2003 Oldsmobile Alero Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 7% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I used my horn to let someone know that they were in my lane, and all of a sudden my horn was stuck. The window clips on my car broke off, as I have read of these same complaints of other 2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners. I believe that there are serious defects of these two parts, and GM will not issue a recall to fix these problems. Due to that fact, I am unable to pass inspection because my car has to have a working horn and my window must be able to move up and down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10285185, filed 2009-09, 80,000 miles“My lower intake manifold is leaking just as is popular on these types of engines. Also my turn signal is working off and on. I have sent letters to GM with no response or success.”
NHTSA complaint #10223520, filed 2008-04, 95,000 miles“Automatic transmission failure at 750 miles. Atained speed of 65mph for a few seconds then acted as if it slipped into neutral, I manually downshifted to 3rd gear at 45mph and proceeded to next safest place to stop. After stopped I shifted to d and then took off and it would not shift out of first gear. I stopped again and waited a few second then took off and it begain to shift normally again. I went directly to the dealer, they did a dianogstic test and it said nothing was wrong. Problem has not happened since. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106127, filed 2005-01, 750 miles“2003 Alero ignition shorted causing consumer not be able to start vehicle, also found a leak in intake manifold gasket. The passlock sensor in the ignition cylinder shorted and as a result the vehicle would not start. The intake gaskets and oil drive o-ring leaked. The dealer replaced the lower intake manifold gasket, rocker cover gaskets and oil pump driveshaft cover seal. The air bag cover warped. The top of the dash was wrinkled and the instrument panel pan was peeling from it's backing. The dealer replaced the instrument panel assembly and transferred all components.”
NHTSA complaint #10148670, filed 2006-01, 42,925 miles“I was never told about this recall at all. I was on my computer and found out about the information. My son and I are co-owner of this car, and we have never been told about any recalls for the car. I use my car to take my grandchildren to school and I would like the problem fix. Please help me”
NHTSA complaint #10121121, filed 2005-05Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This 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…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
103 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
13 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 29, 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