Alero (2003)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LA1
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L61
2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Oldsmobile Alero Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
3.4-V6-Gas
3.4L 6-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 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
On a used 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (103), the engine (28) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (24). 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 103 owner complaints on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero about the exterior lighting.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero about the brakes.
Recalls (3)
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 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 MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Oldsmobile Alero complaints?
Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the safety systems.
Is the 2003-2003 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 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 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 2003-2003 Oldsmobile Alero have?
NHTSA has 186 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 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 2003-2003 Oldsmobile Alero?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2003-2003 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 engine and the safety systems, 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 2003 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. 186 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.