2003 Oldsmobile Alero Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,149miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 4% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,149 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.
“Car seemed to be fine..all of a sudden car would not go into reverse.. Took it to a close shop and he said a sleeve within the driven sprocket assembly had shifted due to insufficient interference fit, blocking the oil feed hole for the second clutch....haven't been able to do anything!estimate was 1500-2000!!!I have a car that I still owe 7000 for that I can do nothing with!maybe god will send me 2000 dollars to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10149372, filed 2006-02, 69,298 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“I have power windows in my Alero and the clips keep breaking every time I have them replaced!! I have replaced these clips 4 times!!! Is there a way to fix the window once & for all so that I can use it? This will not pass nh state inspection without the window working properly!”
NHTSA complaint #10564294, filed 2014-02“The contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), the vehicle became difficult to start and the transmission malfunctioned multiple times. The contact mentioned that the battery warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10678892, filed 2015-01, 113,000 miles“While driving at any speed driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Suddenly, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection numerous times, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The RPM's increased when braking at 37-40 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10115896, filed 2005-06Related service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
Transmission and drivetrain: 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 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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