2003 Oldsmobile Aurora Problems & Complaints

Better than average92% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aurora at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 92% fewer than a typical Aurora model year at the same age, making the 2003 one of the better Aurora years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
2recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora problems

  • Air bags~91,000 miles
    229%
  • Electrical system~69,000 miles
    229%
  • Body & structure~46,000 miles
    114%
  • Brakes
    114%
  • A/C & heater
    114%
  • Speed control & acceleration~110,000 miles
    114%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~146,000 miles
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Oldsmobile Aurora complaints by model year

199519961997199819992001200220033211001254933119257
Owner complaints per model year, Oldsmobile Aurora. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Aurora years: 2003, 2002, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996. Compare all years →

2003 Oldsmobile Aurora recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 03V-238 · Jul 1, 2003 · 102,212 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 02V-222 · Aug 9, 2002 · 133,221 vehicles

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.

2003 Oldsmobile Aurora engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.0L 8-cyl4-speed automaticFWD15 / 24 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Aurora rates better than average: 92% 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 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and body & structure (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 20% 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.