Oldsmobile Alero premature wear problems

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Suspension · 230,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle had aftermarket struts installed by an independent mechanic. The struts caused premature wear and pulled apart the control arms at the center bushings, which caused the geometry of the suspension to change. As a result, it was dangerous when making turns. The part manufacturer denied any failures with the struts. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 230,000.

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 Aug 30, 2004 · Brakes · 11,234 miles · MA

Brakes are defective, they feel like they are not going to stop the vehicle. Manufacturer states they will not cover the cost of the defect. The pads and rotors cost $500.00 to repair. *ak the consumer was told by gm that he did not drive vehicle enough so rotors rusted.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Brakes · 24,617 miles · TX

General motors considers a warped brake rotor as normal wear and tear and would not be considered a warranty defect. Warped rotors cause undue vibration and sudden loss of control of the vehicle, especially at freeway speeds. The rotor was repaired under warranty at 24,000 miles, by turning the rotor in april 2002. However, the problem has since recurred and general motors will not repair them under warranty since the mileage exceeds their 36,000 mile warranty period. Mr. Evan doel (1‑866‑952‑4368) at the customer service department of general motors corporation also expressed the fact that a warped brake rotor on the alero is a "common problem" and that he has received several calls for this same problem. General motors corporation demonstrates corporate irresponsibility in knowing that repeated occurrences of a warped brake rotor on the oldsmobile alero is categorized and simply considered a "common problem." a problem in which the vehicle, its driver and its occupants are put into jeopardy that could result in injury and/or death. I have already written a letter directly to g. Richard wagoner, jr., chairman and ceo of general motors corporation on december 1,2003 and carbon copied to .mr. Paul white, general manager of crest auto group in plano, texas 75075, where the vehicle was purchased.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · NY

Brakes and rotors wear prematurely and need replacement due to inadequate tire size being used by the manufacturer. There are several tsbs on this issue.

Filed Jul 15, 2003 · Brakes · OH

When braking pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer replaced all rotors due to warping. At this time vehicle is scheduled for the same repair, warped rotors.

Filed Apr 17, 2003 · Brakes · MD

Warped rotors caused noise in the rear of the vehicle when the brakes were applied.

Filed Jul 23, 2002 · Brakes · PA

Front brake pads/just the inside brake pad wear to the medal/change brakes every other month due to this prob.lem.my alero is not the only alero affected.

Filed Jun 3, 2002 · Brakes · OH

The original front brake rotors in my 2000 oldsmobile alero (3.4l gls) have worn out far before they should have. From what information I have now found in newspapers and on the internet, this is a common problem with the 1999-2000 alero (and pontiac grand am); gm now manufactures new brake rotors to use as replacements. However, the gm garage that I had my car fixed at (walt sweeney pontiac, cincinnati, oh) did not replace the faulty rotors, but merely machined them so that they won't squeal/pulsate. I called oldsmobile to ask whether this was standard procedure, and whether I could have the new, safer brake rotors installed on my alero: the customer service person I talked with said that the rotors are machined down (made smooth) if it isn't *absolutely* necessary to replace them. Everything I've read on the 2000 alero's brake rotors indicates that they are substandard, and unsafe... There are even a few technical service bulletins out from gm about this (00-05-22-002a, 00-05-23-002a). I believe that the brake rotors are faulty and unsafe; gm, I think, knows this, and has updated their product. I believe that gm should hold a recall and should be replace the brake rotors under warranty; at the very least, when the brake rotors wear out, they should certainly be replaced with the new, more durable brake rotors, rather than sanded down to be replaced again when they wear out in a few months, endangering road safety.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Harsh vibration due to warped rotors appeared at 14,000 miles. Took to dealer, I was told gm only allowed them to turn the rotors, and I would not receive new rotors/pads. Now, at 22,000 miles, it takes significant pressure applied to the brake to stop the car.