MYRModel Year Report

2003 Oldsmobile Alero

▲ Better than typical
2003 Oldsmobile Alero
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:00.159Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile Alero Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 462 complaints 1999 2000: 557 complaints 2000 2001: 364 complaints 2001 2002: 279 complaints 2002 2003: 184 complaints 2003 2004: 109 complaints 2004
2003: 184 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19982
1999462
2000557
2001364
2002279
2003184
2004109

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 59%

59% of complaints: electrical system — 109 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TODAY I STARTED MY CAR WITH MY AUTOMATIC STARTER THEN 7 MINUTES LATER I HEAR A HORN NON STOP BEEPING I LOOKOUT MY DOOR AND MY CAR IS SMOKING AND IN FLAMES FROM HOOD. INVESTIGATOR TELLS ME IT TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140227

Also filed under AIR BAGS and ENGINE

Driving and everything quit but the engine nothing on the dash worked, door locks unlocked lost headlights, radio anything Electrical was gone

NHTSA ODI report, 20211220

Also filed under AIR BAGS

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and crossing an intersection, a speeding police vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the front driver's side wheel was bent.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240105

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH IN THE RAIN CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THEY LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND HIT A LARGE ROCK HEAD ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031209

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030603

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1200 MILES AFTER J02 RECALL CAR RUNS SLUGGISH GOING UP CANYON. STOP CAR AND ENGINE IS MISFIRING. TURN AROUND AND COAST DOWNHILL IN NEUTRAL UNTIL CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON THEN STOP AND PARK CAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190720

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20041220 — vehicle speed control

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM M

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CH

Campaign 04V528000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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

R 20140908 — electrical system

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

2003 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (109 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V528000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ● 2002 ◆ 2001

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ◆ 1999 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.