The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Oldsmobile
ALEROProblems & recalls

279 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 133 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 279 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system133 reports
Other components114 reports
Engine41 reports
Brakes20 reports
Fuel system18 reports
Visibility15 reports
Steering11 reports
Suspension10 reports
Body & structure9 reports
Air bags9 reports
Transmission & drivetrain2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
EXTERIOR LIGHTING30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13
ENGINE13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH12
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE9
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
STEERING7
SUSPENSION6
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL5
STRUCTURE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
AIR BAGS4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP4
SERVICE BRAKES4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN3
VISIBILITY3
EQUIPMENT3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
SEAT BELTS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
POWER TRAIN2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS2
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS2
WHEELS2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
SEATS1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
WHEELS:HUB1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING1
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER1
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
TIRES1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 17, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

74,000 miles is the median among 183 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 50,000–102,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jul 3, 2014 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONCampaign 14V400000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 14350

Read campaign 14V400000 at NHTSA
Mar 12, 2007 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 07E021000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

446 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier…NHTSA ID 11004761

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-08-45-001HThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.NHTSA ID 10252735

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10252735 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Ti…NHTSA ID 10251890

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251890 at NHTSA
Feb 22, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-NA-074This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.NHTSA ID 10250775

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10250775 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Sep 27, 2005 ClosedTURN SIGNAL FAILURESPE05055

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Recorded closure: Jan 13, 2006

Find investigation PE05055

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