Oldsmobile Alero overheating problems

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 7,000 miles · CO · fire

[xxx]: after a day of light driving after being stationary for about an hour and a half in colorado springs co (cool weather) upon starting the vehicle the temp needle went from cool to almost overheated in the under 30 mins it took to go from one store parking lot to the next nearby one. The vehicle became fully overheated & sparks / 1' flames emerged from the sides of the front hood. Upon being shut off the flames receded, after approx 30mins sitting the hood was lifted & fluids checked (all were at appropriate levels). The vehicle was started again & ran idle for 20 mins & the sparks / flames reappeared again so the vehicle was shut down & a ride called. Upon being picked up the next day the vehicle ran fine again for the most part with only slight overheating - it was taken for an engine wash / under hood at an appropriate facility to remove any flammable / combustible residue. Had to be driven at speeds under 50mph to return home without further problems. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Engine · 219,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat. The contact filled the radiator with coolant yet two days later, the vehicle began to overheat again. The vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the vehicle had a blown head gasket. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 219,000. Updated 08/07/12

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 50 miles · LA

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) I bought a 2000 oldsmobile alero about 3 years ago, I noticed at the beginning that the turn signals nor the hazard lights worked. We have done everything from changing bulbs,checking fuses and ground wires to no avail. I recently started having another problem where the oil has backed up into my oil reservoir, my car has not overheated and no oil leaks. That is how I came to find out that there had been a recall on the hazard switch on the alero. I contacted gm and gave them all the information that they needed. After being on hold for about 15 minutes, they then told me that it was not my make or model that had been recalled. The description on their website pin pointed my problem to a tee! And they are telling me that it is not their fault. My car has 91,000 miles. Vin: [xxx]. I feel that gm should be held accountable for this defect in my vehicle, just because it was not my make or model as they are stating does not mean that it could not happen. I believe that it is a defect that they should be held accountable for.

Filed Nov 7, 2008 · 150,000 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 oldsmobile alero. The contact noticed hot air coming from the air conditioning unit when it was activated. An independent mechanic stated that the coolant was low. After the failure was repaired, she noticed large puddles of coolant leaking from underneath the vehicle. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were less than 150,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Engine · TX

Engine:engine cooling coolant leaks when car is idle.

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TN

Car began to overheat two days ago. Intake manifold gasket replaced a year ago. Dealership stated the intake manifold needs to be replaced again. We also found out that we may have a blown head gasket and possibly a cracked engine--which means a new motor. Car has 80,000 miles on it and has been very well taken care of. We are devastated as this is our daughter's car and she is about to be a freshman in college. The car broke down on her while traveling down an interstate-at night.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Visibility · 105,000 miles · KY

2001 oldsmobile alero, approx 105,000 miles. Around the middle of january I went outside to warm up my car before work and noticed the heater blower wasn't working. Have already had this replaced so thought I knew what the problem was. Also noticed an electrical smell in the car, as if an electrical motor was hot, so assumed the blower motor overheated and went out. Later that day checked the fuse for the blower motor- it was bad, I changed it and the heater worked. However, still noticed the electrical smell and finally associated it with the rear defogger. Around march 07 the defogger quit working. Noticed today on my car stats that a complaint was filed in february with a fail date of 01/17/08 where the rear defogger failed and the car actually caught fire. My car did not catch fire, but it is the same year and approximate mileage as the one that did. I'm sure these aren't the only two. Please be aware of this problem and if you notice an electrical smell, get it checked out.

Filed Feb 1, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 00

Rear defroster circuit failure. Fuse ok, relay ok, window imprint ok. Rear electrical defrost and antenna module fails. Rear visibility in cold climate completely blocked when rear. Window frosted. *tr many customers on the internet are complaining of the same problem and some have reported that the connector to the electrical module inside the rear-column on the passenger side is overheating and melting, breaking the electrical contact.

Filed Jan 26, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 75,000 miles · TX

I have had an 99' oldsmobile alero for 7 years. It has had almost every problem listed on this website. It has had an over heating problem every year since I got it and I have spent thousands in repairs for the cooling system, fuel pump, poor interior manufacturer, AC/heater blower motor settings failure, fuel gauge failure, transmission leakage, poor springs/struts, gear slipping, hard starting, water leaking in from rain under glove compartment, off alignment (set three times in year), poor gas mileage, overheating or running above normal temperature and sudden overheating without notice of gauge lights or sounds. Has had front right caliper failure locking brake pads down against rotor causing burnout of pads,rotor warping, caliper cylinder damage. Has had power steering pump leakage. This car is a lemon and gm should not be allowed to get away with selling unsafe, worthless vehicles. The only reason I still have mine running is because I have put a lot of personal as well as paid labor into its upkeep over the years due to that I cant afford another car.

Filed Oct 19, 2006 · Engine · MI

For the past few months I have been noticing my car temperature hot when it is suppose to be cold and vice versa. I checked the anti-freeze and placed more in the car. In the past month I notice that the car started to overheat and I checked the antifreeze once again. I then learned that my manifold intake needed to be replaced and it is very common for it to have to be replaced because it is plastic. I paid over $700.00 to get it replaced and it is a common fact that it is replaced often due to the manufacturers choice to use plastic for the part.