2004 Oldsmobile Alero Problems
- Complaints
- 109filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 92,781miles, 78 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Alero mostly describe starting and stalling trouble tied to the ignition switch and the Passlock theft-deterrent system, plus turn signals and hazard lights that work only intermittently. Complaints cluster from roughly 60,000 to 150,000 miles and involve problems that come and go rather than a single sudden failure; several owners mention that a recall repair was performed or attempted without ending the symptoms.
- Electrical system
No-start, stall, or key problems (ignition switch /
- 37 complaints (34%)
- median 92,118 mi at 10.4 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2026
Owners describe the car cranking but not firing, or failing to start at all with the security light illuminated, and sometimes stalling while driving with power steering and brakes lost. Many report the dealer diagnosis pointing to the ignition switch, lock cylinder, or Passlock sensor, with repairs that did not always stop the problem; some had to wait about ten minutes with the key on for the security light to clear before it would restart. Several mention recall 14V400000, and some say the remedy they received did not resolve the no-start condition. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 20,000 to over 200,000 miles, in warm and cold weather alike.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch recall was completed and whether the switch, lock cylinder, or Passlock sensor has been replaced since, and confirm the car starts reliably from cold and after being shut off warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall I was having trouble startting my car so I went to auto dealership and bought a key which cost $38.. It worked great for maybe a month. Then I took my car to car wash and turned the ignation switch off and got out of car. When I was ready to go, the car would not start. Had to hire a wreaker to haul it to the house. The car still won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #10980495, filed 2017-04, 120,000 miles“The key would not turn and had to fiddle with it to work, so I took it to a dealer and had the ignition key cylinder changed along with the key(?). Cost was over $500.00 with mileage at 60,981. Just past warranty. This is ridiculous and should never happen. I feel I should be compensated for some of this at this mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #10251442, filed 2008-12, 60,981 miles - Exterior lighting
Turn signals and hazard lights work intermittently
- 25 complaints (23%)
- median 96,500 mi at 8.1 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2026
Owners report blinkers that stop working randomly, sometimes mid-drive, and hazard lights that are inoperable or whose button has fallen into the dash. The hazard switch or switch interrupter is the part most often named, and some owners note that an earlier recall covered older model years but not this one. Repairs such as replacing the switch or fuses did not always last, and some owners describe difficulty finding the part. Mostly reported between about 55,000 and 135,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Operate both turn signals and the hazard switch before buying, and ask whether the hazard switch has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2004 Alero Oldsmobile I purchased the car used in 2008. It later only had one recall which was for the ignition issues. While the car is on and in drive the key is still able to be pulled out of the ignition and the car still remains on and in drive. I am also experiencing my blinkers not working 100% of the time, (NHTSA campaign # for this issue is 03v327000). …”
NHTSA complaint #10986256, filed 2017-05, 136,000 miles“Blinker intermittently stops working. I will go to signal a lane change and the blinker will not work. Then randomly it will start working again. This is a safety hazard because I am unable to signal my lane change and it causes me to break the law.”
NHTSA complaint #10546125, filed 2013-09, 111,957 miles - Air bags
Airbags fail to deploy or deploy abnormally
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 142,500 mi at 11.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2024
After collisions, owners describe airbags that did not deploy at all with no warning light beforehand, or that inflated but did not deflate and showed damage. A common thread in these accounts is a loss of power or a stall just before the impact, so the airbag warning light and the electrical system are often mentioned together. Some owners say the airbag warning light came on alongside the security light and the vehicle stalling. Reported from about 119,000 to 150,000 miles, in collisions at moderate speeds.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on and then goes out at start-up, and ask whether the ignition switch recall was performed, since the recall notice describes an effect on the airbag system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My granddaugher to be ran into the back of another can going only about 25 MPH. The airbags came out but did not deflate. They had a cut in them. She did not get hurt but if she had been going faster or if I had been driving and had a wreck it could have caused major damage. She was on a side street”
NHTSA complaint #10906277, filed 2016-09, 135,000 miles“My son was driving down a road when the engine stopped running. He had no brakes or power steering causing him to leave the roadway and crash into a fence. The crash didn't deploy the airbag, but caused sever damage to the car, resulting in it being totaled. It was towed to a junk yard where it was sold as scrap. Fortunately my son was only slightly injured, and did not require medical attention. I contacted GM after receiving their recall notice in september, 2014. …”
NHTSA complaint #10641159, filed 2014-10, 130,000 miles - Brakes
Brake noise and repeat brake and wheel bearing work
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 59,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2014
Owners report grinding and squeaking brakes at any speed, repeated replacement of pads, rotors, hubs, and caliper slider pins, and front wheel bearings needing replacement more than once. In some accounts the dealer attributed the wear to dirt-road use and replaced the hubs, rotors, and brakes, with the symptoms returning. Mostly reported below about 70,000 miles, including some under 50,000.
What to check: Listen for grinding or squealing during a test drive and ask for service records showing when the brakes, rotors, and front wheel bearings were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When my vehicle reached 49,000 miles I had to have the front wheel bearings and brakes replaced. My car is now at 59,000 miles and the front wheel bearings need to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #10170391, filed 2006-10, 59,000 miles“Have had to replace brakes and rotors 4 times in one year, and the slider pins on calipers keep going bad, pass side strut needs replaced for the 3rd time in 2 years”
NHTSA complaint #10192867, filed 2007-06, 67,000 miles
Buying note. On this model year, the topics that come up most in complaints are starting and stalling trouble around the ignition switch and Passlock system, intermittent turn signals, and brake or bearing work. Before buying, confirm the ignition switch recall was completed, test the blinkers and hazard switch, and check for cold-start noise and coolant loss.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 109 consumer complaints for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. 78 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,781 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 374 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system57 52%
- Exterior lighting21 19%
- Air bags13 12%
- Engine13 12%
- Brakes10 9.2%
- Fuel system7 6.4%
- Suspension6 5.5%
- Other or unknown5 4.6%
Also reported: Steering (5), Body and structure (5), Engine cooling (4), Vehicle speed control (3), Equipment (2), Seats (2), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Was driving on in toll road when my headlights went off. I was able to get them back on by going to manual. They also flickered on & off even with car off and key out of ignition. Had recall on ignition, recall 143510, advised GM and dealer of problem. They said wasn't covered by recall. Still a recurring problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10664129, filed 2014-12, 141,271 milesExterior lighting: “The turn signals on my 2004 Alero goes in and out all of the time. The hazards will work but no turn signals. It is very hazardous because people can't see that I'm turning or changing lanes. I also got pulled over for not using my blinker because it wouldn't work. Also my horn hasn't worked for a long time. That is also a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10637775, filed 2014-09, 105,200 milesAir bags: “June 2010(irving, tx) - the gear shaft button popped out which made shifting from park to reverse or drive almost impossible without sticking something hard inside, like a pen . Vehicle would become difficult to start, typically after third try it would start. . The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repaired as I could not afford it at the time, . I was involved in an accident, in which my Alero was totaled after failing to stop because power steering and brakes locked, the airbags never deployed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10633512, filed 2014-09, 165,340 milesEngine: “Bought car a year ago, it had issues with turn signals not working. I googled issue and replaced hazard switch 125,000 miles. Now at 155,000 timing chain slipped, it's replacement worth more than car value. I heard after 2004 a change was made because of issues but no recall. Car was pulled to end of driveway before taking a close out of town trip, turned off to check oil and such, wouldn't start. Estimate received to repair 2,500$. I am furious!”
NHTSA complaint #10970841, filed 2017-04, 158,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 78 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 56,000 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alero · coupe | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Alero · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Oldsmobile Alero version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alero FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Alero FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Alero FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
Recall details for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 374 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle 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 modules need…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 11000576May 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal…
Other model years of the Oldsmobile Alero
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 109 | 92,781 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 184 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 279 | 74,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 364 | 64,825 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 557 | 65,000 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 462 | 63,580 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Oldsmobile Alero model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?
Owners of the 2004 Alero mostly describe starting and stalling trouble tied to the ignition switch and the Passlock theft-deterrent system, plus turn signals and hazard lights that work only intermittently. The issues reported most often: No-start, stall, or key problems (ignition switch /; Turn signals and hazard lights work intermittently; Airbags fail to deploy or deploy abnormally.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have?
NHTSA recorded 109 consumer complaints for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 57 complaints (52% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 21.
Has the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero (Alero, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 21 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero reported?
Among the 78 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,781 miles and the middle half falls between 56,000 and 130,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.