Most common 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Aurora complaints by model year
Best Aurora years: 2003, 2002, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996. Compare all years →
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora recalls (2)
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.
What 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora owners say
Suspension
Clunking noise in front end/undercarraige, on turns or bumps, can be felt in steering, since 15000 miles (noticed sometime after imploded gas tank replacement). Four dealers worked on at least 10 times - replaced steering gear, lubed intermediate shaft, replaced strut bearings, replaced intermediate shaft, replaced rear shock - still clunks over bumps and steering grinding noise is back since intermediate shaft replacement. After steering gear replacement at 26750, severe vibration was noticed; took four attemts (3 dealers) to make acceptable finally at 36137. Headlamps flicker intermittently, generator replaced at 30311, 4 dealers say is normal. Fuel filler door still sticks intermittently, at least 3 repair attempts. …
Broken/snapped sway bar link, left side front. Car swerved to the left, no accident upon snap. Upon investigation/replacement the bolt was rusted through at mid point and snapped. I saved the broken part, if it is needed.
Electrical system
1. Driving to work in the morning with the headlights on 2. Alternator amps charging from 13.2 - 15.7 amps, headlights and instrument lights will flicker when this is happening. 3. Replaced generator, 1 10464442 w-gen rem part number 10464442 this was done on May 9, 2003. Service manager said it was because of an air pump for the anti polution system on the Aurora with v6 engines, that draws alot of amps and that the generator could not compensate fast enough. In February of this year the same thing happened. I again had the generator replaced etc..the service manager reported to me that the headlights would not go totally out...!!! And that the only way to make sure that it didn't happen again was to disconnect the pump but that the check engine light would go on!! I opted to not do this. I think this is a dangerous situation and I ask you to look into this.
My 2002 Aurora v6, RPM started acting haywire it shot up to 8 grand at 30 MPH. The engine and transmission were acting normal. It happened again 2 days latter then all of my dash lights and headlights went out. I took it in to the shop. I had the trans vacuum sensor changed along with the headlights. This did the trick for 24 hours. Not I have the same problem and the dealer can not figure out what is wrong or how to fix it. Can someone help with this.
Steering
Clunking noise in front end/undercarraige, on turns or bumps, can be felt in steering, since 15000 miles (noticed sometime after imploded gas tank replacement). Four dealers worked on at least 10 times - replaced steering gear, lubed intermediate shaft, replaced strut bearings, replaced intermediate shaft, replaced rear shock - still clunks over bumps and steering grinding noise is back since intermediate shaft replacement. After steering gear replacement at 26750, severe vibration was noticed; took four attemts (3 dealers) to make acceptable finally at 36137. Headlamps flicker intermittently, generator replaced at 30311, 4 dealers say is normal. Fuel filler door still sticks intermittently, at least 3 repair attempts. …
My 2002 Aurora 4.0l suddenly locked in the left turn steering mode. I was in a parking lot and was making a turn on the aisle. After the turn I tried to straighten the wheels and the steering wheel was locked. The engine was running. I applied the brakes and avoided hitting the oncoming car (the other driver did the same). I was able to move into a parking spot and confirmed the power steering belt was turning the power steering pump and the pump reservoir was full. By working the steering wheel back and forth the steering resumed to the right, but not to the left. This is scary. It happened the same way on my wife's 2008 enclave. GM replaced lots of parts before it started steering again. Is this a GM issue?
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Aurora rates better than average: 73% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aurora at the same age. It is one of the best Aurora years by this measure. 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 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora?
The suspension — 6 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › macpherson strut. Next are the electrical system (5) and steering (5).
How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora, the most recent from July 1, 2003 (tank 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 Aurora?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2002 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997, 2001 and 1996. See the full Oldsmobile Aurora years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 47% 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.