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Oldsmobile AleroModel year report

2003 Oldsmobile Alero Problems

Complaints
184filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
80,000miles, 128 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
25 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2003 Alero most often describe electrical problems, especially the vehicle failing to start or shutting off while driving, which many link to the Passlock theft-deterrent system or the ignition switch. Complaints also cover a horn that sounds on its own or stops working, interior trim and air-bag cover separation on the dashboard, and sporadic turn-signal failures. Reports span a wide mileage range, from very low miles to well over 150,000.

  1. Electrical system

    Passlock system prevents starting or shuts engine off

    • 39 complaints (21%)
    • median 80,500 mi at 6.3 yrs old (22 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 7 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2017

    Owners describe the security light coming on and the engine either failing to crank or dying while driving. Many say waiting about ten minutes with the key in the ON position lets the car start again, but the problem returns. Complaints mention repeated tows and trips to the dealer, with diagnosis pointing to the Passlock assembly, ignition lock cylinder, body control module, or battery. Reported from about 30,000 to over 165,000 miles, sometimes during cold weather.

    What to check: Have the seller demonstrate several cold starts, and ask whether the ignition switch, lock cylinder, or Passlock components have been replaced and when.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I had the car since nov 2003. I haven't had any problems until july 2008 when my car wouldn't start because of the security light flashing. I just sat there in the car until the tow truck came, so I just crank the car up and it crank I was like ok. Then another day it did the same thing and it crank up. Then the third time it did it now it wont crank up. I was wondering what do you do about this situation.”

    NHTSA complaint #10236802, filed 2008-08, 100,000 miles

    “I was driving down the road when the security light came on and stayed on. About one minute later, the car died while I was driving approx. 50 MPH. Thank goodness there was no traffic and I was able to pull over off the road. The car did start back up this time. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10357441, filed 2010-09, 115,383 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Engine stalls or loses power while driving

    • 39 complaints (21%)
    • median 90,250 mi at 10.1 yrs old (36 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2017

    Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning at various speeds, sometimes requiring a restart after a wait or a tow. Several owners tie the stall to the ignition switch, and some say it returned after a switch or wiring repair. Others report stalling where the dealer could not reproduce or identify the cause. Reported across a broad range, from under 20,000 to over 175,000 miles.

    Recall 14V400000

    What to check: Ask whether recall 14V400000 was performed and whether the ignition switch has been replaced; note that some owners reported stalling continuing after the recall work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When traveling between 25mph and 50mph the vehicle will turn off and will take up to 10 minutes to start. This occurs weekly, I received a recall call noticed stating that it was the key fob and that key covers were installed on 10-09-2014. This did not remedy the vehicle shut down and the number of incidents have increased.”

    NHTSA complaint #10662372, filed 2014-12, 135,241 miles

    “The contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the passenger side dashboard, which houses the air bag, separated and exposed the air bag components. While driving at various speeds, the engine suddenly stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10654711, filed 2014-11, 80,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Horn sounds on its own or stops working

    • 21 complaints (11%)
    • median 80,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 9 quotes)
    • filed 2007–2016

    Owners report the horn honking continuously, often in cold weather, and only stopping when a fuse or relay is pulled. Others say the horn quit working entirely, and dealers told them the horn is part of the steering-wheel air-bag assembly, so the repair estimate was high. Some complaints describe recurring trouble after the assembly was already replaced. Usually reported between about 37,000 and 130,000 miles, often in cold conditions.

    What to check: Test the horn several times and in cool weather if possible, and ask whether the horn or air-bag module has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Purchased vehicle august 2003 at 29,000 miles. Front left wheel bearing bad just inside warranty time - under 36,000 miles. Shortly after, front right wheel bearing went bad - not in warranty. Now at 129,000 miles, front left wheel bearing is bad again. Not using oem equipment this time as it isn't cost effective to pay for oem equipment - when it obviously lacks quality. I'm assuming my front right wheel bearing will go bad soon - better start saving for that repair! …”

    NHTSA complaint #10244931, filed 2008-10, 129,000 miles

    “I have a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The horn stopped working, checked fuse and that was fine. Took car to dealer that I bought it from. They informed me that the horn is attached to airbag module, to get horn to work again I would have to replace airbag module, approximate cost $1100.00. I do not have that kind of money for repair. I need a horn.....not a new airbag module! Why replace a perfectly good airbag module to get the horn to work? Definite design flaw. Costly one at that.”

    NHTSA complaint #10395177, filed 2011-04, 82,000 miles
  4. Vehicle speed control

    Accelerator sticks or engine revs without input

    • 14 complaints (8%)
    • median 55,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2004–2017

    Complaints describe the engine revving or the car accelerating with no foot on the pedal, with brakes feeling unable to stop it, and shifting to neutral used to regain control. Some owners said the dealer checked their VIN against recall 04V528000 and told them it was not included. Others report the pedal not returning to idle in hot weather. Typically reported between about 20,000 and 140,000 miles, several in warm climates.

    Recall 04V528000

    What to check: Confirm by VIN whether recall 04V528000 applies, and have the throttle and pedal linkage checked for sticking, especially if the car lives in a hot climate.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When I drive down the highway the acceleator hangs up on my Oldsmobile Alero. The engin revs up and the brakes barley stops the car. When you put the car in park it revs up and when you put it in drive it just takes off still revved.”

    NHTSA complaint #10080773, filed 2004-07, 20,885 miles

    “I live in a hot ambient environment, the south. I am the third owner of my 2003 Alero Oldsmobile. My car's accelerator sticks and will not return to idle. It continues to do this and it seems like it is getting worse. It is also affecting the rest of the car and its parts. My brakes are probably going out because of the accelerator pedal being stuck and me having to hold the brakes down while its revving past 3000 rpms in park. I have contacted GM and they claim that my VIN isn't effected. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10480759, filed 2012-10, 120,000 miles
  5. Air bags

    Dashboard and air-bag cover warping or separating

    • 41 complaints (22%)
    • median 79,481 mi at 7.0 yrs old (26 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 7 quotes)
    • filed 2003–2024

    Owners describe the dashboard buckling, peeling, or the passenger-side air-bag cover lifting so the components underneath are exposed. Some reports mention the steering-wheel cover coming loose. Complaints say the dealer replaced the instrument panel assembly in some cases, while others were told there was no assistance available. Reported from about 15,000 to 90,000 miles, in both warm and cold climates.

    What to check: Inspect the dashboard top and passenger air-bag cover for lifting, warping, or peeling, and ask whether the instrument panel has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While my wife was driving on I-95 in northern virginia, the inside of her steering wheel, fell into her lap. Luckily the air bag did not deploy. I had to tape the inside of the steering wheel back in place so we could return home.”

    NHTSA complaint #10106040, filed 2005-01, 15,021 miles

    “The dashboard of my 2003 olds Alero is buckling and peeling in several places. I am trying to obtain proof of other similar problems that anyone else has had. Gm has been of no assistance to me.”

    NHTSA complaint #10167282, filed 2006-09, 78,963 miles

Buying note. Check that both applicable recalls have been completed and that the car starts reliably from cold, since starting and stalling complaints are the most common. Also look closely at the dashboard and air-bag cover condition, and test the horn and turn signals before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 184 consumer complaints for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 128 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 15 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 356 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (11), Suspension (10), Transmission and drivetrain (7), Body and structure (5), Tires (5), Equipment (4), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “I purchased my 2003 Oldsmobile Alero from an individual. I have had problems with the blinkers ever since. Some days they will work off and on, some days not at all. From what I have read this is a common problem in these types of vehicles. This issue puts me and my children in danger. Just the other day we were almost hit because my blinker quit working right before I made a right turn.”

NHTSA complaint #10717482, filed 2015-05, 98,000 miles

Air bags: “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.”

NHTSA complaint #10566241, filed 2014-02, 100,900 miles

Engine: “I was driving on the interstate and the car jumped up ito 6 and 7 rpms in the red got stuck even when pedal was not pressed stayed there I the red for a few seconds with no warning lights finally dropped and started knocking.”

NHTSA complaint #10872877, filed 2016-06, 110,000 miles

Exterior lighting: “This incident occurred for the first time on a rainy day in 2011. I was a new driver at the time. While I was traveling at approximately 45 MPH on my way to school, I put on my turn signal to change lanes. There was heavy traffic on the road, and I was going to need someone to let me into the lane. My turn signal, however, malfunctioned and would not illuminate. The resulting lack of communication between myself and the other driver very nearly caused an accident. This problem has persisted intermittently for the last three years. …”

NHTSA complaint #10614896, filed 2014-07, 35,550 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

28% of the 128 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,500 and 110,000 miles.

5%0–106%10–2517%25–5015%50–7526%75–10021%100–15010%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (128 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 80,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’05’08’11’1444’17’24
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Alero · coupe not rated4 / 5———
Alero · sedan not rated4 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2003 Oldsmobile Alero version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Alero FWD2.2L 4-cyl4-speed automatic213025$2,700
Alero FWD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual223025$2,700
Alero FWD3.4L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182721$3,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 356 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 356 bulletins →

Other model years of the Oldsmobile Alero

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200410992,7811—25Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200318480,0002—25Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200227974,0001—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200136464,8254—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200055765,0004—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199946263,5803—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Oldsmobile Alero model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?

Owners of the 2003 Alero most often describe electrical problems, especially the vehicle failing to start or shutting off while driving, which many link to the Passlock theft-deterrent system or the ignition switch. The issues reported most often: Passlock system prevents starting or shuts engine off; Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Horn sounds on its own or stops working.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have?

NHTSA recorded 184 consumer complaints for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 103 complaints (56% of the total), followed by air bags with 24.

Has the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero get?

The EPA rates the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero (Alero, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero reported?

Among the 128 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 43,500 and 110,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.