Carlexica

1995 Oldsmobile Achieva: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000

1
recalls
70
owner complaints
5
fire reports
89,500
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 89,500 mi)One of the most complained-about Achieva years (#2 of 7, age-adjusted)Weak spot: electrical system (26%)5 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)26% · 18 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 7 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)10% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)9% · 6 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 5 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)6% · 4 complaints
I purchased this vehicle from a private party approximately 4-5 years ago, unbeknownst of the 2000 recall for ignition issues with the ignition switch. Since I have owned this vehicle I have replaced the ignition switch 3 occasions most currently today 3/24/2015. I presume there is a statute of limitations on this issue. I am curious do I still have any re-course in getting this issue resolved or must I out of pocket resolve this issue as I cannot continue to replace these ignition switches. *trOwner report · Electrical System · Mar 2014
Stupid passlock issue . Everybody knows about it but no fix from gm. Worthless car that will not start one time out of every 10. You never know when it will happen. Car must be sold or gotten rid of to fix cause there is no fix. Engineers should be sent to iraq. *trOwner report · Structure · Apr 2010
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 65 mph, the steering wheel was adjusted for better vision. This caused the dashboard lights, the brake lights, and headlights to become inoperative. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic for this.Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
The vehicle caught fire, then a recall letter was received. The manufacturer sent a representative to the consumers home and he stated the fire was not a direct result of the fuel rail. NHTSA recall 04v110000. *jbOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2004
Antilock brake system not functioning properly. When ABS is activated the brake pedal goes to the floor resulting in a greater stopping distance. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Air · Dec 2003
The vehicle drivers side air bag did not deploy when the front end of the vehicle impact a stopped vehicle. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, right arm/shoulder, back and neck. *ak *nlmOwner report · Air Bags · Jun 2003
Rubber fuel line completely detached from metal fitting. Metal fitting was pressed on to rubber hose to make transition between rubber and metal fuel line (factory installation). It appears rubber fuel line broke inside metal fitting due to deterioration. This lead to gasoline being pumped into engine compartment. *ttOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2003
The heater core went out. Computer controls have been nonreliable since purchase, from airbag light, engine service light, speedometer, etc power windows became inoperable shortly after purchase, fixed once under warranty, later at a cost of some 400.+ dollars to me.Owner report · Equipment · Nov 2002
Headlights go out intermittently after high beams are used. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.*akOwner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2001
After recall 00v287000 repairs were performed electronic functions operated erratically and engine stalled. Dealership could not determine cause of problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*akOwner report · Electrical System · Jun 2001

When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY00V287000 · Oct 2000

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 SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.

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 DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.

How other years compare

Check your exact Achieva by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva reliable?

NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,500 miles or less.

Does the 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:starter assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.