Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
364Complaints
5Recalls
20Crashes
5Fires
18Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (24.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Electrical System complaints here are 2.6× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
15 · 4.1%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP12 · 3.3%
Percentages are the share of the 364 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“CONSUMER HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SOME OF THE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING; ROAD HAZARD LIGHT SHORTED OUT WHICH CAUSED ALL DASHBOARD…”NHTSA complaint 10042019 — filed 09/30/2003 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT START ON FIRST ATTEMPT, ESPECIALLY AFTER CAR IS WARMED UP. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THERE IS NO…”NHTSA complaint 10019050 — filed 05/21/2003 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“IN FEB. 2003 I HAD SURGERY AND DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK. WHEN I FINALLY DROVE MY CAR, MY DRIVERS SIDE…”NHTSA complaint 10014392 — filed 04/15/2003 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 89 of 364 NHTSA complaints (24.5%), followed by exterior lighting (20), engine and engine cooling (17), exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero have?
364 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 20 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 18 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V400000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.