2004 Oldsmobile Alero Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 52%of 109 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 52% of the 109 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall I was having trouble startting my car so I went to auto dealership and bought a key which cost $38.. It worked great for maybe a month. Then I took my car to car wash and turned the ignation switch off and got out of car. When I was ready to go, the car would not start. Had to hire a wreaker to haul it to the house. The car still won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #10980495, filed 2017-04, 120,000 miles“Was driving on in toll road when my headlights went off. I was able to get them back on by going to manual. They also flickered on & off even with car off and key out of ignition. Had recall on ignition, recall 143510, advised GM and dealer of problem. They said wasn't covered by recall. Still a recurring problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10664129, filed 2014-12, 141,271 miles“Bought car a year ago, it had issues with turn signals not working. I googled issue and replaced hazard switch 125,000 miles. Now at 155,000 timing chain slipped, it's replacement worth more than car value. I heard after 2004 a change was made because of issues but no recall. Car was pulled to end of driveway before taking a close out of town trip, turned off to check oil and such, wouldn't start. Estimate received to repair 2,500$. I am furious!”
NHTSA complaint #10970841, filed 2017-04, 158,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway and my car turned off without warning. My car turned off (power sheering locked up) I made it to the side of the road but not before almost getting hit by a 2 different semi-trucks. I was stranded on the freeway for 4 hours with a new born baby. I have yet to be able to fix my car due to this issue. I have been looking for information on what happened to my car when I found the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10651503, filed 2014-10, 120,000 miles“Noticed the windshield was leaking which cause to leak on equipment under inside and out dashboard witch caused erosion and defects to other operating equipment lead to car stalling while driving,some operations of will work, some won't. It has a mind of it's own,the security system on car does not work. I do not feel safe since I was driving down road on highway 55mph. And the car completely turn off, I turned ignition switch to turn car back on it was very scary moment. I didn't know what to do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11180995, filed 2019-02, 198,765 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
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- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
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- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
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- 10163268Jun 26, 2019This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
21 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology