1999 Oldsmobile Alero: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero: 3 recalls, 462 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #98V320000 · 1998 · 217 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut could have been improperly tightened.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #00V140000 · 2000 · 487,400 vehicles
What's wrong: 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." the console cover on these vehicles does not stay closed when a specified vertical load is applied.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the console cover could open and the cover or items stored under it could injure an occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V400000 · 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (111): the most common themes are noise or vibration (32).
- Electrical (89): the most common themes are electrical failure (29), leaks (14), door / lock issues (13).
- Engine & cooling (85): the most common themes are leaks (42), warning light on (13), overheating (9).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (56): the most common themes are leaks (8), noise or vibration (8).
The 1999 Oldsmobile Alero has 462 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 Alero model years for complaints (1.7× the average Alero year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (72 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 63,580 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (557 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Oldsmobile Alero problems?
Owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (111), electrical (89), engine & cooling (85).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.