2003 Oldsmobile Alero Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 103about this part
- Share
- 56%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,764miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 56% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,764 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“2003 Oldsmobile Alero. Horn went off continually at approx. 330 h. And failed to stop until it eventually died at 400 h. Now I am left without a horn, because I will not pay $800 to resolve the issues of GM's faulty manufacturing that causes the switches to contract and contact some stupid wire. Dear GM, I love the japanese ;)”
NHTSA complaint #10344819, filed 2010-07, 60,000 miles“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 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 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle 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…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
- 10163268Jun 26, 2019This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10141371May 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
24 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology