Model year
2001 Oldsmobile Alero
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 364 complaints for the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (89), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (20), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (17). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,900–$3,050, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
14V400000 · Jul 3, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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. General Motors LLC (GM)…
03V327000 · Aug 28, 2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT…
03V250000 · Jul 15, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT…
00V372000 · Nov 13, 2000
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLES (RPO M86) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR TO REVERSE, A SHIFT INHIBITOR CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO BE…
Complaints
364 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 20, fire flag on 5, injury field 18, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQ01002 | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES | Jan 26, 2001 | Sep 30, 2002 |
| EA02028 | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | Sep 30, 2002 | Dec 30, 2003 |
| EA02037 | TURN SIGNAL FAILURES · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR… | Dec 23, 2002 | Sep 5, 2003 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alero · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Alero · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 29 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Alero · 3.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 29 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2001 Oldsmobile Alero at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.