1999 Oldsmobile Alero

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Brakes

Brakes leads by volume: 121 of 462 complaints (26%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.
Category199920002001vs. 1999 Compact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)2,700–3,1002,700–2,9502,700–2,850
Combined MPG20–2321–2322–23
City / Highway MPG18–19 / 26–2817–19 / 28–2919 / 27–29
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)386–444386–423386–404
Complaints filed462557364Not compared
Recalls issued455Not compared
Crash-involved complaints142020Not compared
Fire-involved complaints1185Not compared
Injuries reported142018Not compared
Deaths reported201Not compared
Configurations compared233

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero have?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?

Brakes: 121 of 462 NHTSA complaints (26%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero get?

EPA rates it 20–23 MPG combined across 2 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero?

EPA estimates $2,700–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (2)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 4-spd42.4LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars19 mpg (high)28 mpg (high)23 mpg (high)$2,700 (low)386 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2Automatic 4-spd63.4LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars18 mpg (low)26 mpg (low)20 mpg (low)$3,100 (high)444 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine850300
Transmission & Drivetrain340000
Fuel System320000
Electrical893522
Brakes1215021
Steering301110
Suspension, Wheels & Tires541030
Airbags & Restraints256150
Driver Assistance & Speed Control142030
Body, Seats & Latches391010
Visibility & Lighting940200
Other181010

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (4)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · Campaign 14V400000 · Jul 7, 2014

    Defect: 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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES · Campaign 07E021000 · Mar 12, 2007

    Defect: 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.

    Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

    Remedy: 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.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY · Campaign 00V140000 · May 19, 2000

    Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.

    Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.

  • STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · Campaign 98V320000 · Dec 17, 1998

    Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.

    Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.