Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Oldsmobile Alero

◆ Worse than typical

2001 Oldsmobile Alero
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 364
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2001: 364 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	2
1999	462
2000	557
2001	364
2002	279
2003	184
2004	109

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

37% · 135 reports

Most commonly citing control module and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Hazard switch failed resulting in turn signals also not working. Part was replaced in 2004 under recall id 34013 but replacement part has failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-27

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Just got this car from the dealer and there is a gas leak also the key comes out of the ignition with the car on acceleration I have to put it back in and wiggle it to get it off and there's a o-ring sensor leak can't pass the echeck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28

Also filed under Structure

Exterior lighting

20% · 72 reports

Most commonly citing switch and turn signal.

CRASH

Service brakes

16% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

Visibility

10% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2000-12-21Power train00V372000 Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (Rpo M86) fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "Theft protection." When a driver attempts to shift…

Remedy: Dealers will disable the 5TH/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2001Complaint volume 364 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2001-01-26SQClosed 2002-09-30 Erratic fuel gauge
I
2002-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 2003-12-30 Erratic fuel gauge
I
2002-12-23Engineering analysisClosed 2003-09-05 Turn signal failures
R

2003-08-20Equipment03V250000 Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child restraint anchorage system." The owner's manual…

Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-02-05Exterior lighting03V327000 Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, and FP10027-11B1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The…

Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-09-08Electrical system14V400000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 135 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 72 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 60 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 00V372000 · Power train
Recall 03V250000 · Equipment
Recall 03V327000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Recall 14V400000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.