2003 Oldsmobile Alero Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 8% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“I own a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero that has an intermittent problem with the turn signals/hazard switch. The turn signals will fail to operate without prior notification. Last friday this almost resulted in an rear-end accident as I was making a left turn from a two lane highway. When I referred to Alero problems and fixes I noticed recall id#32353. This is the exact problem that occurred with the 1999-2001 olds Alero. I found that when the signals fail to operate an upward push on the hazard switch allows the signal to operate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10244170, filed 2008-10, 80,000 miles“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 told by mechanic this is a common problem with the 2003 Alero.”
NHTSA complaint #10551159, filed 2013-11, 64,000 miles“Vehicle experienced electrical problems, such as the turn signal lights came on periodically, and the windows worked intermittently. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer, and had also contacted the manufacturer, who was no help at all. The consumer stated that the vehicle still has electrical problems. The consumer was told that the elecrical wiring was replaced but when inspected the old wire was found still in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10105154, filed 2005-01, 15,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
103 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsEngine
17 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 31, 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