Oldsmobile Achieva Recalls

The Oldsmobile Achieva has been recalled 7 times across the 1995–1998 model years. The most recent recall, from January 27, 2004, covers the switch. Recall repairs are free at any authorized Oldsmobile dealer.

7recalls
0do not drive / park outside
4model years affected

What gets recalled

  • Electrical system
    457%
  • Lights
    229%
  • Air bags
    114%

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (1)

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 04V-036 · Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (2)

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 02V-070 · Mar 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.

Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood

NHTSA recall 97V-059 · Apr 8, 1997 · 3,464 vehicles

The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

1996 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (4)

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 02V-070 · Mar 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.

Interior lighting

NHTSA recall 98V-027 · Feb 17, 1998 · 249,420 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "controls and displays."

Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights

NHTSA recall 96V-250 · Dec 17, 1996 · 270,014 vehicles

The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 96V-211 · Oct 28, 1996 · 48,689 vehicles

During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding air bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel instead of through the door in the instrument panel.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement.

1995 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (1)

Electrical system › Starter assembly

NHTSA recall 00V-287 · Oct 2, 2000 · 699,617 vehicles

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).

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Oldsmobile Achieva have?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the Oldsmobile Achieva across 4 model years.

How do I know if my Oldsmobile Achieva has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN decoder & recall check or on nhtsa.gov/recalls. Dealers fix recalls for free, even if you are not the original owner.

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.