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
- 279
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
49% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 279 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
49% · 138 reportsMost commonly citing switch and control module.
Show 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, 2014-09-23
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, 2014-09-12
Also filed under Air bags
Consumer states that vehicle was shut off and it caught on fire. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-30
Exterior lighting
30% · 85 reportsMost commonly citing switch and turn signal.
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Service brakes
8% · 23 reportsMost 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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-27
Visibility
6% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and rear window.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-09-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-01-13 Turn signal failures
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 138 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 85 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 29 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
- Recall 14V400000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.