FaultScore

FaultScore report

1994 Oldsmobile Achieva problems

Owners have filed 85 complaints about the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.

D

FaultScore 68/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Oldsmobile Achieva.

How this is worked out

The numbers

85

Complaints

8

Crashes reported

10

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 48 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure not reported
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Achieva. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 1994 compares with every other Oldsmobile Achieva

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 6 fires · median 138,000 mi

Brakes 16 18.8%
Steering 15 17.6%

2 crashes, 2 fires

Engine & Cooling 14 16.5%
Airbags 9 10.6%

6 crashes, 0 fires

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 3.5%
Seats 2 2.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 2.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Body & Structure 2 2.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Other & Unspecified 1 1.2%
Equipment & Accessories 1 1.2%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 1.2%
Lights 1 1.2%
Suspension 1 1.2%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 9 19.6%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR 9 19.6%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 7 15.2%
Switch 5 10.9%
Frontal 5 10.9%
Starter Assembly 4 8.7%
Gasoline 4 8.7%
Disc 3 6.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 1995 peak 5 Jul 2007

NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA00007 Opened 3 Mar 2000 Closed 7 Feb 2001 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STEERING COLUMN FIRES

Recalls on the 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

00V287000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

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.

Risk: A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR.

94V122000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2000276 72,652 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the electrical current through the ignition switch is above design capacity. Over time, this excessive current damages the ignition switch and may result in a fire in the vicinity of the steering column ignition switch which could spread to other parts of the vehicle's interior. Correction: Dealers will install a relay kit and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch and steering column tilt lever.

Recall 1994117 168 units in Canada

Fuel System

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. REAR COMPARTMENT PAN WELDS MAY NOT MEET MANUFACTURING STANDARDS. CORRECTION: DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE SUSPECT WELDS MAY HAVE OCCURRED.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 138,000 miles Fargl, ND Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ISSUED RECALL # 00V287000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY) IN 2001. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,000.

NHTSA complaint #10196869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warner Robins, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, THE CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER OR IGNITION. NLM

NHTSA complaint #567186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mooers, NY Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #8008897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND WAS TOTALLED. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK DEALER CONTACTED. STEERING WHEEL BROKE DUE TO IMPACT. INJURY WAS SUSTAINED.

NHTSA complaint #8008384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN Crash 1 injured

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND WAS TOTALLED. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK DEALER CONTACTED. STEERING WHEEL BROKE DUE TO IMPACT. INJURY WAS SUSTAINED.

NHTSA complaint #8008384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, AL Fire

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

RECALL 00V287000/ IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED TURN SIGNAL TO BE INOPERATIVE WHICH IS A SAFETY FEATURE. DEAELR IS NOT WILLING TO HELP BECAUSE IT'S NOT PART OF RECALL. *AK FIRE AND HEAT GENERATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN COULD POSSIBLY DAMAGE OTHER PARTS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT START AND RUN BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT SUPPLYING POWER TO PARK NEUTRAL SWITCH AND WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #877023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 138,000 miles Fargl, ND Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ISSUED RECALL # 00V287000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY) IN 2001. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,000.

NHTSA complaint #10196869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eureka, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

DT: THE AIR BAG AND THE HORN WERE HAVING WIRING SENSOR PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE SENSOR ON THE INTERNAL SHORTAGE. THIS WAS HAPPENING FOR 3 MONTHS. THE HORN WAS GOING OFF WHEN HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL THE FUSE ON THE HORN TO SHUT OFF THE HORN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, "AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS A N INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH WIRING ON THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBAG. CONSUMER STATED HE FELT THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING FLAW.

NHTSA complaint #10124477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eureka, MO

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

DT: THE AIR BAG AND THE HORN WERE HAVING WIRING SENSOR PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE SENSOR ON THE INTERNAL SHORTAGE. THIS WAS HAPPENING FOR 3 MONTHS. THE HORN WAS GOING OFF WHEN HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL THE FUSE ON THE HORN TO SHUT OFF THE HORN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, "AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS A N INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH WIRING ON THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBAG. CONSUMER STATED HE FELT THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING FLAW.

NHTSA complaint #10124477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barberton, OH

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

CHECK OIL LIGHT COMES ON & OFF MANUFACTURER CAN'T DUPLICATE, WHEN HAZARD LIGHTS ARE USED HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK HAZARD LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT ALL NOW. WHEN ROADS ARE WET OR WEATHER IS DAMP WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP THE CAR JUMPS/HOPS. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. DRIVERS SIDE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE SWITCH OR THE KEY I HAD TO PULL THE ASSEMBLY OUT SO I CAN PUSH THE KNOB ALL OF THE WAY UP BEFORE YOU CAN GET IN OR OUT. A/C DIDNT WORK WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AS IT WAS MID JAN. WHEN I MADE THE PURCHASE IN FEB. OF 2001 THE CAR STARTED MISSING REALLY BAD IT STALLED & WOULDN'T START THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS FIRE RED. THERE WAS GAS IN MY OIL, IT JUMPED TIME, FOWLED OUT THE PLUGS, ONE OF THE CYLINDERS WERE DEAD, IT NEEDED AN IGNITION COIL,TIMING, BELT PLUGS, SOME SENSOR (I CANT REMEMBER THE NAME OF IT NOW) BUT I CAN CALL THE MECHANIC & FIND OUT IT COST ME ROUGHLY $600.00 FOR A FRIEND FOR REPAIRS NOW I HEAR WATER SWISHING THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN I TURN, I THINK IT'S MY WATER PUMP AS IT'S OVER HEATING & IT'S MAKING LIKE A GRINDING NOISE IN THE BOX LOOKING THING BELOW THE ALTERNATOR.THE BRAKES DO ALOT OF CLUNKING, AND WHENEVER YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND DRIVE ABOUT 1/4 MI. YOU HEAR/FEEL A CLUNK UNDER THE CAR AND THE TRANS. SEEMS TO SHIFT A LITTLE HARD & I CAN ALSO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I THINK THAT IS ABOUT IT. DT

NHTSA complaint #768867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barberton, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CHECK OIL LIGHT COMES ON & OFF MANUFACTURER CAN'T DUPLICATE, WHEN HAZARD LIGHTS ARE USED HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK HAZARD LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT ALL NOW. WHEN ROADS ARE WET OR WEATHER IS DAMP WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP THE CAR JUMPS/HOPS. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. DRIVERS SIDE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE SWITCH OR THE KEY I HAD TO PULL THE ASSEMBLY OUT SO I CAN PUSH THE KNOB ALL OF THE WAY UP BEFORE YOU CAN GET IN OR OUT. A/C DIDNT WORK WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AS IT WAS MID JAN. WHEN I MADE THE PURCHASE IN FEB. OF 2001 THE CAR STARTED MISSING REALLY BAD IT STALLED & WOULDN'T START THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS FIRE RED. THERE WAS GAS IN MY OIL, IT JUMPED TIME, FOWLED OUT THE PLUGS, ONE OF THE CYLINDERS WERE DEAD, IT NEEDED AN IGNITION COIL,TIMING, BELT PLUGS, SOME SENSOR (I CANT REMEMBER THE NAME OF IT NOW) BUT I CAN CALL THE MECHANIC & FIND OUT IT COST ME ROUGHLY $600.00 FOR A FRIEND FOR REPAIRS NOW I HEAR WATER SWISHING THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN I TURN, I THINK IT'S MY WATER PUMP AS IT'S OVER HEATING & IT'S MAKING LIKE A GRINDING NOISE IN THE BOX LOOKING THING BELOW THE ALTERNATOR.THE BRAKES DO ALOT OF CLUNKING, AND WHENEVER YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND DRIVE ABOUT 1/4 MI. YOU HEAR/FEEL A CLUNK UNDER THE CAR AND THE TRANS. SEEMS TO SHIFT A LITTLE HARD & I CAN ALSO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I THINK THAT IS ABOUT IT. DT

NHTSA complaint #768867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barberton, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

CHECK OIL LIGHT COMES ON & OFF MANUFACTURER CAN'T DUPLICATE, WHEN HAZARD LIGHTS ARE USED HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK HAZARD LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT ALL NOW. WHEN ROADS ARE WET OR WEATHER IS DAMP WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP THE CAR JUMPS/HOPS. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. DRIVERS SIDE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE SWITCH OR THE KEY I HAD TO PULL THE ASSEMBLY OUT SO I CAN PUSH THE KNOB ALL OF THE WAY UP BEFORE YOU CAN GET IN OR OUT. A/C DIDNT WORK WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AS IT WAS MID JAN. WHEN I MADE THE PURCHASE IN FEB. OF 2001 THE CAR STARTED MISSING REALLY BAD IT STALLED & WOULDN'T START THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS FIRE RED. THERE WAS GAS IN MY OIL, IT JUMPED TIME, FOWLED OUT THE PLUGS, ONE OF THE CYLINDERS WERE DEAD, IT NEEDED AN IGNITION COIL,TIMING, BELT PLUGS, SOME SENSOR (I CANT REMEMBER THE NAME OF IT NOW) BUT I CAN CALL THE MECHANIC & FIND OUT IT COST ME ROUGHLY $600.00 FOR A FRIEND FOR REPAIRS NOW I HEAR WATER SWISHING THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN I TURN, I THINK IT'S MY WATER PUMP AS IT'S OVER HEATING & IT'S MAKING LIKE A GRINDING NOISE IN THE BOX LOOKING THING BELOW THE ALTERNATOR.THE BRAKES DO ALOT OF CLUNKING, AND WHENEVER YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND DRIVE ABOUT 1/4 MI. YOU HEAR/FEEL A CLUNK UNDER THE CAR AND THE TRANS. SEEMS TO SHIFT A LITTLE HARD & I CAN ALSO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I THINK THAT IS ABOUT IT. DT

NHTSA complaint #768867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warner Robins, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, THE CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER OR IGNITION. NLM

NHTSA complaint #567186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mooers, NY Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #8008897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND WAS TOTALLED. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK DEALER CONTACTED. STEERING WHEEL BROKE DUE TO IMPACT. INJURY WAS SUSTAINED.

NHTSA complaint #8008384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN Crash 1 injured

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND WAS TOTALLED. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK DEALER CONTACTED. STEERING WHEEL BROKE DUE TO IMPACT. INJURY WAS SUSTAINED.

NHTSA complaint #8008384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverside, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

ENGINE LOST POWER AT 65 MPH ON FREEWAY, ABLE TO PULL TO RIGHT SHOULDER, ENGINE WAS NOT HOT, NO CHECK LIGHTS WERE ON, CHECKED OIL & WATER LEVELS, OK, TRIED TO RESTART ENGINE BUT IT WAS VERY NOISY & BACKFIRING, AND WOULD ONLY RUN AT FAST IDLE. SHUT DOWN, CALLED TOW TRUCK. MECHANIC TOOK A COMPRESSION CHECK, NO COMPRESSION IN # 2 & 4 CYLINDERS. THIS ENGINE HAS A TIMING CHAIN, NOT A BELT, TIMING WAS CHECKED, FOUND OK. PULLED HEAD & FOUND THAT VALVES ON THOSE CYLINDERS HAD HIT PISTONS, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO HURT SAME. PRESSURE CHECKED HEAD, GROUND VALVES (WERE NOT BENT), REASSEMBLED ENGINE, STARTED SAME & IT WAS MISSING & BACKFIRING THRU THROTTLE BOBY, SAME AS ON FREEWAY. MECHANIC GOT ON THE INTERNET LOOKING FOR ANSWERS & HAD NUMEROUS REPLIES THAT COIL HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. REPLACED SAME, HAVE PUT ALMOST 1000 MILES ON ODOMETER WITH NO PROBLEMS....DUE TO THE FACT THAT OLDS HAS COME OUT WITH A REVISED COIL HOUSING & MECHANICS ALL OVER USA REPORTED HAVING SAME PROBLEM, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A PROGRAM INITIATED FOR OLDS TO REIMBURSE OWNERS THEIR COSTS AT THIS LOW MILEAGE FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY REPAIR COST WAS $1031.17, WHICH COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN $4000.00 FOR A NEW ENGINE IF THE PISTONS HAD HIT THE VALVES ANY HARDER. OLDS REDESIGNED THE HOUSING, WHICH INDICATES THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. OLDS REFUSES TO HELP PAY ANY OF THE BILL BECAUSE THE PROBLEM "WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AT A GM DEALER" THEY ARE SENDING ME A DENIAL OF HELP LETTER. PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM..

NHTSA complaint #759436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverside, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE LOST POWER AT 65 MPH ON FREEWAY, ABLE TO PULL TO RIGHT SHOULDER, ENGINE WAS NOT HOT, NO CHECK LIGHTS WERE ON, CHECKED OIL & WATER LEVELS, OK, TRIED TO RESTART ENGINE BUT IT WAS VERY NOISY & BACKFIRING, AND WOULD ONLY RUN AT FAST IDLE. SHUT DOWN, CALLED TOW TRUCK. MECHANIC TOOK A COMPRESSION CHECK, NO COMPRESSION IN # 2 & 4 CYLINDERS. THIS ENGINE HAS A TIMING CHAIN, NOT A BELT, TIMING WAS CHECKED, FOUND OK. PULLED HEAD & FOUND THAT VALVES ON THOSE CYLINDERS HAD HIT PISTONS, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO HURT SAME. PRESSURE CHECKED HEAD, GROUND VALVES (WERE NOT BENT), REASSEMBLED ENGINE, STARTED SAME & IT WAS MISSING & BACKFIRING THRU THROTTLE BOBY, SAME AS ON FREEWAY. MECHANIC GOT ON THE INTERNET LOOKING FOR ANSWERS & HAD NUMEROUS REPLIES THAT COIL HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. REPLACED SAME, HAVE PUT ALMOST 1000 MILES ON ODOMETER WITH NO PROBLEMS....DUE TO THE FACT THAT OLDS HAS COME OUT WITH A REVISED COIL HOUSING & MECHANICS ALL OVER USA REPORTED HAVING SAME PROBLEM, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A PROGRAM INITIATED FOR OLDS TO REIMBURSE OWNERS THEIR COSTS AT THIS LOW MILEAGE FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY REPAIR COST WAS $1031.17, WHICH COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN $4000.00 FOR A NEW ENGINE IF THE PISTONS HAD HIT THE VALVES ANY HARDER. OLDS REDESIGNED THE HOUSING, WHICH INDICATES THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. OLDS REFUSES TO HELP PAY ANY OF THE BILL BECAUSE THE PROBLEM "WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AT A GM DEALER" THEY ARE SENDING ME A DENIAL OF HELP LETTER. PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM..

NHTSA complaint #759436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kittnell, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON 12/2001 (00V-287). THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #561210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

I WAS SOLD A CAR THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETLY WORN OUT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS BROKEN, 1 TIRE HAD BEEN PLUGGED IN THE SIDEWALL AND WAS FULL OF FIX-A-FLAT CHEMICAL.

NHTSA complaint #752009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

I WAS SOLD A CAR THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETLY WORN OUT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS BROKEN, 1 TIRE HAD BEEN PLUGGED IN THE SIDEWALL AND WAS FULL OF FIX-A-FLAT CHEMICAL.

NHTSA complaint #752009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

I WAS SOLD A CAR THAT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETLY WORN OUT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS BROKEN, 1 TIRE HAD BEEN PLUGGED IN THE SIDEWALL AND WAS FULL OF FIX-A-FLAT CHEMICAL.

NHTSA complaint #752009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EL Paso, TX

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A STOP, THE STEERING COLUMN FELL INTO MY LAP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING MORNING AND WAS INFORMED OF A SET OF 4 PINS THAT WORK THEMSELVES LOOSE. THE DEALER TOLD ME ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL IT HAPPENS RATHER OFTEN. THEY PUT THE PINS BACK IN AND GLUED THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY WOULD NOT FALL OUT AGAIN. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN BECAME EXTREMELY WOBBLY AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD ME THE GLUE MUST HAVE NOT HELD. THEY REINSTALLED THE PINS AND GLUED THEM BACK ONCE AGAIN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS STILL LOOSE AND SHAKES. I AM AFRAID THEY WILL FALL OUT AGAIN. ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

NHTSA complaint #747650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Vegas, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

RECALL 00 V0287 000. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. HOWEVER, REMEDY FAILED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 24-MAY-2001 AT COURTESY OLDSMOBILE IN LOS VEGAS, NV, 702-221-8000.

NHTSA complaint #889366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

AIR BAGS

TILT MECHANISM "SPRUNG" WHEEL SWINGS UP AND DOWN EFFECTS ABILITY TO DRIVE CAR. AIRBAG PERFORMANCE COULD BE COMPRIMISED BECAUSE STEERING WHEEL SWINGS UP AND DOWN. LIGHTS ON DASH OR HEADLIGHTS MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN HIGH BEAM TURNED ON OR OFF BY STALK ON ST

NHTSA complaint #743842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

STEERING:COLUMN

TILT MECHANISM "SPRUNG" WHEEL SWINGS UP AND DOWN EFFECTS ABILITY TO DRIVE CAR. AIRBAG PERFORMANCE COULD BE COMPRIMISED BECAUSE STEERING WHEEL SWINGS UP AND DOWN. LIGHTS ON DASH OR HEADLIGHTS MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN HIGH BEAM TURNED ON OR OFF BY STALK ON ST

NHTSA complaint #743842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.