Blinker is very intermittent and dangerous. Sometimes it works, other times nothing. When it is not working the hazard or blinker sound seems to be going off and on constantly. The repair shop said that they would have to tear apart the whole dash just to troubleshoot the problem. This is a very scary problem and can potentially lead to tickets or accidents if not fixed.

- Oronoco, MN, USA

My 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has a start malfunction which causes the security system to shut the car off while driving. I have replaced the ignition switch and fuel pump on my car, which were told to me were the problem, and the car still will not start at times, and whenever it does start, the car cuts off while driving. This puts me and my children in danger of getting hit by another car because the car stops abruptly.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

I bought my 2002 olds Alero in may of 2006 and have had problems ever since. I had to have the front left wheel bearing replaced 2 days after I bought the car. The dealership paid for the parts and labor that time, but I was on my own from there. Frequently I was having the problem of the engine turning over, but not starting. I had to call a tow truck 6 times in 2 months. The fuel pump was replaced and a week later I had the same problem. This time it the body module was replaced. 2 days later I was calling the tow truck again. The ignition switch was replaced this time. The next time I threatened to sue the mechanic who had worked on my car. This time the car started right up for the mechanic. He contacted GM to see what the problem could possibly be and of course they had never heard of this problem. After the car was towed to the shop a few more times the mechanic finally got a hold of another mechanic who specialized in GM repairs. That mechanic told him about the faulty security system. He passed on the info to me. If the car won't start, turn the key on for 10 min. Until the security light stops flashing, turn the key off, take it out of the ignition and try it again. This has worked every time for me, but really, who has the extra 10-15 minutes to spare every time they need to go somewhere, just in case their car won't start? I also have problems with the turning signals working only when they want to. This seems to be a common problem among Alero owners. After the nightmares I've had with this car and the disrespect shown by GM to their "valued customers", I will never buy another GM model as long as I live! buyer beware!!!

- Daggett, MI, USA

A.. the rear window defroster quit working. Replaced fuses, relay but still did not work. Having done some internet research found out that a rear connector will melt. Looked at the rear connector and it had melted. Dealer charges $ 45 for a new connector so I hot wired it to the module. If they melt they should have been recalled. B. the security light will come on and within a few days the car will be locked down. If you sit for 10 minutes with the ignition on but not started the security will reset. Luckily for me, this has not caused me any $, but I am sure others have had to pay for towing. One should be able to disconnect this option.

- Thunder Bay, 00, USA

Since 2006, on six different occasions the security light flashes and two to three days later the system locks down and the car does not start. I am stranded and have to have my car towed. Each occurrence has cost me anywhere from $600-$800. Towing fees, taxis to and from work, and use of other individuals' cars are additional expenses. I only take the car to the dealer for the repairs. Each time they tell me a different feature on the anti-theft system has failed and needs to be replaced. I have asked the dealer repeatedly to dismantle the anti-theft device and they say they cannot. Who is going to steal a 2002 Alero? I am a single mother with two children in two different colleges. This Alero is our only car. To date I have spent $3000 on this "sophisticated" anti-theft system. Help me please. I cannot afford to purchase another car.

- Vicksburg, MS, USA

Two years ago, my security light came on in my car and my car wouldn't start. Took it to the GM dealer and they said it was the computer module on my security system that needed to be replaced which cost more than $700. Last Friday, 11/14/2008, my car wouldn't start again and the security light came on again. I took it to the same GM dealer again and now they are saying the BCM (body control module) needs to be replaced? and now, again, this will cost another $700 to fix, if that is all that is wrong with my car. I have been stranded before when the computer module went out. I was lucky this time since I had my car at home when this BCM went out. The BCM only has a year warranty.

- Tampa, FL, USA

My passlock theft deterrent system on my 2002 Alero has been defective since the first year I had it. I have to wait ten minutes with key in on position before it will start. This is a big concern for me, and as I observed online, for many others. I had it towed and looked at several times but they could never figure out what it was and until I get a 100% accurate diagnosis on something, I don't pay out money for assumptions. I found out on my own and by reading the owners manual, what the exact problem was. I realize I must die or be seriously injured for any thing to be done. Sad to say that is how things work in this dwindling economy. I have the fear that stalkers I have had in the past may catch up with me at a time when my car won't start. Should I tell them "hey wait ten minutes before you can attack me then I can get away." Please prove me wrong and do something about it. It needs to be recalled. If you would like you can google to see the many other complaints.

- Anderson, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact has been experiencing failures with her vehicle ever since it was purchased. The speedometer displayed inaccurate readings and the braking system was locked twice due to a defective wheel bearing. The ignition switch was replaced twice and recently failed again. She is unable to remove the key from the ignition because it locked in place. The contact will take the vehicle in for repair. The failure mileage was 24,500 and current mileage was 92,273.

- Lansing , IL, USA

I have had my 2002 Oldsmobile Alero since 2002. Within six months of having this car the ignition switch went bad and was unable to start the car and it had to be repaired. This was repaired by the dealer that I purchased it from because the company that was in charge of my extended warranty went bankrupt. Since then I have had to pay to replace a gasket in the engine that keeps engine coolant and engine oil from mixing together because the gasket that was manufactured with the car was not the right thickness. (since this is a known defect by mechanics why wasn't this recalled or a service bulletin initiated?) I continue to have problems with the driver door control panel that controls the windows and the side mirrors and window locks. The windows in my car can only be controlled by the driver because the window lock is stuck in the "on" position. I have also had problems with the windows falling down into the door and have had one window replaced in December 2007 but now in September 2008 the passenger window is experiencing the same symptoms and now will have to replace this window as well. Right now the most annoying thing about this car is the turn signals. They function as they should but the clicking noise for the turn signal will not turn off when I have made a turn (it actually makes a clicking noise about 3 times as fast as the regular turn click). I have had this looked at by a mechanic and I was told that this was not part of the hazard light recall which my car falls under so it was not fixed. It is a very distracting problem and the only time I can get relief from the clicking noise is when I actually get ready to make a turn by turning on the actual turn signal. There are a number of problems that numerous owners are experiencing. I am hoping that some thing is done about the windows and the engine gasket. I don't think consumers should be responsible for poor engineering and design. GM should make things right.

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

Security system malfunction - car will not start and security system light is blinking for no reason. Must wait about 10 minutes and the system resets it self. Hundreds of people are having the same problem.

- Springdale, AR, USA

Oldsmobiles have electrical problems and I am having more electrical problems with this car. This was the start of my problems last year first it was the passlock system that cost me $775 to fix. I went to the mall for lunch and came back and the car would mot start. Had to have the car towed to the dealership to find out that sensors were not covered under warranty. The problems continue and come more frequently this was 3-12-2008 the second problem cost me $589 the module and poil pavk assembly, I was parked in at school and barely made it home, the car was going all of 10-15 miles an hour and would not accelerate, by the grace of god I made it home only live about 10 miles from school. When I got up the next day the car would not start at all. Had to have the car towed to the mechanic. This started May 1, 2008 that leads us to problem three which is going on right now the turning and hazard lights work sometimes and the car makes a ticking sound like the turn signal is on when its not and them it sounds like its short circuiting.. ( was told that this is covered by GM, will contact them to see if this is true) now here we are at problem this stated 5-18-2008 four in a matter of weeks: The trac off light, service engine soon and another light is on the dash ( I will follow up with which light that is) all of my problems with this car has been electrical and I was told by someone at the auto advantage that these cars are notifies for this. There really should be something done in regard to this. I have searched the internet and it is full of the same issues. There is not way that all of these people located in all states everywhere are having the same problems and this is not a defect that should be repaired by GM and not the consumer.

- Columnia, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that she was unable to restart the vehicle after it was parked. The dealer stated that the ignition and the fuel pump caused the failure and they made the replacement. Approximately a year and a half later, the failure recurred. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The dealer stated that there was a malfunction with the security system and was unable to duplicate the failure. However, the dealer replaced the electrical harness. The contact also stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle jerked and then shut off. The dealer stated that the timing chain failed and made the repair. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 58,000.

- Dale City, VA, USA

Intermittent turn signals dash and tail lights go out when auto lights try to turn on.

- Loves Park, IL, USA

Blinkers fail especially during humid weather. It began during the summer. Blinkers sometimes work, but then will fail. The problem has not been corrected yet. There is a recall out for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, but not for the 2002 even though it is the same problem.

- East Granby, CT, USA

There are several defects with this vehicle. The first started in 2004. The windshield wipers do not work, will not shut off, or start again while in the off position and stop in the middle of the windshield. This creates a hazard while driving, especially at high speeds on the highway - startles you, then blocks vision. Next, the security feature is malfunctioning. Sometimes the vehicle will not start, security light flashes and problem is fixed with leaving the car in the on position for 10 to 20 minutes (resets the security). This drains the battery and is a major inconvenience. Also, the turn signals have now begun to work only intermittently. This is dangerous obviously. The window controls sometimes don't work, the side-mirror controls also do not work sometimes. The heat/ac controls do not work properly - most of the positions do not blow. You can hear the muffled sound of the air when on high, but air does not come out of the vents. These are the combination settings, the individual settings work, so it cannot be clogged vents. Lastly, the rear defrost recently stopped working and, when turned on, emits a burning smell. This car is an accident waiting to happen and driven daily out of necessity.

- Whitmore Lake, MI, USA

The contact complained about a turn signal problem. The turn signal did not work when turning it on. When applying the hazard light switch the turn signal came on. Then, it failed intermittently. There was a recall 03V327000 on other year models, but this model was not included. Dealer said they will not offer help, it should be fixed at contact's expense. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Updated 11/16/2005 - the problem is frequent but not constant. The turn signals do not work. When the hazard button is partially pressed the signal starts working. The vehicle has had other electrical problem in the dashboard area but doesn't seem to be related to the turn signal problem. The consumer does not understand why the 2001 models have been recalled but the 2000 has not even though they have the same problem.

- Willard, UT, USA

On May 26th, 2005 I started my 2002 Oldsmobile Alero and turned on my rear defroster. After about 3 minutes of driving down the road there was an "explosion" in the rear of my car. The rear defroster heating mechanism that hooks up to the rear window exploded and caught fire to the entire rear of my car. The vehicle was not able to be repaired due to the cost, my insurance company totaled my car. My car has never been in an accident and no major work has ever been performed. GM will not get involved due to the fact that luckily no one was injured.

- Garrettsville, OH, USA

My turn singals do not work properly. The singnals work only part of the time. When the turn signials do not operate the hazord lights dont work as well. I found out it will cost aprox. $200 to fix the problem. They will need to replace the turn signal switch that cost $130 and $70 for labor. This is a hazord that I will need to have fixed. There are some dangerous intersections where I live. It is also againts the law not to singal which way you are turning. The problem started in March. It had taken it in several times but they could not find the problem until it was more freqqent and they could reproduce it. I finally found out on May 19, 2005 it is the switch.

- Davenport, IA, USA

Out of the blue the turn signals stop working. Almost causing an accident. Took my car to the dealership they gave it back to me, and said that they found nothing wrong with it. Until this day I still have this problem, is there anything I can do to solve this problem?

- Medford, OR, USA

I have been having this problem for the past 7 months. I have changed out the battery, that didn't solve the problem. I have taken it countless time to the dealership, and they couldn't find out the problem. I have called the plant where the car came from and they referred me to a car service that specializes in Oldsmobile. They thought it was the fuel pump, and they fixed it. They also said that it could be something electrical, however they won't know until the car tears all the way up. This is what is wrong with my car. It sounds like it wants to start, however, it takes three tries before the car finally starts. Sometimes, it sounds like the car will not even start. I have also had occassions where the car has cut off as I am pulling off from a stop sign or pulling out of a parking spot. The car is only 2 years old and only have 49,900 miles on it. It no one knows what is wrong with the car or the severity of it, how do I know whether the car will breakdown to a point where it will cause a fatal accident. I believe the car needs to be recalled.

- Birmingham, AL, USA