Two problems related to battery have been reported for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero based on all problems reported for the 2003 Alero.
The passlock feature is defective. Numerous times I have been stranded due to my car not starting. I have gotten a new battery and the problem is still there. When the car doesn't start I will do what the manual says and turn the key to "on" and let it stay there for 10 minutes, after that it will start. That can become very frustrating when you have two small kids and it is 20 degrees outside. There really should be a recall on this feature, I took the car to the dealership and they are telling me it will cost over $400. 00 to fix. Normal hard working people don't have that type of money just laying around to fix a car, gm really should do better. There really should be a recall to fix this problem without costing the consumer.
Bought car in 2006, have had problems the entire time I've owned vehicle. Car does not crank, must wait 10 minutes and try to restart. Sometimes car does not start still, makes me wait another 10 min. Had multiple problems with system killing the battery while waiting - especially in winter, even with all extras (including heat) turned off. Not safe to have female in parking lot when car does not start! this happens two or three times some days, then will not reappear for a week or two, but theft light stays on dash constantly.