Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | −92% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2002 | 25 | −73% | 2 | Suspension | Good |
| 2001 | 119 | 2.0× | 1 | Steering | Caution |
| 1999 | 33 | −67% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 1998 | 49 | −47% | — | Engine | Good |
| 1997 | 125 | 2.2× | 1 | Fuel System | Avoid |
| 1996 | 100 | 1.9× | 2 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 1995 | 321 | 5.2× | 2 | Fuel System | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Aurora year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Oldsmobile Aurora problems
Latest Oldsmobile Aurora recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Some passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction May degrade and crack. Additionally, the 1995 model year uses a unique underhood fuel return line that May crack.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine fuel rail with a new stainless steel fuel rail. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Air bags › Frontal
Certain passenger, Mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract. A retainer could separate from a rear seat shoulder belt retractor which results in the retractor return spring becoming disengaged.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both rear shoulder belt retractors for correct function and install a spring cover retaining strap to each retractor. If a retractor does not function correctly, it will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Oldsmobile Aurora should you avoid?
1995, 1997, 2001 and 1996 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Aurora years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Oldsmobile Aurora?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Aurora years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 1999. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Oldsmobile Aurora problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (288), engine & cooling (119) and electrical system (110). Fuel System complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Oldsmobile Aurora had?
8 recalls across 1995–2003. The model year with the most is 1995. See all Oldsmobile Aurora recalls by year.
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.