Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. When the contact started the vehicle, the air bag, stability, and brake indicators illuminated. Also, the traction control was not working. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 201,000.
I have owned 3 Oldsmobile Aurora's. 1-1999 model 2-2001 models I noticed with all three cars, there has been a problem with the rear passenger windows not properly operating. The window just falls down on it's own and won't roll back up. I have to wedge something in the window in order to keep it up and that does not always work. I found this to be a problem with all three Aurora's. I know other people who has the same years and had the same problems with this vehicle. Also, on this 2001 Aurora I have now, having problems with the anti-brake and traction control system. I noticed a couple months ago, that I had to come to a sudden break in snowy weather conditions, my brakes did not work properly and my anti-lock brake and traction light came on and has been on ever since. The stability service light comes on the information system everytime the car is started.
Brakes continue to vibrate and rotors wear prematurely. Replaced pads, turned rotor three times in 75000 miles, problem of vibration and shaking reappeared after 15000 miles each time brakes were replaced.
The front-passenger side brake pads are wearing unevenly. The outside brake pad has worn down to the squealer while the inside brake pad shows little wear. I have contacted the Oldsmobile representative concerning this problem and he has opened a case report. The first time this happen at 16000-17000 miles it was covered under warranty. The solution at that time was to rebuild the caliper, replace the pads and turn the rotors. While talking to the dealer service representative, I have learned this is currently an ongoing problem that is affecting other models as well, which has GM engineers searching for answers.
Both rear brake lines are so extremely corroded it actually rusted through the metal brake lines in several different locations on both rear brake lines and is leaking in large amounts at the severe corroded spots of the lines. Also the front brake lines are also extremely corroded they just have yet to corrode completely through the metal line and leak brake fluid yet but can guarantee they will in less than 20K miles easily! And the master cylinder is not divided into 2 divided and separate reservoirs for the front and rear distribution braking hydraulic power in case the rear brake pressure would not be enough for the rear calipers to work or if the opposite happened to the front and its because fluid started leaking: that way there is still fluid left in the master cylinder reservoir for either the front brakes or rear brakes, whichever line(s) aren't leaking and so the remaining …
My car will stop running when I brake. This started in oct 2001 and has done this 6 times, today it finally did it with my husband in the car. I have the radio/cd on and am usually driving at 45-50 MPH when I have to apply my brakes and my car quits. I have no control over the entire car I try to get it off of the road then I put it in park and restart it and it runs fine. Now that my husband has experienced this problem I am calling the local dealership to take it in and have them do something.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35mph in normal driving conditions, a popping noise was heard in the steering column. Several seconds later, the steering wheel fell off of the steering column into the contact's lap. The vehicle was stopped and pushed off the road safely. The vehicle was towed to the local dealership for repairs. The dealer replaced the steering column and the steering wheel. The steering operated normally after repairs were made. However, the brakes vibrate and pulsate when the brake pedal is depressed. The vehicle was not inspected for this problem.
Five days after the purchase radiator cracked, car overheated, took to dealership, while speaking with the service manager, I explained the ABS/traction control light came on and stays on as of 3rd day after purchase and that the engine was surging and back fire type noise from under the hood during acceleration and the car had no power. The front right fog light was not working the day of purchase and to replace it, I was charged for the replacement bulb. There was no buyers guide on this vehicle on the day I test drove the car nor on the day of purchase, I purchased a one year extended warranty through the dealership in the amount of $1295.00, and was told it covered everything. Service manager was contacted on the day I picked the car up after the radiator repair, and was told the other issues were not corrected at this time due to the warranty not having time to process. …
Related recalls (3)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts May be loose.
Remedy: Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with incorrect front brake rotor, brake caliper assembly, brake pads, and caliper mounting bracket on either the left or right side of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for correct brake parts and replace any incorrect rotors, caliper assemblies, brake pads, and caliper mounting brackets.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Aurora years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (17), 1997 (11), 1995 (10) and 1998 (9) model years. Brake complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Aurora brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 00V-114 (foundation components, Apr 17, 2000); 99V-238 (vacuum, Aug 27, 1999); 99V-081 (disc, Apr 14, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Aurora brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles; 12% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (7).
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.