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2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is electrical system, typically around 97,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Alero model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
109
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
426
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-27mpg

The worst 2004 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Stalling 12Won't start 11Fuel pump 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 426

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

See all 426 bulletins for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

2004 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‑cylFWD21-2331-3325-27
3.4L 6‑cylFWD182721

What 2004 Oldsmobile Alero owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · 63,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Body, Suspension · IL

Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo

Filed Nov 14, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · IL · 1 injury

Friendly Chevrolet 62704 has refused the open recall on my vehicle after being on schedule for tommrow 8a.m Service Manager Sir Richard said it's a waste of time and not my issue.

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · IL · crash · 1 injury

Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner

Filed Sep 29, 2021 · Acceleration · 112,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The contact called multiple local dealers: Les Stanford Cadillac (21730 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, (313) 565-6000), Gordon Chevrolet, INC. (31850 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI 48135, (734) 237-6089) and James-Martin Chevrolet, INC. (6250 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, (313) 444-8226) and was informed that the accelerator pedal was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V528000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2020 · Electrical · GA

The hazard and turn signals doesn't work at all. I bought a new turn switch, put a new fuse in and everything and nothing works. When I drive on the road the turn signal doesnt come on and sometimes it causes a lot of problems.

Filed Feb 18, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 198,765 miles · VA

Noticed the windshield was leaking which cause to leak on equipment under inside and out dashboard witch caused erosion and defects to other operating equipment lead to car stalling while driving,some operations of will work, some won't. It has a mind of it's own,the security system on car does not work. I do not feel safe since I was driving down road on highway 55mph. And the car completely turn off, I turned ignition switch to turn car back on it was very scary moment. I didn't know what to do. But I wish I can afford to fix the car problems that has caused me a lot of misery financially emotionally feel safe with gm sealing front window properly on alero I wouldn't have these problems in the first place! So not properly sealing and wiring diagram needs to be examined in my opinion all I want is to feel safe in any gm motors models not just me but others too . I wish someone would help me as much I help others in my car n my daily life to get by not much to ask to feel safe! The car was not sealed right in first place. This is what caused my problems owning this car. I need either help with car to get fix pthe right way. Or I need a new car I have a disabled mother and grandpa that depend on me and I need a reliable car to provide daily tasks appointments the list goes on. I could really use a piece of mind just to know I'm driving a safe reliable car to do my god services every day I'm begging!!

Filed Nov 9, 2018 · Electrical · 133,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to autonation chevrolet amarillo (2200 e I-40, amarillo, tx 79103) to be repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The contact received two new keys from the dealer, but they did not start the vehicle and the security indicator flashed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2018 · Airbags · MN

Recently started financing a vehicle through car hop. They had me sign a form saying that there was a possibility of a recall on the vehicle, but didn't specify what. Reading it over now the form states they will not be responsible to correct this recall. Recall number is 14v400.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero before you buy

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Questions about the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Is the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Owners have filed 109 complaints about the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, fewer than a typical Alero model year.

What is the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero year score?

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero scores 88 out of 100 (good). 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?

Electrical system, with 57 complaints, typically around 97,000 miles. Next is lights (21).

How many recalls does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have?

1 recall, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2004 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero range from 21 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-23 city and 31-33 highway.

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