2002 Oldsmobile Alero
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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.
49% of complaints: electrical system — 138 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and control module.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140923
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140912
Also filed under AIR BAGS
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030730
30% of complaints: exterior lighting — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIRE8% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
MY TENSOR PULLEY IS GOING OUT AND MY SAFETY SENSORS LIKE ANTI LOCK, TRAC OFF AND NOW SERVICE ENGINE SOON KEEP COMING ON HAD IT IN SHOP AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW ITS MAKING LOUD NOISES.IT HAPPENS WHEN IM STOPPED AND MOVING
NHTSA ODI report, 20171227
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6% of complaints: visibility — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and rear window.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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 UNI
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.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (138 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.