2001 Oldsmobile Alero: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero: 4 recalls, 364 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #00V372000 · 2000 · 216 vehicles
What's wrong: 114, "theft protection." when a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever indicates reverse gear.
Why it matters: In this situation, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission is in a forward gear, which is not permitted by the standard.
The fix: Dealers will disable the 5th/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V250000 · 2003 · 1,707,825 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 lower universal anchorage system.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #03V327000 · 2003 · 670,740 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 or inoperative.
Why it matters: When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
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. 5 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (130): the most common themes are electrical failure (36), stalls / loses power (24), door / lock issues (15).
- Exterior lights (68): the most common themes are warning light on (11), noise or vibration (6), electrical failure (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (47): the most common themes are noise or vibration (21).
- Engine & cooling (46): the most common themes are leaks (17), stalls / loses power (12), noise or vibration (6).
The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero has 364 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 7 Alero model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 280). Complaints peaked in 2003 (51 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 64,825 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (557 complaints, 4 recalls), 2002 (279 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | 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 2001 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Oldsmobile Alero problems?
Owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (130), exterior lights (68), brakes (hydraulic) (47).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 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.