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.
2004 Oldsmobile AleroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 109 owner complaints about the 2004 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 May 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero has problems
109 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
57Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
21Exterior lighting
13Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
13Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes, hydraulic
6Power train
6Suspension
5Visibility
5Fuel system, gasoline
3315 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 57 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 21 | 0 |
| Air bags | 13 | 7 |
| Engine | 13 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 2 |
| Suspension | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 33 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2004 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?
97kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 41 electrical system complaints. 51% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles21under 100k miles20100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 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
2004 Oldsmobile Alero safety ratings
2004 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
In owners' words
What Alero owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM…
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
Own a 2004 Alero?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.