2004 Oldsmobile Alero
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.
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.
54% of complaints: electrical system — 59 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
NHTSA ODI report, 20240403
Also filed under ENGINE and AIR BAGS
22% of complaints: exterior lighting — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turn signal and switch.
12% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180814
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
JUNE 2010(IRVING, TX) - THE GEAR SHAFT BUTTON POPPED OUT WHICH MADE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT STICKING SOMETHING HARD INSIDE, LIKE A PEN .
NHTSA ODI report, 20140916
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090617
10% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
2004 Oldsmobile Alero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (13 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have?
2 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.