2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Introduction

The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a choice of three engines: a 2.2L inline-4, a 2.4L inline-4, and a 3.4L V6. The 2.2L engine produces 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, the 2.4L engine produces 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.4L engine produces 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic for the 2.2L and 2.4L engines, and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the 3.4L engine.

People like the Alero for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and affordable price. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.2L Inline-4
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.4L Inline-4
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.4L V6
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic (2.2L and 2.4L engines)
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, hard shifting
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5-Speed Manual (3.4L engine)
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clutch pedal spongy or hard to press, difficulty shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front of vehicle, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or popping noise from rear of vehicle, excessive tire wear
  • Solution: Replace trailing arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead prematurely
  • Solution: Test and replace faulty components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure * Description/Symptoms: Headlights do not turn on or turn off, flickering headlights * Solution: Replace headlight switch * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks off, door cannot be opened from outside
  • Solution: Replace door handle assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Weatherstripping Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks around windows and doors, wind noise
  • Solution: Replace weatherstripping
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows do not work, intermittent power window operation
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heating system does not work properly
  • Solution: Replace climate control actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero is a reliable vehicle overall, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues reported by owners are related to the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but most can be resolved relatively inexpensively.