2002 Oldsmobile Alero recalls and problems

The 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has 1 safety recall and 279 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Oldsmobile dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
279
Crashes / fires
11 / 8
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Oldsmobile Alero recalls

Recall 14V-400: Electrical System

Reported Jul 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

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.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

2002 Oldsmobile Alero problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System138
Exterior Lighting85
Engine and Engine Cooling29
Service Brakes, Hydraulic16
Visibility16
Unknown or Other13
Engine13
Steering11
Suspension10
Structure9
Air Bags9
Fuel System, Gasoline9

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 23
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch — 12
  • Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch — 12
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 11
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 9
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 8
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Oldsmobile Alero complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Aug 17, 2026
2002 oldsmobile alero was driving on interstate and very low on fuel when i exited the interstate at the street light it turned green and as i was accelerating my car stalled out and since then ive pur 2 gallons of fuel in it and now it cranks but wont start up and now it back fires when trying to start it and my security light is off and I'm getting fuel pressure in the front rail and I got spark and yea my fuel pump is humming.
Air Bags · reported Feb 2, 2022
1. Security turns on while driving, making the vehicle to spin but not drive normally on road or highway when driving 2. Horn malfunctioning, stops working when security turns on while driving 3. Seatbelt warning and airbag light flashing when security turns on while driving, seatbelt becomes locked preventing driver from being able to move to check blind spots or rear while driving 4. Emergency lights become disabled when security lights turn on Key ignition was inspected and fixed according to recall. The above are things that have been noticed by new driver/owner. Only drive when necessary…
Electrical System · reported Jan 2, 2022
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 someone referred me to this site
Electrical System · reported Sep 20, 2019
"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 just put $30 of gas in it and once I ran out of gas and and was stuck on the hwy for 4 hours because my gas gauge said full tank b
Suspension · at 230,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2019
The contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile alero. The contact stated that the vehicle had aftermarket struts installed by an independent mechanic. The struts caused premature wear and pulled apart the control arms at the center bushings, which caused the geometry of the suspension to change. As a result, it was dangerous when making turns. The part manufacturer denied any failures with the struts. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Other Oldsmobile Alero years

Compare all Oldsmobile Alero years · All Oldsmobile models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero: 14V-400 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (138 reports), followed by exterior lighting (85). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 miles.

Are Oldsmobile recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Oldsmobile dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.