Model year record

1996 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls & problems

The 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva has 6 safety recalls and 87 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (29 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints87filed by owners

Crashes · fires10 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths19 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: 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: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineFeb 26, 2007

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 07E0150003,124 vehicles

Problem: 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 EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemMar 6, 2002

Ignition › Switch

Recall 02V0700001,589,948 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Fix: 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.

Interior lightingFeb 17, 1998

Interior lighting

Recall 98V027000249,420 vehicles

Problem: 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: THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

Exterior lightingDec 17, 1996

Hazard flashing warning lights

Recall 96V250000270,014 vehicles

Problem: 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: IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

Air bagsOct 28, 1996

Frontal

Recall 96V21100048,689 vehicles

Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Oldsmoblie Achieva 4-DR

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Achieva

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Achieva

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Achieva

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Wiring › Interior/under dash	29	0	4	0	96,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	17	8	0	8	102,485 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	15	0	0	0	87,770 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	14	2	0	3	—
SuspensionFront; Front › Control arm › Lower arm	9	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch	5	0	0	0	74,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Webbing	5	1	0	1	—
Vehicle speed control	4	0	0	1	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer	4	0	0	0	—
Interior lighting	3	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingTail lights; Headlights	3	0	1	0	—
Unknown or other	2	1	0	10	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
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…
Jul 22, 2013 · 150,000 miles
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 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.
Apr 1, 2011 · 134,000 miles
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
Mar 21, 2008 · 74,000 miles
Air bags › Frontal
FRONT AIR BAGS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Mar 13, 2008 · 75,000 miles
Air bags › FrontalCrash1 injury
PASSENGER IN VEHICLE SUSTAINED SERIOUS EYE INJURY DUE TO A FAULTY AIR BAG ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE - . *TR
Oct 4, 2006
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
Jun 19, 2007 · 34,258 miles
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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
Jun 5, 2007 · 155,000 miles
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 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…
Jan 18, 2007 · 70,986 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.