RoadVitals

2002 Oldsmobile Aurora Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Oct 20, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Suspension617.6%
  • Steering514.7%
  • Electrical514.7%
  • Fuel system411.8%
  • Exterior lighting38.8%
  • Body & structure25.9%
  • Engine25.9%
  • Tires & wheels25.9%
  • Visibility25.9%
  • Transmission12.9%
  • Powertrain (other)12.9%
  • Other / unspecified12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am adding new parts to this vehicle 100 000 tune up

NHTSA ID 11491485 · filed Oct 30, 2022

BROKEN/SNAPPED SWAY BAR LINK, LEFT SIDE FRONT. CAR SWERVED TO THE LEFT, NO ACCIDENT UPON SNAP. UPON INVESTIGATION/REPLACEMENT THE BOLT WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT MID POINT AND SNAPPED. I SAVED THE BROKEN PART, IF IT IS NEEDED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10334173 · filed Jun 1, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am adding new parts to this vehicle 100 000 tune up

NHTSA ID 11491485 · filed Oct 30, 2022

MY 2002 AURORA 4.0L SUDDENLY LOCKED IN THE LEFT TURN STEERING MODE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS MAKING A TURN ON THE AISLE. AFTER THE TURN I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND AVOIDED HITTING THE ONCOMING CAR (THE OTHER DRIVER DID THE SAME). I WAS ABLE TO MOVE INTO A PARKING SPOT AND CONFIRMED THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS TURNING THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE PUMP RESERVOIR WAS FULL. BY WORKING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH THE STEERING RESUMED TO THE RIGHT, BUT NOT TO THE LEFT. THIS IS SCARY. IT HAPPENED THE SAME WAY ON MY WIFE'S 2008 ENCLAVE. GM REPLACED LOTS OF PARTS BEFORE IT STARTED STEERING AGAIN. IS THIS A GM ISSUE? *TR

NHTSA ID 10327969 · filed Apr 28, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2002 AURORA V6, RPM STARTED ACTING HAYWIRE IT SHOT UP TO 8 GRAND AT 30 MPH. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE ACTING NORMAL. IT HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS LATTER THEN ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE SHOP. I HAD THE TRANS VACUUM SENSOR CHANGED ALONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS DID THE TRICK FOR 24 HOURS. NOT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALER CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG OR HOW TO FIX IT. CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10611426 · filed Jul 18, 2014

I NOTICE WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE. I ALSO HAD THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND TIME THIS PART HAD BEEN FIXED. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE HEATING COMPONENT WENT OUT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR STATED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *TR

NHTSA ID 10218732 · filed Feb 21, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE AURORA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL SPILLED OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK WHILE REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V238000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,473 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,673. UPDATED 03/15/12 *BF UPDATED 03/23/12

NHTSA ID 10446101 · filed Feb 1, 2012

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START PROPERLY. SO I TOOK MY AURORA IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, WHICH THEN I WAS TOLD THIS DEFECTIVE PART COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A VERY UNSAFE PART AND I LOOKED THE PART UP AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN RECALLED AT ONE POINT, JUST NOT ON THE MY MAKE OF VEHICLE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10218727 · filed Feb 21, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I NOTICE WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL FLICKER EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE. I ALSO HAD THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND TIME THIS PART HAD BEEN FIXED. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE HEATING COMPONENT WENT OUT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR STATED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *TR

NHTSA ID 10218732 · filed Feb 21, 2008

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END/UNDERCARRAIGE, ON TURNS OR BUMPS, CAN BE FELT IN STEERING, SINCE 15000 MILES (NOTICED SOMETIME AFTER IMPLODED GAS TANK REPLACEMENT). FOUR DEALERS WORKED ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES - REPLACED STEERING GEAR, LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLACED STRUT BEARINGS, REPLACED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLACED REAR SHOCK - STILL CLUNKS OVER BUMPS AND STEERING GRINDING NOISE IS BACK SINCE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACEMENT. AFTER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT AT 26750, SEVERE VIBRATION WAS NOTICED; TOOK FOUR ATTEMTS (3 DEALERS) TO MAKE ACCEPTABLE FINALLY AT 36137. HEADLAMPS FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY, GENERATOR REPLACED AT 30311, 4 DEALERS SAY IS NORMAL. FUEL FILLER DOOR STILL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY, AT LEAST 3 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE WITH FRONT END/STEERING/UNDERBODY CLUNKING - FEELS LIKE SOME COMPONENT(S) IS DEFECTIVE OR PREMATURELY WORN OUT - EACH DEALER MADE REPAIR ATTEMPT, THEN WHEN UNSUCCESSFUL SAID VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. ONE DEALER NEVER ROADTESTED VEHICLE. LAST DEALER MECHANIC SAID NEEDED RACK, SERVICE MANAGER SAID VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. 43000 MILES NOW - GM AREA SERVICE MANAGER REFUSES TO DO ANY FURTHER REPAIRS.*AK

NHTSA ID 10091086 · filed Sep 15, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Frame has rust under door panel broke Car Frame body near battery cave in hole and rusting hole in trunk near spare tire.

NHTSA ID 11620849 · filed Oct 20, 2024

I HAVE A 2002 OLDS AURORA THAT TODAY HAS WATER STANDING IN THE BACK PASSENGER FLOORBOARD FOR THE TENTH OR TWELFTH TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED SO MUCH THAT I HAVE LOST TRACK OF HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS IN FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WIDOW SEAL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN AND THEN RUNS DOWN TO THE MOLDING AT DOOR OPENING AT THE FLOORBOARD. FROM THERE IT THEN RUNS DIAGONALLY BACK TOWARD THE BACK PASSENGER FLOORBOARD ALONG THE MOLDING AND POOLS UP. LIKE THIS MORNING, THERE HAS BEEN MANY TIMES THAT TWO INCHES OF WATER IS PRESENT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MILDEW OR ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS THAT MAY BE PRESENT OR MAY SHOW UP AS A RESULT OF THIS CONTINUAL PROBLEM. THE DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE A CLUE ON HOW TO FIX THIS, ORIGINALLY THEY KEPT REPLACING THE DOOR SEAL ON THE BACK DOOR. NOW FOR SOME TIME THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SEAL ON THE FRONT DOOR OR FRONT WINDOW. BUT THE LEAK CONTINUES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE. THE DEALER TELLS ME TODAY THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ISSUES LIKE MINE IN OTHER AURORA MODELS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10256469 · filed Jan 27, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2002 AURORA V6, RPM STARTED ACTING HAYWIRE IT SHOT UP TO 8 GRAND AT 30 MPH. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE ACTING NORMAL. IT HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS LATTER THEN ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE SHOP. I HAD THE TRANS VACUUM SENSOR CHANGED ALONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS DID THE TRICK FOR 24 HOURS. NOT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALER CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG OR HOW TO FIX IT. CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10611426 · filed Jul 18, 2014

BEGINNING IN MAY 2003 WE HAVE HAD OUR 2002 OLDSMOBILE AURORA STALL EIGHT DIFFERENT TIMES. IT ALWAYS STALL AFTER BEING DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. IT STALLED MOST OFTEN WHILE LEAVING EXIT RAMPS AND MAKING LEFT TURNS ONTO SURFACE STREETS. ONCE IT STALLED AT A TOLL BOOTH. THE LOCAL DEALER CHANGED PARTS IN MAY 2003 AND FEBRUARY 2004. AFTER THE LAST TWO INCIDENTS IN MAY 2004, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE, BUT ARE STILL TRYING. WE HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT WITH THE CAR STALLING AS WE CROSS BUSY HIGHWAYS, WE COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BROADSIDE AT LEAST TWO TIMES. *LA

NHTSA ID 10074447 · filed May 28, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

NHTSA ID 10022235 · filed Jun 3, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE TIRE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10021886 · filed May 29, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO BACK UP. THE DEALER REPLACED DEFECTIVE WINDOW REGULATOR. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO LEFT REAR WINDOW. I PAID TO HAVE THE DEALER CHANGE THAT WINDOW REGULATOR ALSO. THIS WAS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. *JB

NHTSA ID 10151779 · filed Mar 4, 2006

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 AURORA FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER ALMOST A DOZEN TIMES FOR VARIOUS REASONS. NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ABOUT THE ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY I PICKED IT UP AT THE DEALER. IT HAD A DEFECTIVE PAINT JOB AND THEY HAD TO REPAINT THE CAR. REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD TWICE BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MOST ANNOYING THING IS A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WHICH THEY CANNOT FIX. I HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR FOR THIS AT LEAST 6 TIMES. THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE (LIKE A LOUD CLOCK) COMING FROM UNDER THE CENTER OF THE DASH. THERE IS A SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE CAR WHEN YOU FIRST ACCELERATE FROM A STAND STILL. TO DATE, NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX THE CAR. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER CONSTANTLY. MOST OF THE TIME THE DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT RE-CREATE THE NOISES. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063838 · filed Mar 25, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END/UNDERCARRAIGE, ON TURNS OR BUMPS, CAN BE FELT IN STEERING, SINCE 15000 MILES (NOTICED SOMETIME AFTER IMPLODED GAS TANK REPLACEMENT). FOUR DEALERS WORKED ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES - REPLACED STEERING GEAR, LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLACED STRUT BEARINGS, REPLACED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLACED REAR SHOCK - STILL CLUNKS OVER BUMPS AND STEERING GRINDING NOISE IS BACK SINCE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACEMENT. AFTER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT AT 26750, SEVERE VIBRATION WAS NOTICED; TOOK FOUR ATTEMTS (3 DEALERS) TO MAKE ACCEPTABLE FINALLY AT 36137. HEADLAMPS FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY, GENERATOR REPLACED AT 30311, 4 DEALERS SAY IS NORMAL. FUEL FILLER DOOR STILL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY, AT LEAST 3 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE WITH FRONT END/STEERING/UNDERBODY CLUNKING - FEELS LIKE SOME COMPONENT(S) IS DEFECTIVE OR PREMATURELY WORN OUT - EACH DEALER MADE REPAIR ATTEMPT, THEN WHEN UNSUCCESSFUL SAID VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. ONE DEALER NEVER ROADTESTED VEHICLE. LAST DEALER MECHANIC SAID NEEDED RACK, SERVICE MANAGER SAID VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. 43000 MILES NOW - GM AREA SERVICE MANAGER REFUSES TO DO ANY FURTHER REPAIRS.*AK

NHTSA ID 10091086 · filed Sep 15, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2002 AURORA V6, RPM STARTED ACTING HAYWIRE IT SHOT UP TO 8 GRAND AT 30 MPH. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE ACTING NORMAL. IT HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS LATTER THEN ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE SHOP. I HAD THE TRANS VACUUM SENSOR CHANGED ALONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS DID THE TRICK FOR 24 HOURS. NOT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALER CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG OR HOW TO FIX IT. CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10611426 · filed Jul 18, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FACTORY SUPPLIED WHEELS RUST CAUSING AIR LOSS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10214005 · filed Jan 7, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .