1996 Oldsmobile Aurora
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 |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 322 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 33 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 119 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
49% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel rail.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PULLING OUT FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. WHICH RESULTED IN AN ENGINE FIRE. ENGINE BURNED UP. THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE DRIVE WAY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FUEL RAIL APPEARED TO HAVE RUPTURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030408
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and front underhood.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ALSO, LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031027
THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE SEAT, THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNED WIRES.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030210
VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND BATTERY ACID WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BACK INTERIOR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980129
9% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and column.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING FAILURE, WHEN DRIVING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, ALSO CUT CABLE TO THE AIRBAGS AND WARNING LIGHTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961011
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and tail lights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Campaign 95V204000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR COMPARTMENT LID ROD SEPARATION
REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
FUEL RAIL LEAKS
SOME 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. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2
Campaign 04V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Oldsmobile Aurora — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V204000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 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.