1994 Oldsmobile Achieva
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 38 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 87 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 40 |
| 2000 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and column.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STEERING RACK REPLACED DUE TO DEFECT, CAUSING ACCIDENT/LOSS OF CONTROL. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960619
24% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and starter assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ISSUED RECALL # 00V287000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY) IN 2001. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070719
THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, THE CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER OR IGNITION. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
22% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
14% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
UPON REAR IMPACT THEN FRONTAL IMPACT AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY W/BLOWN SENSOR LIGHT UPON FRONTAL IMPACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950509
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT CO
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.
Campaign 94V122000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION S
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN D
Campaign 00V287000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Oldsmobile Achieva — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V122000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V287000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.