1996 Oldsmobile AuroraUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

100 federal complaints (149 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 47 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 11 model years of the Oldsmobile Aurora →
Engine
4.0L 8-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
15 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
100
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Fuel system
51
Engine & cooling
20
Electrical system
19
Lighting
12
Steering
10
Speed control
6
Body & structure
5
Seats
4
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 5 complaints01 years old: 1 complaints2 years old: 1 complaints3 years old: 4 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 8 complaints7 years old: 12 complaints8 years old: 22 complaints9 years old: 8 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 84 of 100 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 0 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 1 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 1 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 11 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 35 of 100 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Fuel system

51 complaint records4 fire reports
"WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER STATED FUEL LINE LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO IGNITE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

20 complaint records
"GASOLINE FUMES ARE MAKING CONSUMER SICK. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT AIR COMPRESSOR WAS NOT WORKING. *AK *YC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

19 complaint records5 fire reports1 crash report
"BATTERY THAT IS PLACED UNDER RIGHT REAR SEAT CAME LOOSE/ BROKE AND SPRAYED BATTERY ACID OVER ENTIRE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
SQ96012
opened Jun 1996
OPENStructureREAR COMPARTMENT LID ROD SEPARATION
ADDITION INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SUBJECT BULLETIN.
EA04003
opened Feb 2004
closed Apr 2004Fuel System, GasolineFUEL RAIL LEAKS - led to recall 04V110000
ON MARCH 3, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MY 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES (RPO L47 - VIN8 C) TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE FROM CRACKED FUEL RAILS AND, IN...
PE03050
opened Oct 2003
closed Feb 2004Fuel System, GasolineFUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED BY DANA.THE FUEL RAIL JUMPER TUBES WERE MADE OF MONOLAYER NYLON 12 (PA12).IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998, THE JUMPER TUBE MATERIAL WAS CHANGED FROM PA12 TO M-BOND (A MULTI-LAYER PTFE/PA12).IN...
PE99059
opened Sep 1999
closed Feb 2000Seat BeltsREAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
COMPLAINTS GENERALLY STATED THAT ONE OR BOTH OUTBOARD REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AT ALL AND ARE USELESS.IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT PROVIDE ANY TENSION AND HAVE EXCESS SLACK.THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY HAS A PLASTIC COVER NEXT TO THE RETRACTOR...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V110000Fuel System, GasolineSOME 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.Normally free
95V204000Electrical SystemTHESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1995195
1995-10-30
Lights And Instruments615THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 114 - LOCKING SYSTEM AND 208 - SEAT BELT INSTALLATIONS. THE MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE MAY CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
19NA273
Dec 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Show 42 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
TiresThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
PIC-4887
Jun 2008
SuspensionGMC: HARSH RIDE OR LINE INSTALLATION CONCERN WITH DELCO SHOCK KIT. CONCERNS WITH CONNECTING THE LINES TO THE SHOCKS AND THE AIR COMPRESSOR. CONCERN OF HARSH RIDE AFTER INSTALLATION. *PE
990601019
Feb 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL LEAKS ALONG THE UPPER TO LOWER CRANKCASE JOINT. *TT
040861001
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemFLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *EH
000310007F
Nov 2004
SuspensionVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *JB UPDATED *EH GM VOICEMAIL MESSAGE. *TT
04014
Aug 2004
Fuel SystemQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO ASSIST IN RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER INQUIRES TO THE UPCOMING PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL 04014 - ENGINE FUEL RAIL REPLACEMENT. *TT *MJ GM ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE. *TT
04192004
Apr 2004
Fuel SystemGM ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL POPULATION OF VEHICLES EXPOSED TO TIME, HEAT AND CERTAIN FUELS IS CAUSING NYLON TUBING IN THE FUEL RAILS TO DEVELOP AN UNUSUAL NUMBER OF LEAKS. FAILURE OF THE FUEL RAIL TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
030504
Mar 2004
Fuel SystemTHE OPERATOR MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL ODOR AND POSSIBLY STALLING DUE TO A LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE. DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL A NEW FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY CONSTRUCTED OUT OF STAINLES STEEL. *TT
990603009A
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *TT UPDATE *EH
01771
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8, L37, LH2 ENGINE COOLANT OR OIL LEAK.*MR
01792
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8 L37 ENGINE WATER PUMP COVER P/N 12571913- THERMOSTAT LOOSE. ALSO INCLUDING MODEL 2003 CADILLAC ELDORADO. *MR
3075
Jan 2004
Fuel SystemFUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAK AFTER INSTALLING FUEL RAIL FROM CAMPAIGN 04014. *TT
030601027
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO INFORM DEALERS OF ENHANCEMENTS TO CRANKCASE, OIL DISTRIBUTION PLATE AND OIL PAN SEALING BY USING RTV SEALANT. *TT
990232008A
May 2001
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A STEERING SHUDDER DURING SLOW SPEED TURNING / PARKING MANEUVERS. *TT
990850021
Dec 1999
SeatsA CONDITION WITH THE FRONT SEAT BACK AND / OR SEAT CUSHION HEAT ELEMENT IS NON-FUNCTIONING. *TT
990605005
Oct 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POPPING TYPE NOISE HEARD IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT
990603009
Oct 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *TT
990232008
Sep 1999
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A STEERING SHUDDER DURING SLOW SPEED TURNING / PARKING MANEUVERS. *TT
990866007
Aug 1999
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR COMPARTMENT LID SUPPORT STRUT IS SEPARATING FROM THE LID. *TT
990601010
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A ENGINE COLD / KNOCK / TICK NOISE. *TT
831611
Dec 1998
StructureCUSTOMERS COMMENT THAT WHEN THE REAR COMPARTMENT LID IS OPEN, WATER WILL DRAIN INTO THE TRUNK FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND THE REAR OF THE LID. *YC
831704
Oct 1998
StructureCONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC
833004
Sep 1998
SuspensionEXPERIENCING SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *YC
839606
Aug 1998
EquipmentTRUNK MOUNTED 12 CD CHANGER EJECTS INTERMITTENTLY. YD
98838313
May 1998
Unknown Or OtherSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CUPHOLDER DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. *YC
98737104A
May 1998
Power TrainCONCERNS OF NOISE/VIBRATION/GROWL FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE ON RIGHT TURNS OR HARD ACCELERATION. *YC
971101739015
Nov 1997
Unknown Or OtherCOMMENTS ON INSUFFICIENT RANGE OF THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. *YC
971101631041
Nov 1997
StructureCOMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS).
9709013202B
Sep 1997
SteeringEXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC
731608
Jun 1997
VisibilityEXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW
970501735019
May 1997
Service BrakesWHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED FORCE OR ENGINE LOAD MAY AFFECT AND CAUSE VARIOUS NOISES. *YC
549001A
Mar 1997
EquipmentCLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW
631050
Mar 1997
Unknown Or OtherWAVY OR DIMPLING APPEARANCE IN ROOF PANEL RUNNING FRONT TO BACK OR EXCESSIVE RAIN NOISE (REPLACE CARDBOARD ROOF INSULATOR ADHESIVE). *TW
3179
Power TrainSERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON AND CHUGGLE OR SURGE. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 39 (TCC STUCK OFF). *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Oldsmobile Aurora →