Oldsmobile / Alero / 2004
2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems
Owners have filed 175 complaints about the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 33.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 13.7%.
Complaints175
Crashes14
Fires3
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 33.7% · 59
Exterior lighting 13.7% · 24
Air bags 7.4% · 13
Engine 7.4% · 13
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.0% · 7
Power train 3.4% · 6
Suspension 3.4% · 6
Fuel system, gasoline 2.9% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 14 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Oldsmobile Alero in this data, 2004 draws comparatively few complaints; 2000 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 97,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). However, the part needed to do the repairs was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The vin was unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure. Electrical system
2004 Olds Alero key will not turn have to swap key around until it turns. Sometimes when it does finally turn the starter will hesitate to disengage. I have seen this problem several times on forums some people have had to have their Alero towed and have the ignition switch/cylinder replaced. I feel a recall is in order before the problem worsens like the ford motor company had. Electrical system · reported at 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. While attempting to start the vehicle, the contact had to wiggle the key, which caused the security chime to activate. The failure occurred multiple times. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Electrical system · reported at 35,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…