Model year guide

2003 Oldsmobile Alero

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 34 on record.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Oldsmobile Alero at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints187
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,147

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero recalls 3

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · 03/07/2014

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…

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.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #04V528000 · 01/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,617

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,147
High
$2,200

From 29 comparable 2003 Oldsmobile Alero listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,085
Depreciation (5 yrs)$400
Total$13,485
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,147) with the same model 4 model-years older ($844), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero trims & engines on record

Trims
GL1 · GLS · GL2
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp · 3.4L 6-cyl

2003 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles on record

2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F73C288579 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E93C113323 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL12F13C154904 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F63C308580 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS1G3NF52E83C285138 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E83C178714 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E33C189362 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL12E83C293029 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL21G3NL12E23C130926 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F43C187709 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E83C148497 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F03C203159 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F13C254301 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52FX3C270335 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F63C284328 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E23C244139 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52EX3C220350 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS1G3NF52E03C174115 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E53C223351 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E23C126043 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52EX3C262310 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL12FX3C331210 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52E73C106189 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL11G3NL52F93C291547

Other Oldsmobile Alero model years

2004 2002 2001 2000 1999

2003 Oldsmobile Alero — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?

Based on 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero at about 24 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero worth?

Comparable 2003 Oldsmobile Alero listings run roughly $500–$2,200, typically around $1,147 (from 29 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.