VehicleVerdict

2003 Oldsmobile Alero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero sits mid-pack among Alero years: 294 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 408, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 26 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 110 reports (37% of the total).

294

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

26

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Alero years?

Alero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted810 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 810 complaints2001: 549 complaints2002: 406 complaints2003: 294 complaints2004: 175 complaints
Alero NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Alero years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Oldsmobile Alero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System11037%
Engine2910%
Airbags259%
Lighting165%
Other155%
Brakes155%
Speed Control145%
Visibility & Wipers134%
Fuel System134%
Steering134%
Suspension103%
Transmission72%
Tires & Wheels62%
Body & Structure52%
Latches & Locks10%
Seat Belts10%
Seats10%

Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have recalls?

3 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.

04V528000Speed ControlNovember 1, 2004 · 92,863 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE NEED TO HAVE THE IGNITION AND KEYS REPAIRED. *SS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEYS. HOWEVER, ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAD DID NOT DEPLOY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 9, 2014 · crash

“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. AFTER THEY PUT THE FIRE OUT I LOOK IN CAR AND ONLY ONE AIR BAG CAME OUT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 27, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SALVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 3, 2014 · crash

“THE BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING, BUT REALIZED THERE WAS A SHORT WITH THE HAZARD LIGHTS AS SOON AS I WOULD PUSH THE HAZARD LIGHTS IN A LITTLE THE BLINKERS WOULD START WORKING. RECENTLY PUSHING THE HAZARD LIGHTS DOES NOT MAKE THE BLINKER BLINK, NOR DOES IT CAUSE THE HAZARD LIGHTS TO WORK ANYMORE. WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 4, 2012

“ THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM THE SECURITY LIGHTS IS FLASHING, CAR WILL NOT START. SO GO AND TURN KEY TO ON POSITION WAIT 10 MINUTES BUT TODAY IT WAS 20 MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTS STOP FLASHING THEN TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION BEFORE TRYING TO START. TODAY IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. SO I AM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 18, 2011

2003 Oldsmobile Alero — common questions

Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 294 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Alero year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2003 Alero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (110 complaints), engine (29 complaints), airbags (25 complaints).

Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.