repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2002 Oldsmobile AleroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 279 owner complaints about the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 14V-400 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has problems
279 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
133Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
78Exterior lighting
28Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
15Visibility
14Service brakes, hydraulic
13Engine
11Steering
10Suspension
9Air bags
6716 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 133 | 8 |
| Exterior lighting | 78 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 28 | 1 |
| Visibility | 15 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 14 | 0 |
| Engine | 13 | 1 |
| Steering | 11 | 2 |
| Suspension | 10 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 6 |
| 16 other systems | 67 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2002 Oldsmobile Alero recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
87kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 88 electrical system complaints. 61% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles54under 100k miles34100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other Alero year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Alero median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Oldsmobile Alero safety ratings
2002 Oldsmobile Alero 4-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and the recalls they led to.
- TURN SIGNAL FAILURESNo recall
In owners' words
What Alero owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation…
2002 OLDS ALERO,PRESENT MILEAGE@5/17/20-187,037. WHERE DO I START? OKAY,THE TRUNK HAS STARTED TO ARBITRARILY DECIDE TO POP OPEN...APPARENTLY DURING RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS...I WONDER IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE DOOR LOCKS RECENTLY DECIDING TO NOT LOCK THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN USING SWITCH ON…
"TAKATA RECALL" I OWN A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND MY BLINKERS ONLY WORK MAYBE 2 TIME A MONTH WHEN I USE MY TURNING SIGNALS IN EITHER DIRECTION I JUST HEAR A BUZZING SOUND SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY IN ONE DIRECTION AND SOMETIMES THERE IS NO SOUND AND NO BLINKER AT ALL. NOW MY GAS GAUGE SAYS EMPTY AND I…
Own a 2002 Alero?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.