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.
Oldsmobile Alero grinding brakes problems
74 of the 1,957 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Alero describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 74
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $500
- typical mileage
- 39,151
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 8Power windows 3Won't start 2Power steering loss 2Wipers 1Water leak 1
What owners say
2004 oldsmobile alero ongoing problems with turn signals and hazards inoperable most of the time. Most electrical components fail at times. Window regulator failed. Rear door locks have to play with remote locks before door opens acts as though child safety locks are on can not open door from in or out. Eventually after pushing on remote lock it opens. Brakes always grinding even after replacements. Engine has also, ticked not knock just ticking since I've purchased the car. Many times the car does not start first try after second it starts but all electrical has to reset example radio, clock ect.
Excessive front brake wear. Front wheel bearings. I purchase (2) 2001 oldsmobile aleros and within the first 24,000 miles there stated to be brake problems. It sounded as if the front wheels were always grinding. Cars were taken in to dealership and we were told there was nothing wrong. My wife and I drive completely different but identical problem occurred in each vehicle. We've had to replace rotors and brake pads every 12,000 - 18,000 miles. Finally when I took the vehicle into a non- dealer, to get the cruise control, traction control repaired, they replaced the front bearings and repaired the other problems. Since then, no more grinding noise and the brakes don't seem to be wearing out as rapidly. Both vehicles had the v-6 option, so I don't know if the problem was related to that or not.
I purchased a 2002 alero from the dealership. It had a certified sticker and a warranty on the window. After signing all papers and putting $2,000 down on it, the sales man informed me that there was no warranty due to the age of the veh. About a month later, I began having issues with it. 9-5-07 the brakes were squeaking and making loud noises. I had the dealership repair it under warranty. On 9-10-07, the front wheels began to shake and heard a loud noise as if the wheels were going to fall off. This happened by the dealership as I was going to work. I dropped it off and it was repaired. They said it was their fault due to a few nuts or bolts fell off. 5-6-08 is when the car completely left me stranded. Turn the key, all lights come on and seat belt alert came on. It sounded like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. I had it towed to the dealership. It cost me $588.00 to repair it. They said it was the pass lock sensor. 9-3-08 my car left me stranded again. It had the same issue as the first time. It sounded like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. Had it towed to the dealership again. They quoted me $350 for repair it. They said it was the anti-theft mechanism in the ignition switch. After speaking to the manager, I paid a $50 deductible and the veh was supposed to be repaired. On about 5-9-09 the veh left me stranded again. It displayed the same problems as the prior 2 incidences. I had the veh towed back to the dealership and this time they said after the diagnostic, it was the bcm and would be approx $480 to repair it. A few days later, I had a friend to help me tow it to my home. I turned the key and it started up fine. I called the dealership and I was told it is the bcm and if the veh sits long enough, it may reset and start up. He also said it may leave me stranded again. I have been driving the veh locally and on 11-27-09, the veh will not start.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the driver's side window no longer operates. While driving 55 MPH, she can hear a grinding sound coming from the front driver's side wheel. The tire has not been diagnosed by the dealer. In addition, the air conditioning no longer works. The contact believes the mechanic has done something to the vehicle in order for the air conditioning to fail. She feels that all of these issues are safety hazards. The current mileage was 141,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. 4/01/09 *nj updated 04/06/09.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that she heard a loud grinding noise coming from the engine. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle would stall simultaneously. Prior to the failure, the engine warning indicator would flicker on and off. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Bought this 2003 olds alero in 2005 with original warranty still in force, also purchased extended warranty. This vehicle had dash peeled back and material over glove box peeled when purchased, also cracked plastic on back passenger side. Molding around windshield was coming off and has since blown away. Had to purchase battery almost immediately and 4 new tires after purchase. Contacted dealership where purchased to get interior items repaired and was informed they did not do warranty work on this brand of vehicle, that I would have to call another dealer who sold this type of car. I did and was told that none of these repairs were covered under warranty. Also, running lights only one was working, found out it had been fixed and the bracket under which held the light was broken. Was told I would have to pay for all repairs out of pocket. Now 2008 and all items still broken since I did not have money to repair, also car pulls to left, and brakes are grinding. I have never had a vehicle that has this many problems before at least 75,000 miles. I would never recommend this car to anyone.
I got car on 2/28/07 new brakes rotors and tires were put on car. Now I have a loud squeal and grinding in the steering wheel, and brake pedal an the warning signal says service vehicle soon traction off and antilock brake. I took it to get checked, but the mechanic can't find the problem.
Service vehicle soon, trac off light, and ABS light took to dealer, out of warranty, private repair shop, cost-$500, grinding noise before lights turned on, dinging,lights went on, it was sensor in left front wheel bearing. Also have replaced front rotors, alternator at 65,000 miles. Key fob doesn''t lock drivers door. Hood on car replaced in 2006 under warranty because of blistering 2002-water leak onto drivers floor, 5 times to dealer, replaced side door gasket, problem had to be solved by replacing windshield gasket. I'm afraid of all these complaints about turn signal failure and hazard light failure and the car just quitting. Trading in this piece of **** as soon as paid off.
I purchased a 2000 oldsmobile alero in june of 2002, since the purchase I have had nothing but mechanical issues. The first being brakes/rotors being replaced twice a year, then my head gasket went, tires wear too quickly, and now my service engine light, ABS light, no traction light (which does not work), change oil light is on, and now I am having problems with my wheel bearings, and cv joints, the car actually makes grinding noises when turning to the left and often sounds and feels as if I have a flat tire. I have had all of these repairs done and the car was fine for 1 week and now all of the problems are back except for the head gasket. Did I mention I also had to have the power steering pump replaced as well, I feel that for the price I paid and the research I have done, there are many others that are having the same difficulty as me, when I read others problems, I feel like I am reading about my car. This was my first car I had ever purchased and feel that mine and my family's safety is at risk because you never know when something is going to happen and I am about out of money replacing parts. Please look into anyone who owns a oldsmobile alero and give me some advice. Thank you.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Oldsmobile Alero grinding brakes
Which Oldsmobile Alero years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (29 complaints), 2001 (23 complaints) and 1999 (13 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Oldsmobile Alero?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $500 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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