I have a 2004 Alero gls with 43,200 miles on it. At 42,500 the coolant light came on so I checked and the overflow tank was empty. When I went for an oil change they filled it and 2 days later it was empty again. There was no coolant on the ground or in the engine compartment anywhere. I brought it to the dealer who filled it again and 2 days later it was empty. Since this started a loud tapping sound started when the car is cold first thing in the morning and when the car heats up it stops. It doesn't happen again until the next day. I brought it back again to the dealer and after they checked it out they told me that it was the intake manifold gasket that was leaking and needs replacing. After much research I find that this is a known problem. Even talking to other mechanics who work for other repair shops tell me it is a know fact that this engine has a problem with intake gaskets. The leak just started out of nowhere and it needs to be fixed. I cannot afford to fix it, nor do I feel it is my responsibility to pay for it.

- Brick, NJ, USA

Beginning in November 2004 the consumer began to have problems with the electrical system in the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. When the vehicle was purchased the air bag light came on. The consumer was concerned that the air bag light will cause the air bags not to deploy in case of an accident. Also, she was concerned that the air bags would deploy when there was no accident. The vehicle has been to the repair shop 6 times due to brake problems.. when the vehicle had 20,000 miles it had to have the rotors turned and brake shoes replaced. The brakes were still making a humming noise. The dealership could not figure out why the vehicle was having problems with the air bag light or with the brakes. The cruise control, door panels, windows were inoperative. The transmission or front axle seal was leaking, the blinkers were blinking too fast, the windshield was leaking, the carpet lining was coming out of the trunk, the engine made a knocking noise, the back trim around the seats didn't fit properly, the ignition switch was replaced, the fuse box was replaced.

- Sherman , TX, USA