1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Achieva › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. during production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch IS activated. this fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. if necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding air bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel instead of through the door in the instrument panel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the air bag.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. on certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced.
Owner complaints
87 complaints10 involved a crash3 involved a fire19 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
I bought my dads 1996 oldsmobile achieva, on about the 7-22-13, he had it at our mechanics car lot for sale and my trucks transmission started failing on me so I purchased my dads car, went to pick it up and now after 2 different mechanics and 5 weeks later they still can't get my car fixed so it…
I bought my dads 1996 oldsmobile achieva, on about the 7-22-13, he had it at our mechanics car lot for sale and my trucks transmission started failing on me so I purchased my dads car, went to pick it up and now after 2 different mechanics and 5 weeks later they still can't get my car fixed so it will run,this IS what it does,security light comes on and off flashing until it comes on fully all the time,dies and refuses to start, so I done some looking on the internet and found out that just about all of the achieva, malibu's,basically all g.m. Cars from early 90'S- upper 90'S all have this problem and it can happen while the car IS being driven in some cases, so I fill like if this IS not took care of it could cause a wreck,fire or an accident of some kind being it IS the # 1 thing to go wrong with this kind and year model's of olds-achieva, just was wondering if my car got missed on recall or if it should be recalled, I'm about half way afraid to drive it even if it gets fixed, that it will do it again and me be driving it next time, please let me know if there IS any help for my car to get recalled.. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile achieva. The contact was driving 5 mph when the check engine light illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the vin did not qualify for nhtsa recall campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile achieva. The contact was driving 5 mph when the check engine light illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the vin did not qualify for nhtsa recall campaign number 07e015000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 134,000 and the current mileage was 160,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile achieva. while the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic stated that the transaxle had an oil leak near the cv joint. the current mileage was 76,000 and failure mileage was 74,000. updated 07/08/08. *bf the transaxle seal was leaking fluid near the cv joint. Updated *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Front air bags (driver and passenger) deployed for no apparent reason. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Passenger in vehicle sustained serious eye injury due to a faulty air bag on this particular vehicle - . *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
Vehicle continually refuses to start due to pass lock and leaves us stranded. dealer replaced ipc and ignition switch twice, but problem remained. spent $1000, and its still the same. reading all the same problems with various gm vehicles showing, there should be a recall.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Pass lock 1 security system will not allow the car to start. the car thinks that I am stealing it and does not allow gasoline to flow to the fuel injectors. took it to garage and cost $500 to replace the instrument cluster panel which houses the security sensors. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Structure
The air bag light went on and stayed on in my 1996 oldsmobile achieva. I was referred to my dealer by my mechanic who diagnosed a air bag safety module problem that was recalled by gm as per "all data". the dealer referred me to gm warranty hotline when the vin # did not match a recall through…
The air bag light went on and stayed on in my 1996 oldsmobile achieva. I was referred to my dealer by my mechanic who diagnosed a air bag safety module problem that was recalled by gm as per "all data". the dealer referred me to gm warranty hotline when the vin # did not match a recall through the gm database. The entire repair was estimated by the dealer to be approximately $3000.00 using vintage auto parts on the harness for the module. this safety issue was caused by a body leak that collected water and shorted out the safety module. I can't drive the vehicle do to the danger of possible inflation of the airbag with out warning, as per the recall notice that gm says never occurred. gm won't help in the repair because although the vehicle has less than 100,000 miles and met the 10 year mark on 10/31/06. I've been warned not to drive the vehicle with this problem by the gm dealer, while being presented with a $3,000.00 repair bill on a car that IS in good running order otherwise. it seems gm should be responsible for this problem.
- Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights
Dt*: the contact stated the hazard lights failed. after doing research on the internet, the contact notified the service dealer and manufacturer about a nhtsa recall # 96v250000, regarding the exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights. the service dealer and manufacturer informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving my 1996 olds achieva southbound on I-271 in ne ohio both frontal airbags deployed. Conditions were good. Pavement was dry. There was no type of impact. Caused me to swerve and nearly lose control of the vehicle. Have severe chest pains. I am trying to get something done to correct this now. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: consumer states that the transmission failed 3 times. the vehicle was taken to a service station and put on the computer, but they couldn't find what was wrong. the intake gasket blew twice allowing water in the engine. *ak *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
While driving and upon coming to a complete stop lower ball joint disengaged and tire came off. The right front fender on passenger's side was completely damaged. *Ak
- Electrical system
Car was at dealer on 8/17/99 who had to replace the sensor-ox 3.682 part due to a shorted relay and damaged sensor at a cost of $337.44. The alternator overheated and burned and had to be replaced june 29, 2001 at a cost of $453.98, including towing of the car to the service station. the serp belt…
Car was at dealer on 8/17/99 who had to replace the sensor-ox 3.682 part due to a shorted relay and damaged sensor at a cost of $337.44. The alternator overheated and burned and had to be replaced june 29, 2001 at a cost of $453.98, including towing of the car to the service station. the serp belt was also damaged and replaced. on the nhtsa website, there are numerous entries listed for the sensor, serp belt, and alternator repairs. all of these repairs occurred before the official recall on february 27, 2002 (recall for dealer to install relay kit to prevent short and ignition switch failure and fire). the build dates involved were 5/1/95 7/31/96, mine was built within these dates, december 1995. would like to be reimbursed for repairs paid for prior to federal recall (791.42). *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Air conditioner leaks coolant and needs to be repeatedly serviced because air conditioner blows warm air. air conditioner checked when under warranty 4/1/98 and dealer stated recharged a/c. however, coolant needed to be added 5/28/99, 5/12/00, 4/29/01, 6/9/04 for a total cost of $482.48. dye…
Air conditioner leaks coolant and needs to be repeatedly serviced because air conditioner blows warm air. air conditioner checked when under warranty 4/1/98 and dealer stated recharged a/c. however, coolant needed to be added 5/28/99, 5/12/00, 4/29/01, 6/9/04 for a total cost of $482.48. dye injected and no leak noticed. leakage occurs over months where dye not detectable. something IS defective and causing the coolant to leak out over time.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Leaky intake manifold gasket.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Unknown or other
Alternator,serp belt tensioner, serp belt, r& r alternator,r & r belt tensioner ... The tension acutally broke off and destroyed the other parts. How can this happen???? for only 43000 miles on this car thats ridiculous... Any help here/?
- Air bags
While driving 65 mph vehicle was involved in a rear end crash. Upon impact, airbags failed to deploy. *Ak
- Interior lighting
There was and interior lighting failure. the dome light came on and remained on. recall was issued for this problem, but this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak *sc
- Air bags · Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
In regards of your defect investigation# iq3001, I have a problem with my control module, its not working now due to it got wet, now my airbag light stays on and I'm just waiting for it to deploy when I'm driving down the road, so maybe then when it kills someone a recall will be done on it. It IS a poor location for the module anyways.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
Vehicle cuts off and any speed for no reason. then it takes anywhere from 2 to 7 mins to get it restarted and that IS onl;y if u put it in "n" and turn it all the way off, then back on. this IS a safety hazard. IS it going to take a death B4 GMC searches for the problem. this happens on the freeway or street.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The intake gasket leaks coolant and a known problem that gm apparently doesn't care about. it happens to many of its V6 3.1 and 3.4 engines and could cause sever damage to the car's engine which leads to potentially serious problems if not repaired. in addition, the manufacturer doesn't want to perform recalls, therefore, who wants to pay to fix something that's needed to be recalled? *la
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Vehicle was taken to dealer for recall# 02v070000 subject: electrical system: ignition switch. after the repair, ignition short circuited,causing a fire in the dashboard. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Intake manifold gasket leaked coolant. *Jb
- Electrical system
The consumer stated that the alternator was not charging and the battery failed as the result of the dealer?s poor recall repair previously in which wiring harness and a relay were installed. *Yh
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Passenger seat belt failed. *yh
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114947This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017096Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10005527Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10004278Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631899Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *Slc
- 628890Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle.
- 622945Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including the 1996 through 2000 toyota cavalier.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602826Some customers may comment about a squeak/ squawk type noise coming from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 601114Seat belt latch slides to seat belt anchor sleeve.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54329Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp IS "on".
- 54191Experiencing a squeak/squawk noise coming from the bottom of the steering column.
Every Oldsmobile Achieva model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.