Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Recall 00V287000 on starter. Vehicle was parked in middle of night and it caught on fire and burned, totalled. This happened 3 weeks prior to recall on this component. The manufacturer stated that the consumer had received settlement from insurance and can not assume responsibility.
Consumer was driving when noticed smoke coming from the front of vehicle near the dashboard. Pulled over to side of street, and within seconds vehicle had caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled. Insurance company claimed main heat came from driver's front side and possibly it was electrical.
Stupid passlock issue . Everybody knows about it but no fix from GM. Worthless car that will not start one time out of every 10. You never know when it will happen. Car must be sold or gotten rid of to fix cause there is no fix. Engineers should be sent to iraq.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 65 MPH, the steering wheel was adjusted for better vision. This caused the dashboard lights, the brake lights, and headlights to become inoperative. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic for this.
Please note my auto was on a recall for the replacment of a switch, since this was installed this switch has fried 3 alternators in my auto.I had to pay for this after this part was installed. I want reimbursement for these charges I had to pat due to the installation of this part. Please review and advise. I thank you.
#ea00007, while driving vehicle stalled. Consumer pulled over, and took key out of ignition , and vehicle tried to restart by itself twice. Igniton shorted out and melted resulting in headlamp switch and starter solenoid not to function properly . Dealer claimed ignition switch needed to be replaced.
Consumer went outside to star vehicle and it wouldn't start. She had to jump start vehicle. She heard a ticking noise coming from underneath. Then, there was smoke coming from underneath dashboard area. She jumped out of vehicle, and had it towed to dealership. Mechanic replaced a relay switch.
Consumer was traveling about 25mph on a side street, was making a left turn, and vehicle started to shake and vibrate. Then, vehicle shut off without prior notice. Also vehicle had sparks and smoked inside of steering wheel. Vehicle had to be towed.
Related recalls
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 investigations
Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Achieva years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva, 29% of the model year's 70 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-287 (starter assembly, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 122,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.