Model year guide

2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Oldsmobile Alero at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints109
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,253

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

2004 Oldsmobile Alero recalls 2

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.

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.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 109 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.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
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.
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.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,567

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

What's a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,253
High
$2,550

From 23 comparable 2004 Oldsmobile Alero listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,835
Depreciation (5 yrs)$400
Total$13,235
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 ($1,253) with the same model 5 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.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero trims & engines on record

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

2004 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles on record

Other Oldsmobile Alero model years

2004 Oldsmobile Alero — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?

Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, exterior lighting, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero worth?

Comparable 2004 Oldsmobile Alero listings run roughly $600–$2,550, typically around $1,253 (from 23 vehicles).

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