MYRModel Year Report

2003 Oldsmobile Alero

▲ Better than typical
2003 Oldsmobile Alero
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:55.862Z

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
184
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

59% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 462 complaints 1999 2000: 557 complaints 2000 2001: 364 complaints 2001 2002: 279 complaints 2002 2003: 184 complaints 2003 184 2004: 109 complaints 2004
1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 462 complaints 1999 2000: 557 complaints 2000 2001: 364 complaints 2001 2002: 279 complaints 2002 2003: 184 complaints 2003 184 2004: 109 complaints 2004
1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 462 complaints 1999 2000: 557 complaints 2000 2001: 364 complaints 2001 2002: 279 complaints 2002 2003: 184 complaints 2003 184 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% · 109 reports

Most commonly citing horn and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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, 2014-02-27

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-20

Also filed under Air bags

Air bags

14% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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, 2024-01-05

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, 2003-12-09

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

While driving at 45MPH vehicle was in a head on accident. Both front airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-03

Engine

9% · 17 reports
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, 2019-07-20

Exterior lighting

9% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing switch and turn signal.

Service brakes

8% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2004-12-20Vehicle speed control04V528000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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

2003 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 109 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V528000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
  • Recall 14V400000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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