Front drivers side coil spring broke causing it to rub against the tire causing the tire to blow out while driving! this happened on a country road while driving at 40 mph!

- Campbellsport, WI, USA

About a year ago I was backing out of a driveway and my front left coil spring snapped in half and destroyed the tire. I had to get it towed and repaired at a shop. With cost of new tire it was nearly 400 dollars. Just a few days ago now I had my car parked in the garage and went to move some boxes and noticed a piece of coil laying under my car by the back right tire. This coil has snapped as well while just sitting in the garage. I was lucky to notice it this time before I drove off. This can be extremely dangerous at high speeds. There is no reason the coil springs should be randomly breaking like this.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

I am ashamed to say I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. I bought it last years as a back-up car, so we would have transportation should one of our newer vehicle have problems. I gave $2000 for it and have spent just as much on repairs. The turn signals only work intermittently though every fuse in it has been replaced. The anti-lock break light on the dash stays on. The front passenger strut broke and blew out the tire in the process. I was fortunate I wasn't killed when this happened. And now the heater blower has started making an awful noise, so it will likely need to be replaced soon. In addition the change oil light stays on, I have had it to numerous shops and no one can determine why it won't reset. The warning lights on the dash from all of this are a considerable distraction as well as all the problems they point to. I am appalled that in the usa we put a stamp of approval on such a horrible vehicle. In my opinion the entire vehicle should be recalled and replaced with one that runs properly. It is absurd and dangerous. I am fortunate I was not going a high speed when either strut broke...oh nearly forgot to mention that the rear driver-side strut also broke just this week. My biggest question is, who's name do I give to my lawyer when I am forced to drive this vehicle and someone is hurt? it is likely, given the hazards that come with this car that eventually something bad will happen. I just pray I won't have to drive it much.

- Flemingsburg, KY, USA

I have had an 99' Oldsmobile Alero for 7 years. It has had almost every problem listed on this website. It has had an over heating problem every year since I got it and I have spent thousands in repairs for the cooling system, fuel pump, poor interior manufacturer, ac/heater blower motor settings failure, fuel gauge failure, transmission leakage, poor springs/struts, gear slipping, hard starting, water leaking in from rain under glove compartment, off alignment (set three times in year), poor gas mileage, overheating or running above normal temperature and sudden overheating without notice of gauge lights or sounds. Has had front right caliper failure locking brake pads down against rotor causing burnout of pads, rotor warping, caliper cylinder damage. Has had power steering pump leakage. This car is a lemon and GM should not be allowed to get away with selling unsafe, worthless vehicles. The only reason I still have mine running is because I have put a lot of personal as well as paid labor into its upkeep over the years due to that I cant afford another car.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was a humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the ABS light illuminated, the cruise control became inoperable, a burning smell appeared and the vehicle was loosing water. The dealership inspected the vehicle. The battery, wiring, spark plug wiring and a belt were replaced. The water pump and window switch was replaced. The blower motor needed to cleaned out. The brakes were inoperative updated 05/01/06.

- Interlachen, FL, USA

On October 1, 2005, noticed the low tire pressure warning light came on. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop, and they noticed that the left rear coil spring broke, but did not puncture the tire. The local mechanic recommended that the struts be replaced along with the coil springs. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and they said based on the low mileage, they were surprised that this happened to the vehicle. They tried to contact a local dealer, but since the consumer did not have a history with a local dealer they were able to assist her in the cost of the repair. (11/09/05)

- Toldeo, OH, USA

This car has many problems but the worst of them is the problem with the front drivers side spring that broke in half while the car was moving. I was able to control the car before hitting any other drivers. The car doesn't even have 70K on it and the spring should last much longer than that. The struts are also shot and the mounting plates also need to be replaced. The car also vibrates and pulss to the left if you have to apply the brakes while driving over 50mph. Sometimes the power windows also quit working for no reason. Also when you first take off in the car in the morning there is a loud gringing noise coming from the front brakes. I had the brakes checked several times and nobody can find anything wrong with them. Since having this car I have had a lot of problems with it. The car is only 4 1/2 years old. I remember when a car would last you a good 15 years if your took care of it. What happen to quality. No wonder the japanesse are doing so well!

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

While driving at 50mph or over steering wheel will shake vigorously, almost lost control of vehicle.

- Saint Paul, MO, USA

Bought car new with 23miles.in less than 3 mths, front strut had to be replaced.car now has 21000miles and have also had rotors sanded at least 3 times, eventually replaced.gear shift broke right off, stuck in parking lot unable to shift.exterior paint mouldins at door/window closure chipped away, had to be replaced. Front passenger dash leaking water, fixed. Driver&passenger door /floor mouldings leaking water, fixed. Blinkers worked whenever they felt like it, fixed.shaking when trying to stop over 35mph. Pulling to the left over 35mph.please look into!! this is not what I had in mind when I bought a new car. I have 1 year left on 3/36, what then? I didn't intend on paying $350/a month for a car and $$$ to have it fixed constantly.nevermind the aggravation of having to bring it to the dealer and be without a car all the time. Just to haveto return with the same problem.if I wanted to be without a car all the time, I could have just taken the bus.they're covering it up.they're making short-term, cheap fixes to major problems, in hopes that our warranties will run out before they have to address the problems.please look into!! any info will be appreciated.

- West Warwick, RI, USA

While vehicle is being driven extreme vibration occurs. Dealer stated that rims are bent.

- Lansing, MI, USA

When brakes are applied steering wheel vibrates. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and was not able to duplicate problem.

- Clifton Park, NY, USA

When vehicle is going at a fast pace and brakes are gently pressed, vehicle starts to vibrate very loudly and shake. This causes difficulty for consumer to slowdown while coming off an exit or highway, and may result in an automobile accident.

- West Haven, UT, USA