2003 Oldsmobile Alero Suspension Problems

“90,000 miles on car, need to replace bearings for a second time! The system is set up so that when the bearings fail the anti-lock brake system also fails. I have had many problems on ice/water when my system suddenly fails. This car should go much longer on new bearings - this will be my 3rd set.”

“At about 43,000 miles my 2003 olds Alero began experiencing grinding or humming noises from the front end that got louder with acceleration. After inspecting the front bakes and determining the brakes may need replacing I visited my local car dealership. After a test drive I was told the left front wheel bearings were damaged and needed replacement immediately. The entire driver side wheel bearing assembly was replaced at a cost of nearly $300.”

“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! Next issue - horn blows without provocation and will not stop - 3:00 in the morning. …”

“2003 olds Alero. At 35k miles, both front wheel bearings failed. Upon taking it to the dealership for work, we were told that the front rotors and brakes also needed replacing. The bearings were replaced under warranty, but we were billed $400+ for brakes and rotors. I filed a complaint with the bbb and olds (after multiple calls) reimbursed us for half of the brake work. I was later told be a mechanic at the dealership that wheel bearing, rotor and pad failures were an ongoing problem with the Alero and grand am. Apparently GM did not feel it was worth standing behind. …”

“Last summer my family and I loaded into my 2003 olds Alero gl for a trip. The passenger seat would click but not lock in place. The first time I tried to stop the vehicle, the seat slid forward with my wife in it. I've been to a local dealership 3 or 4 times and this still happens. Now that my warranty is expired I don't let anyone sit in that seat or I use my wife's car when carrying passengers to avoid the repair costs. A couple of months ago the drivers side window fell off track and and broke the mounting bracket on the glass, the repair bill was almost $400. …”