Alero (2001)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LD9
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LA1
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Oldsmobile Alero Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.4-V6-Gas
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
LX5
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L67
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LY8
1.3L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Oldsmobile Alero, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
On a used 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (132), the exterior lighting (69) and the engine (63). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 132 owner complaints on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero about the electrical system.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 69 owner complaints on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero about the exterior lighting.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero about the brakes.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (5)
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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
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 UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE MECHANICALLY IN 4TH GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER INDICATES REVERSE GEAR.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero complaints?
Owners have filed 369 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the exterior and the engine.
Is the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 369 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero have?
NHTSA has 369 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2001-2001 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Oldsmobile Alero?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the exterior and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Alero have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 369 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.