Brake Disc Rotor problems of the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero - part 1

Brakes pulsate very bad. I had front rotors replaced approx. 6,000 miles ago as well as pads and pulsation is back. Mechanic states this is a known issue with Aleros. . . *.

I have a 2000 olds Alero and just had a complete brake job including replacement of front rotors because of "pulsation" feeling in brake pedal. . I was informed by the mechanic that my rotors needed replacing and that Alero's were notorious for fast-wearing rotors. I replaced them but now after only 4,000 miles the pulsation is back. Now the mechanic/dealer is telling me that it is a known Alero defect. . I don't feel I should have to keep paying for brake problems that are obviously a dealer issue. . .

The brake light kept coming on. After having the brakes serviced the brake fluid remained low. Then ,the rotors and the brake line were replaced three times. Vehicle started to make noise, and currently the wheel bearings were defective.

Approximately one year ago the fuel pump was replaced in my 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. This year I am replacing the fuel pump again. The cost of each replacement with labor is approximately $600. 00 if you run an internet search for problems with the Alero, you will find that two common problems exist for the Alero. One is brake problems (a serious safety issue) and the other being fuel pump problems. How long will it be (or has already happened) before someone is killed by a situation where the fuel pump fails while driving causing loss of engine power then applying the brakes to slow the car only to find the brakes are not working correctly, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation? gm should step up and accept responsibility for these defects.

Unusual wearing & pulsation of front brakes on car; replaced 3 times in 41,000 miles. 1) replaced rotors & pads at 7000 mi. At olds dealer-no charge. 2) 28,000 mi. Same problem; work done by estes chevy indianapolis. Gm service ctr. Paid 1/2. 3) at 41,000 miles, same problem. Took to car-x for opinion; est. Of $283. 00 to fix the pads & rotors; calipers ok. Took car to estes. They said a bad caliper caused brakes & rotors to wear & all needed to be replaced. They suggested owner "raced the car" - untrue. Estes gave estimate of $1000 & said to call gm svc. Ctr. Gm customer svc rep, maura said gm would pay 1/2 the cost. I told her that was not ok; they have brake problems with Aleros & have defective vehicles causing a product liability & safety concern. Maura refused to give us the old parts on the car if we had estes do repair work, saying gm wanted them. She said estes' estimate was $863, different than my quote. I asked maura to send e-mail or fax with gm offer & she told me she did not have access to a fax or email. She asked if I would give maintanence documentation. I told maura this had nothing to do with brakes, and I wanted to talk to her supervisor. She refused, saying she does not have a supervisor. I told her to call estes' service mgr; we did not want estes to fix it. I had researched brake problems on Aleros on web; there are sites devoted to this. We picked up the car from estes, took it to car-x to fix, & had them check the calipers. Cost was $284. 00 for rotors and pads; there was nothing wrong w/caliper; they will check the pads every 6 mos . They gave us our old parts to keep. They stated gm rotors were thin metal; brake pads were grinding into them. The value of the car is less than loan, because of poor quality of the car, so we are out thousands of dollars. Estes lied about the problem, overcharged, and gm refused to give us the parts off our own car. Gm & estes colluded in evaluating the car.

This car has had three sets of brakes put on it and now at 45780 miles is going to have to have another set. I know the previous owner well and know the history of this particular vehicle especially. The brakes are either of substandard design or used inferior quality materials in the manufacturing process. The rotors are junk. This is certainly not safe in a sudden emergency stopping situation.

Brake pads, rotors, and front brakes were replaced. Consumer recently learned the front brakes needed to be replaced again. (nar).

Front rotors have been replaced twice and re-turned twice. All were highest quality napa rotors available with ceramic pads. Burned through ceramic pads as well! clearly a design flaw as braking system is undersized for weight of car.

When brakes are applied the entire vehicle shakes or pulsates. Replaced pads. Minimal change. Found report advising common problem and rotors and hubs must also be replaced.

The front brakes were worn out at 41,944 miles for the first time. The rotors were turned & the pads replaced. The brake repair lasted only 12,296 miles ( this was 296 miles out of warranty) when I was told the rotors were warped again & the pads needed to be replaced. Of course this is "normal wear" that the extended warranty does not cover. I had to pay out of pocket twice for the entire repair. After finding the TSB reports, I feel the rotors should have been replaced. Since reading the numerous complaints covering the past several years on the brakes of this vehicle, I fear the brakes may fail with out any type of warning. What will it take & how long will it be before the NHTSA forces gm to issue a recall on the brakes?!.

Breaks on our 2000 Oldsmobile Alero have been checked/fixed 3 times in 39000 miles. In Aug 2002 new front rotors and pads were replaced at 31810 miles. In July 2003 at 39448 miles front inside pads were over 50 % worn and the rotors needed turning. Back brakes also needed repare. This last instance only had 7638 miles on the 'new' rotors and pads. This is a known issue and one that the customer must swallow huge repair bills every 8,000-10,000 miles, well out of the normal range. Nhtsa must do something to force gm to correct the issue before a lose of life happens and to assist customers with huge cost in break repairs.

Rotors bad, brakes bad, wheels leak air, windows leak air in, windshied shakes, engine runs high temps and knocks, paint is starting to rust. Cd player is always shuting off. Dealer has not done a thing to help and my car is under warranty for a few more months. I need help soon.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero - upon replacing the front brake pads my mechanic informed me I needed to replace the rotors. Not because they were scored by the brake pads (I still had lining on the pads), but because they were deteriorated because of being made with inferior (soft) metal. He mentioned he saw this before on other vehicles (jeeps) which required a recall.

I bought my Oldsmobile Alero new in July of 2000. Within a few months after purchase I started taking it back to the dealer due to a grinding noise that would happen when I was driving at slower speeds or turning. The dealer couldn't find anything wrong, but suggested I may need new brakes. I was not satisfied with this response since the car was less than one year old and I don't drive any more than the average driver. I then started taking it to a closer dealer (this one was a gm dealer and not specifically Oldsmobile). After several visits they told me my brake pads were worn down and needed replaced. By this point it was 2002 and my car had about 20,000 miles on it. I still wasn't sure I agreed with it, but I let them replace my brakes. Still heard the noise. I can't even count how many times my car has been to the two dealerships for the same grinding noise. The last time I had it in was in may of 2003. They finally told me about a bulletin regarding tire size and told me this was causing the noise. This bulletin came out a year prior to this service visit and they had looked at my car numerous times. Now I'm having trouble with the rotors and from what I've read a lot of other people are too. When I apply the brakes, it feels like the car is jerking to a stop. I think Oldsmobile or gm needs to own up to the defect and replace the rotors for those of us who are unlucky enough to own one of their Aleros.

My 2000 Oldsmobile Alero has had serious problems with it since purchasing it in June of 2002. To date, I have had to replace my waterpump, intake manifold gasket, tires, brakes and rotors consistently (three or more times ayear) . The most recent problem is my gas gauge will indicate that I have 1/4 tank and to my surprise the car will not start unless more fuel is added. The engine also sounds rough, I have both service engine lights on, along with my low tire pressure, anti lock brake light on and I have new tires, replaced a gas cap, and the lights went off, but then come back on. I am also positive that my car will not pass inspection. The cosmetic defects are that of the dash board starting to peel and come loose. I have read up on that gm responded to a problem with all 2000 Oldsmobile Aleros about the gas problem and I contacted the dealer dorschel and spoke with service manager lou, gm agreed to add a different filter so that the gas was draining back into the tank, it was also mentioned in the article that dealers could be fined thousands of dollars daily if not complied with, but because it was not an actual recall, the dealer denied my request to fix. After reading the multiple complaints about these vehicles, I am shocked that they have not been recalled, the should be as they are not safe cars in my opinion. I am challenging you to take a ride in my car with your family and see if you feel safe, because not only am I out 13,000 that I paid for the car, but also if I have to estimate probably another 6,000 in repairs. That is ridiculous. I expect a written response from your office within 30 days of what you intend to do to investigate these problems. Not only read my letter, but you should google in 2000 Oldsmobile Aleros and see the disgust of performance people are complaining of.

There is bouncing when brakes are applied, then it begins to make noise, the rotors are constantly being bent and shims have been inserted repeatedly. The brakes have to be replaced every time the oil is changed at 3000 miles. Now, the problem has continued, and this is the 7th time it has happened even with the extended warranty Oldsmobile will not pay for the work, they have turned the rotors repeatedly,now they must be replaced. ****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/01 cut-over to artemis****769335.

Brakes have been replaced twice within the last 12,000 miles. Currently, at 30,000 miles rotors must be replaced.

General motors considers a warped brake rotor as normal wear and tear and would not be considered a warranty defect. Warped rotors cause undue vibration and sudden loss of control of the vehicle, especially at freeway speeds. The rotor was repaired under warranty at 24,000 miles, by turning the rotor in April 2002. However, the problem has since recurred and general motors will not repair them under warranty since the mileage exceeds their 36,000 mile warranty period. Mr. Evan doel (1-866-952-4368) at the customer service department of general motors corporation also expressed the fact that a warped brake rotor on the Alero is a "common problem" and that he has received several calls for this same problem. General motors corporation demonstrates corporate irresponsibility in knowing that repeated occurrences of a warped brake rotor on the Oldsmobile Alero is categorized and simply considered a "common problem. " a problem in which the vehicle, its driver and its occupants are put into jeopardy that could result in injury and/or death. I have already written a letter directly to g. Richard wagoner, jr. , chairman and ceo of general motors corporation on December 1,2003 and carbon copied to . Mr. Paul white, general manager of crest auto group in plano, texas 75075, where the vehicle was purchased.

The front tire are wearing prematurely due to the rotors being warped, the warped rotors cause the ront end of the vehicle to vibrate while braking. 6 months ago the tire were replaced because they were bald. Consumer will contact the dealer. Nlm.

The Oldsmobile Alero is 2 years old and the rotors have been resurfaced twice and replaced twice. It appears as though every 6 months (average) there is a vibration sensation in the braking system at speeds of 35mph and over. It costs nearly $600. 00 to replace the rotors and I am worried that when the warranty runs out and the problem persists, I am stuck with faulty parts that keep being replaced with the same faulty rotors that have been manufactured!.

Brakes were grinding, makinga horrible noise due to defective rotors. Vehicle is in repair shop.

Vibration in vehicle when braking, rear rotors were turned, then replaced. At this time front rotors needed to be replaced due to being warped.

Harsh vibration due to warped rotors appeared at 14,000 miles. Took to dealer, I was told gm only allowed them to turn the rotors, and I would not receive new rotors/pads. Now, at 22,000 miles, it takes significant pressure applied to the brake to stop the car.

Brakes/rototors being replaced and turned. Not helping any bit. This is going to become a safety problem when they fail. Why not a recall on these instead of a bullatin before someone gets really hurt because brakes failed.

I noticed a squealing of the brakes last week, took my car to the dealership repair center Monday. They informed my that there was a bulletin on my brakes about the rotors being warped and to come back the next morning and they would replace the rotors and pads to be covered under the warranty. Tuesday afternoon, I took my car in as per their instructions, I received a call informing me that I would have to pay for this as the brakes were very worn. I have only had this car for a little over a year and have never had to have brakes redone on any car I have ever owned. They informed me that it was unsafe to drive, handed me the keys and told me to go, it was close to closing time. They had told me the day before that the rotors on this car were defective and they would repair it then sent me away with faulty brakes. But before they would give me my keys they presented me with a diagnostic bill even tho they had already diagnosed the problem the day before and told me I was covered due to the defect and to come back Tuesday. Thanks for allowing me to vent even if there is nothing you can do to help me. Leann patterson.

Defective rotors had to be repaired on both front and back. Dealership said not covered by warranty.

I bought this car in may 2000. In November 2000, the rotors were replaced because my car was shaking when I would brake to slow down. In June 2001, I am having the same problem and the rotors are being replaced again! I am at 19,000 miles and my brake pads were completely worn. The dealership told me it was normal for brake pads to go bad after 20,000 miles. I have never had problems like this before with a brand new car.

Bought this vehicle new on 8/3/00, since then the rotors have been replaced due to excessive warping 3 times. Problem still exists. Warped rotors prevent the abs braking system from functioning properly. Car shakes violently when braking at highway speeds resulting in extended stopping distances and creates a major safety concern, some accidents have already occurred, must someone's life be claimed before something is done? I have contacted the manufacturer who was very rude and disconcernig with regard to this problem. In researching this problem, I have discovered that these cars and other makes are very prone to this problem and gm has no permanent repair for it. The quality and safeness of the Alero is unacceptable general motors should be pressured until they can fix this design problem.

When applying brakes at slow speed vehicle shakes and vibrates. Dealer said rotors were worn, and needed to be turned.

Brakes and transmission problems; brakes pulsate, metal to metal noise. Abs brakes/rotors needed to be replaced. Also, transmission locked into gear, no shifting.

With less than 8,000 miles this car was brought into the shop for brake pulsation, it was found that the rotors were already 1/4 worn. It has since been in 4 other times & the brakes continue to grind when I come to a stop. The brake pedal has gone to the floor when I tried to stop. The problem is much worse in the rain, when conditions are more dangerous. The dealer has put a 2nd set of rotors on the front & new brake pads & also replaced the back rotors & pads, the car has less then 24,000 miles. When I picked it up from the shop, it was still making the grindnig noise & dealer tried to tell me this was normal. This was the first mention of this being "normal" this car is dangerous & I will not drive it w/ my 2 kids in it!.

For the third time I am having the front brake rotors resurfaced because they are warped. If I brake sharply at expressway speeds of 60mph and above I get a violent shaking transmitted into the steering wheel from the warped rotors. I sent olds an e-mail asking if there were known problems with soft (insufficently hardened) front brake rotors on the Alero and they would not respond to my request in writing (via e-mail) they suggested I call their 800 number for customer service and open a complaint, which I did. It wasn't until I searched your database, seeing a number of similar brake rotor problems that I decided to submit a report to you. I never took this car to the dealer from whom I purchased it for this problem because it only began after about 13,000 miles (out of warranty). I beleive that there is a materials quality problem here probably with the rotors not being sufficiently hardened during the manufacturing process.

Premature wear of rotors resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has replaced rotors four times and brake failed problem has reoccurred. Manufacturer has been notified.

There is excessive wear on front brake rotors. Dealership replaced first set of rotors at no cost to consumer. On second incident, consumer was required to cover part of cost since component was not covered under warranty any longer. Rear rotors needed to be "turned down" due to warping following replacement of front brake rotors. The dealer states that repaires were done whenever the consumer brings in the vehicle, but the problem had never been solved. Also, the rotors fail every 4 months.

At 9000 miles when brakes were applied vehicle shook. Went to dealer who replaced rotors. Also , dealer claimed GMC knew there was a problem with brakes, but waited until customers came in to dealers with brake problems before rectifying problem.