3 days ago, I heard in the middle of the night, my horn going off again for no reason, and the fuse blew again, driving with no horn. So im driving my car that has this anti-theft feature and I dont know if its working from 1 day to the next, the security lights stays on my dashboard so I know something is apparently wrong with it, usually that when I know, my car will not start when I see that light come on and I have to do the trick with sitting in the car with the ignigtion on for 10 minutes before starting it. I googled this problem to see if anyone else is having this problem and found hundred of people tht are, contacted gm and olds corp, they say there is not recall on the system because there is nothng wrong with it. Something has to be for all the customers to be having the same problems and apparently is has been goin on for years and they wont help.
Problems with electrical system- on several occasions, car has completely shut down in the middle of driving, disabling power steering. Also, horn likes to go off on its own- had to remove fuse to stop it.
Purchased 2003 alero on oct 8, 2009 on oct. 9th car would not start or jump, ABS and security light was on, radio turned off. Had it towed back to dealer who looked at it the next day and the car started right up and they could not duplicate the problem so they did not do any work to it. On oct 15 while my daughter was driving the vehicle onto the interstate the ABS light and security light came on and the steering wheel turned sharply to the left and she could not control the vehicle. This caused an accident with injuries. The diagnostic report was limited due to the extent of damage to the vehicle and the only code they could get to register was that the ABS code was on. Was told that the diagnostic did not show anything else but diagnostics was limited anyways because the vehicle was not drivable anymore.
I used my horn to let someone know that they were in my lane, and all of a sudden my horn was stuck. The window clips on my car broke off, as I have read of these same complaints of other 2003 oldsmobile alero owners. I believe that there are serious defects of these two parts, and gm will not issue a recall to fix these problems. Due to that fact, I am unable to pass inspection because my car has to have a working horn and my window must be able to move up and down. Also a third complaint, there is now coolant that is starting to leak into my oil, which from what I understand could cause a fire!!
My problem is with the horn/airbag assembly for this vehicle. It started about 3 years ago. The horn, in cold weather, honks. It would go off and continue in a constant honk (not a pulsing honk) and will not stop until the relay under the hood is pulled. If the relay is replaced and the weather is still cold it would go off/honk while riding down the road. The whole horn/airbag assembly has to be replace. I replaced the assembly 2 years ago. Now the new horn assembly goes off even in warm weather. Sitting in the driveway, going down the road, whenever, causing un-needed attention and distracting other drivers. The only solution has been to totally disable the horn/airbag by removing the relay under the hood leaving me with no horn at all. The cost for replacement is over $900. Money I can't afford to spend with no guarantee that the third unit won't do the same thing as the other two. When I enter a search on-line there are numerous complaints from other alero owners reporting the same problem.
The horn goes off without pressing and continues to blow without anyone even in the car.
03 olds alero fuel delivery system replaced and modulator spark plugs fuel filter car just stops running while driving or won't start flashers have a problem turn signal lights continues intermittent start car in driveway for 3 months now still making car payments has 80,000 miles on it surges thought it was a good car but not. Can't tell you how many times the car has been towed.
The passlock feature is defective. Numerous times I have been stranded due to my car not starting. I have gotten a new battery and the problem is still there. When the car doesn't start I will do what the manual says and turn the key to "on" and let it stay there for 10 minutes, after that it will start. That can become very frustrating when you have two small kids and it is 20 degrees outside. There really should be a recall on this feature, I took the car to the dealership and they are telling me it will cost over $400.00 to fix. Normal hard working people don't have that type of money just laying around to fix a car, gm really should do better. There really should be a recall to fix this problem without costing the consumer.
Came out after work to start my car and turned the key and got nothing. Had the car towed before I was told it was due to the security system in this model. After researching the internet and a call to the dealer where I purchased the car I was told to leave the car in the on position for 10-15 minutes then turn it off and start the car. Which worked but at sub zero temps. This is not a very acceptable solution. And as this happens at least once a day now it is not what I paid for. The windshield has been removed and reinstalled bcs. I was told it leaked and was causing the problem and when that didn't solve it the ignition was replaced twice and to no avail it still doesn't start as it should.
First problem: my horn decided to go off intermittently starting at 3am, finally had to pull the fuse to stop the noise. I keep the fuse with me, but now I have no horn and it is not safe, have had a few close calls. Second problem: turn signals fail to work at inconvenient times. Finally figured out that if I turn on my hazards for about 30 seconds then turn them off, the turn signals will work again properly. Third problem: security light comes on, vehicle will not start. Been to the dealer numerous times for this, they finally told me to just put the key in the "on" position for about 10 minutes, and once the security light goes off the car will start. These are all safety issues that need to be addressed by gm.
I have a 2003 oldsmobile alero that I bought used with 48,000 miles. And I have a similar problem as many other people. Sometimes when I go to put turn signal on, it won't work. This happens at random times with no notice. I often get honked at for not using my turn signal, when I have every intention of doing so, they just won't work. Also, sometimes when I start my car, the dials do not come on automatically. They all remain on zero. It has even taken up to 5 minutes for my communication system to register that I have started the car. Also, at times my air conditioner will just stop blowing. It comes back on in a few minutes, but it will come on and go off several times. Then it will finally remain on. All these things happen in conjunction with each other but I can't be able to locate the cause of the problems. I don't even know if they are related, I just know they all happen at the same time.
Purchased vehicle august 2003 at 29,000 miles. Front left wheel bearing bad just inside warranty time - under 36,000 miles. Shortly after, front right wheel bearing went bad - not in warranty. Now at 129,000 miles, front left wheel bearing is bad again. Not using oem equipment this time as it isn't cost effective to pay for oem equipment - when it obviously lacks quality. I'm assuming my front right wheel bearing will go bad soon - better start saving for that repair! Next issue - horn blows without provocation and will not stop - 3:00 in the morning. Next issue: fuel issue, where you have to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes then car will start. Does not happen all the time but usually when you do not have the extra 10 minutes.
I had the car since nov 2003. I haven't had any problems until july 2008 when my car wouldn't start because of the security light flashing. I just sat there in the car until the tow truck came, so I just crank the car up and it crank I was like ok. Then another day it did the same thing and it crank up. Then the third time it did it now it wont crank up. I was wondering what do you do about this situation.
Bought car in 2006, have had problems the entire time I've owned vehicle. Car does not crank, must wait 10 minutes and try to restart. Sometimes car does not start still, makes me wait another 10 min. Had multiple problems with system killing the battery while waiting - especially in winter, even with all extras (including heat) turned off. Not safe to have female in parking lot when car does not start! This happens two or three times some days, then will not reappear for a week or two, but theft light stays on dash constantly.
Fuel pump and electronic system.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The starter has been replaced three times within a year. The dealer covered the cost of the first repair and the contact paid for the last two repairs. Since that time, the dealer and manufacturer have yet to offer additional assistance. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 58,308.
Bought the 2003 alero oldsmobile in march 2007, not realizing the ongoing problems with the stalling and not starting issues. Many times with children in the car have been stranded when car would not start. First time, replaced battery; second time and third time took to mechanic spent $390.00 to attempt to fix car however still has issue. Mechanic said it had electrical issue with security system conflicting with wireless internet radio waves. Had to have it towed into the mechanic. Soon after a week the problem occurred again:I read on a automotive forum to put key on the "on" position for 10 minutes wait for the security light to stop blinking and then start the car (should work it stated) it worked however it is now sometimes a daily problem. I now allow 10 minutes leway in departure to allow for this aggravating problem to arise. This problem is a high security issue not safe to be stranded with single mom with kids in parking lots and as well as being out to town. Has caused to miss work. This is a ongoing issue and not sure how to remedy the problem. To add to the problem, the horn has been sounding off (as it it stuck position) for the last week 11/12/2007while driving another occurrence 11/16/07 park position key not in the ignition at 2:00am in a apartment complex. To quick resolve issue I tapped the horn on steering column it would go off again, then had roommate disarm the horn wire.
Bought the 2003 alero oldsmobile in march 2007, not realizing the ongoing problems with the stalling and not starting issues. Many times with children in the car have been stranded when car would not start. First time, replaced battery; second time and third time took to mechanic spent $390.00 to attempt to fix car however still has issue. Mechanic said it had electrical issue with security system conflicting with wireless internet radio waves. Had to have it towed into the mechanic. Soon after a week the problem occurred again:I read on a automotive forum to put key on the "on" position for 10 minutes wait for the security light to stop blinking and then start the car (should work it stated) it worked however it is now sometimes a daily problem. I now allow 10 minutes leway in departure to allow for this aggravating problem to arise. This problem is a high security issue not safe to be stranded with single mom with kids in parking lots and as well as being out to town. Has caused to miss work. This is a ongoing issue and not sure how to remedy the problem. To add to the problem, the horn has been sounding off (as it it stuck position) for the last week 11/12/2007while driving another occurrence 11/16/07 park position key not in the ignition at 2:00am in a apartment complex. To quick resolve issue I tapped the horn on steering column it would go off again, then had roommate disarm the horn wire.
Security light flashes on dash board. Vehicle will not start until 10 minutes,after the light stops. I had this same problem a year ago in had it fix at a gm dealer for about $360.00. This is a ongoing issue with gm vehicle.
The horn had never been easy to use, nor did it always function, but suddenly it would not shut off, then it completely died. On taking the car to the dealership, they diagnosed a short-circuit and pronounced that it would cost $1,390.00 + tax to repair, as they would need to replace the air bag in addition to the 2 horns that the car apparently has.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the horn failed to sound when depressed. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that the horn activated without provocation and he had to remove the fuse to shut it off. The dealer stated that the horn wiring in the steering wheel pad was stuck. The current mileage is 67,000 and failure mileage was 50. The consumer stated gm explains the horn contact is integral to the air bag assembly which must be replaced to repair the horn at the sum of $800. The consumer provided information from a website pertaining to the same defect as the vehicle in question. Updated 08/20/07
The car will not turn on. The security light blinks on and off, indicating that the system is not being reset. I have tried unlocking and locking the car repeatedly. I tried cleaning the iginition switch, replaced spark plugs, air filter, etc. The keys do not have the micro chip in them, so I know it is not the key.
Car dash lights, cd player, and AC unit do not turn on when car starts. This usually occurs after the car has been driven and is warm. After leaving the car for approximately 15 minutes and then starting the car again that is when the problem usually occurs. The delay for the starting of the dash and accessories is anywhere from 5 seconds to 1 minute.
Auto stalled out twice when slowing down to yield, stopping completely in traffic areas so that the vehicle had to be pushed aside. After the first time the battery was replaced. The second time, the battery was jumped and the car started. The alternator was tested at that time and indicated excess current flow. During this period of two weeks, on several occasions intermittently, the parked vehicle would crank but the engine would not turn over. Each time, with numerous attempts, the vehicle would start and would perform for a day or so then repeat the problem. Inspections indicated that the battery and alternator were fine and there were no other indicators of cause. Finally, when brought to a dealership, they found that the ignition cylinder had failed and the pass lock security system was shutting down the car because it did not recognize the key. The cylinder was replaced and new keys created, but the problem occurred again. Further investigation found that the ignition module has failed also.
2003 alero ignition shorted causing consumer not be able to start vehicle, also found a leak in intake manifold gasket. *ts the passlock sensor in the ignition cylinder shorted and as a result the vehicle would not start. The intake gaskets and oil drive o-ring leaked. The dealer replaced the lower intake manifold gasket, rocker cover gaskets and oil pump driveshaft cover seal. The air bag cover warped. The top of the dash was wrinkled and the instrument panel pan was peeling from it's backing. The dealer replaced the instrument panel assembly and transferred all components.
I experienced ignition failure recently. The vehicle would not start, and after having it towed to a repair shop, I discovered that the passive system had failed. I later learned that the mechanic had replaced this very item on 6 other vehicles exactly the same year and model as mine within the past month. (that seems like an awful lot for one shop to do.) I was told that the replacement part including labor would be $460!! This was quite expensive, but much less than the dealer wanted (as expected). I have since discovered that this is a rather common problem on this vehicle, yet it was not recalled.
Vehicle experienced electrical problems, such as the turn signal lights came on periodically, and the windows worked intermittently. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer, and had also contacted the manufacturer, who was no help at all. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle still has electrical problems. The consumer was told that the elecrical wiring was replaced but when inspected the old wire was found still in the vehicle.
The console are next to gearshift get extremely hot when light are on.
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