Most common 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva problems
Share of the 70 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Achieva complaints by model year
Best Achieva years: 1998. Compare all years →
1995 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (1)
Electrical system › Starter assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps).
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva:
Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
What 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva owners say
Electrical system all 20 →
Tl contact owns a 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva. The contact was experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle. She would have to depress the accelerator pedal occasionally in order for it to start. While driving 35 MPH, she smelled something burning and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The smell and smoke occurred at random. The vehicle also stalled and completely shut down at least three times. Initially, when the contact would attempt to restart the vehicle, it would immediately restart. After a short time, it would take longer to restart. There were no warning lights before the stalling occurred. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V287000 (electrical system:starter assembly). The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was approximately 70,000 and failure mileage was approximately 69,900.
I purchased this vehicle from a private party approximately 4-5 years ago, unbeknownst of the 2000 recall for ignition issues with the ignition switch. Since I have owned this vehicle I have replaced the ignition switch 3 occasions most currently today 3/24/2015. I presume there is a statute of limitations on this issue. I am curious do I still have any re-course in getting this issue resolved or must I out of pocket resolve this issue as I cannot continue to replace these ignition switches.
Brakes
Faulty pads and rotors; vehicle has been experiencing ongoing problem with pads/ rotors replacement on three occasions; 1st. At 8000 miles, 2nd. 18,000 miles, and 3rd. 30,000 miles. Currently, at 38,000 miles, problem reoccurred ,and replacement was needed again. Dealer / manufacturer notified. Asking NHTSA to look into this matter.
Problem 1.) window falls down while driving (rain, snow or shine)..dealer says window frame unstable must be replaced 2) brakes need to be replaced every 6 months, never any padding left on brake shoes 3) headlight switch just decides that it no longer wants to work or turn lights on bright or on at all
Air bags
Vehicle made an emergency stop in front of another vehicle and hit the other vehicle from the back and the air bag did not deploy. Dealer said that the air bag should deploy because when vehicle was hit the sensor was broken under the vehicle.
While vehicle waited at stop light, it suddenly accelerated. After taking off, vehicle hit 3 other vehicles. Upon impact, driver's side air bag did not deploy. Had called dealer & informed did not know why vehicle would take off.
1995 Oldsmobile Achieva engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva a good car?
Based on 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 Achieva rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Achieva at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva?
The electrical system — 20 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the brakes (10) and air bags (8).
How many recalls does the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva have?
There is 1 recall for the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva, the most recent from October 2, 2000 (starter assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Achieva?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998. See the full Oldsmobile Achieva years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.