2004 Oldsmobile Alero GL1
1G3NL52E04C123708
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 (VIN 1G3NL52E04C123708). Gray, sedan/saloon, 3.4L 6-cyl, gasoline. 70,953 mi reported. Registered in Nj. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report electrical system trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $1,253 (typical range $600–$2,550). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1G3NL52E04C123708, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Oldsmobile Alero data →
📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero worth?
What comparable 2004 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 426
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 426.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…
Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…
Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
Bulletin 09-00-89-008G · May 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ALERO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to pro…
Transport Canada #2014284 · Jul 2014Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 108 "Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices". These vehicles were built with a clear bulb in the front turn signal light rather than an amber coloured bulb. Correction: Dealer will replace the clear bulb with an amber coloured bulb.
Transport Canada #2003246 · Oct 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Oldsmobile Alero
The Oldsmobile Alero is a compact car that was produced by General Motors for its Oldsmobile division. Introduced in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Alero was the replacement for both the Achieva and Cutlass. The Alero was Oldsmobile's last new model nameplate, and — on April 29, 2004 — was also the last Oldsmobile manufactured.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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 Car…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · manufacturer #14350 · 03/07/2014FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 7 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 7 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 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.
🔍 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.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 109
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electric…
NHTSA ODI #11740303SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
NHTSA ODI #11720403ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem…
NHTSA ODI #11625161ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11580823UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Friendly Chevrolet 62704 has refused the open recall on my vehicle after being on schedule for tommrow 8a.m Service Manager Sir Richard said it's a waste of time and not my issue.
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11580824VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her destination. The contact called multiple local dealers: Les Stanford Cadillac (21730 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, (313) 565-6000), G…
NHTSA ODI #11434840ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. I BOUGHT A NEW TURN SWITCH, PUT A NEW FUSE IN AND EVERYTHING AND NOTHING WORKS. WHEN I DRIVE ON THE ROAD THE TURN SIGNAL DOESNT COME ON AND SOMETIMES IT CAUSES A LOT OF PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11372378POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSE TO LEAK ON EQUIPMENT UNDER INSIDE AND OUT DASHBOARD WITCH CAUSED EROSION AND DEFECTS TO OTHER OPERATING EQUIPMENT LEAD TO CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING,SOME OPERATIONS OF WILL WORK, SOME WON'T. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN,THE SECURITY SYSTEM ON CAR DOES NOT WORK. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE SINCE I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD ON HI…
NHTSA ODI #11180995+ 101 more complaints on record.
