Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The engine randomly dies or stalls while in traffic at random times and will not turn back on for several minutes, the vehicle is in motion when the stalling occurs and thankfully only on city streets. Codes have not been present but the stalling and idle leads me to believe it is faulty crankshaft position sensors. In addition to this, the steering column makes an audible click noise when turning past the 12 o'clock position anytime the steering wheel is cranked, it does not happen sometimes, it happens every time. This is most likely do to poor lubrication of a bearing or joint in the steering column. The service stability system light comes on and vehicle chimes as well but the ESC works as it should, no matter the driving conditions it comes on, most likely a faulty circuit board.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, the rack and pinion fractured, causing the contact to lose control of steering capabilities. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch. She was not injured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 186,000.
My 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora has a re-occurring problem with a noise associated with the steering or front end, I am not sure which. It starts out as either a grinding or clunking sound when turning - notice it more as I am turning into my alley which is sort of a dip then a small rise from the street level. I have had it repaired at least three times since I bought the car new and it is starting to act up again. Of course it is out of warranty now so I can hardly wait to see what they try to tell/sell me on getting it repaired this time. All the other times, the dealership indicated they took something apart and greased it. It lasted for 15 - 20K miles or so and needed to be done all over again. I am not happy that a re-occurring problem is now my problem. I can only mark down the last incident on this report. …
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's steering column made a grinding sound while turning left or right at 5mph or below. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership on numerous occasions. The dealer inspected the vehicle in January 2005 and determined the eye shaft was fractured and needed replaced. Although the part was on back order, it was never received. The result of the eye shaft failure LED to an upper tie rod on the left front becoming excessively worn. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection recently. The contact was informed the remedy part was still on back order from the previous year. The dealer offered to rebuild the faulty eye shaft, but made no guarantee that would remedy the problem. However, the vehicle is at the dealer awaiting repairs.
The vehicle was parked and once I put it into reverse to back out of the parking space, the engine locked up and the steering, brakes, gas didn't work. I had to take the key out of the ignition and restart it. This is the third time that I've had this issue within the last 3 months and the previous 2 instances occurred while the vehicle was actually moving and accelerating. I have had some extremely close calls that could have ended very dangerously because of this issue. I use my car keys without any other keys attached, so that it's as lightweight as possible. In the past year, this same exact issue has happened 8 times and is beginning to occur more and more frequently. I would really appreciate some recognition of this issue.
For the last 4yrs. I have been problem after with this car. Especially with the rack and pinion I have the rack and pinion replaced twice in a two and half year radius. Now today on 7-18-12 I have to get another rack and pinion. Its has to be a defect because it always break during hard left turns or bracket breaks only on passenger side. Their are a lot of electrical malfunctions such as engine light is always on for various reasons ABS light blinks on and off, check oil light, and the check stability system. GM needs to recall this vehicle for all the cost I have to put in this vehicle for rack and pinions is ridiculous. This is goin to be the third rack and pinion since I had the vehicle.
Sometimes when driving the car will attempt to accelerate on its own. If the car is placed in neutral the engine revs and when the car is put back into gear the car launches itself as though the throttle was pushed. This has happened on several occasions and there is no pattern to it. The brakes will stop the car but the stopping distance is much longer then without the engine racing. The steering column makes a clunking sound even after having the steering shaft replaced. This is very noticeable at low speeds or when it is damp out. At times the anti-lock brakes don't feel like they work. The car has new brakes but it didn't make a difference.
Started car and proceeded to leave parking space, turned steering wheel to the right and the steering stuck almost causing vehicle to hit other parked cars. Steering became unstuck and proceeded to drive home. On the next right turn the steering stuck again causing vehicle to go up over curb onto sidewalk area. Vehicle was towed home after the last incident. The steering will stick now turning in both directions. Car is unable to be driven due to the steering sticking. This is a very dangerous situation that could lead to serious injury. This is happening at all speeds and cannot be corrected quickly while driving.
Dt: the contact stated car has 57,000 miles on it. When she bought the car it had 37,000 miles on it. The contact had the emission air pump and the transmission control solenoid fixed when she bought the car. She was told those things should never go bad again. Now, the same two problems recurred. On 8-30-05 she had to have the emission air pump replaced. She took the vehicle to two dealerships. They told her that these problems should never have occurred , especially twice. On 9-20-05 she had to have the passenger rear tie-rod end replaced.
Clunky feel and eventually noise in steering wheel. Turned out to be the steering column intermediate shaft. Looked it up on internet, it is a problem on most GM large cars and trucks. GM has so far failed to recognize the problem with a recall but has a replacement part available. I replaced it at the cost of $267, well worth it to have my beautiful car like new again, but GM should replace free for the pr.
Steering complaints in other Aurora years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora, 24% of the model year's 119 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.