VehicleVerdict

2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Oldsmobile Alero sits mid-pack among Alero years: 406 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 406, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 147 reports (36% of the total).

406

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Alero years?

Alero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted810 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 810 complaints2001: 549 complaints2002: 406 complaints2003: 294 complaints2004: 175 complaints
Alero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Alero years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System14736%
Lighting8521%
Engine4110%
Brakes236%
Fuel System184%
Visibility & Wipers164%
Other164%
Steering113%
Suspension102%
Airbags92%
Body & Structure92%
Tires & Wheels72%
Speed Control61%
Seat Belts51%
Transmission20%
Seats10%

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ALONG, I HAD DEFROSTER ON, REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER STARTED SMOKING, MELTED THE REAR WINDOW TRIM AND REAR PASSENGER PANEL. I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURN OFF ENGINE. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT, TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC, FOUND THAT THE DEFROSTER MODULE WENT BAD. THE DEFROSTER MODULE AND WIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2015 · fire

“I HAVE A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO GL SEDAN AND THE FOLLOWING HAS JUST STARTED TO HAPPEN WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS: TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION THAT LEADS TO FLICKERING OR TOTAL FAILURE OF THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS AND THE INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL - THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT PROMPTED A 2003 RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 21, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 16, 2014 · fire

“DT: WITHOUT WARNING CALLER HEARS A NOISE ,AND AT THE SAME TIME, THE BELL SOUNDS , AND THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON. THE LIGHTS THAT COME ON ARE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TRACK OFF LIGHT, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS THE BRAKES WILL NOT WORK. HAS HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 10, 2003

“Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 13, 2021

2002 Oldsmobile Alero — common questions

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

It is close to typical for the Alero: 406 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Alero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (147 complaints), lighting (85 complaints), engine (41 complaints).

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Alero years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Alero years to avoid are 2000, 1999. The cleanest record among Alero years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.