1995 Oldsmobile Aurora review from North America

The history includes records from date sold new. I purchased at end of my partner's lease.

12,808 miles (2-29-96) seal, lower crankcase replaced.

34,603 miles (11-25-97) diagnose electrical problems - replace radio.

44,513 miles (8-19-98) diagnose electrical problems, replace alternator controller, PCM/VCM (computers)

49,098 miles (12-30-98) diagnose electrical problems, again replace alternator (alternator is causing computers to fail)

63,420 miles (3-1-2000) - I purchase at end of my partner's lease and he leased a new Aurora - dealer never advised him the electrical problems would be reoccurring. Dealer peeformed major 60,000 service and indicated the car was fine.

65,777 miles (7-9-2001) The car backfired while wife was crossing busy intersection and was not very responsive (it was also missing).

I was just able to get to local garage next to the intersection to try to at least get it repaired enough to drive. I had no idea it would require a major repair since it had only been 2,357 since it had a complete major 60,000 mile dealer service.

The repairs ($2,480) included the ignition module, ECM (computer), electrical brake control module (ABS system), and alternator. The diagnostic showed the alternator malfunction was damaging the above components. This is the third alternator in 21,264 miles (and second EMC). There is a manufacture design problem and the manufacture appears not to be able to fix it.

70.090 miles (5-28-2003) The car was taken in to the dealer because it slams into gear when shifting from park to reverse and shifts rough during normal driving. I was advised that the ECM (computer) was causing the problem and would have to be replaced.

After getting the complete car history, I found that it has been an on going problem that GM has not solved.

The current dealer was just going to replace the computer until I advised him he needs to check alternator since it appears from past experience it has involved in taking out the computers.

I contacted GM 800# customer services and was advised it was out of warranty, regardless of past history.

They said they would not even consider any assistance since it had not been regularly serviced by a GM dealer. When I brought up the obvious question of manufacture design defect, I was told there was not a current recall, therefore there was no manufacture problem. The car was completely serviced under GM dealers through 63,420 miles of service and has only gone 7,520 miles since the last dealer major service (my wife only drives 2,507 miles a year). The car was not even due for any scheduled maintenance other than oil & filter changes that I have done regularly and have receipts to verify.

The electrical defective design could cause a accident since the alternator damages major computers, including ignition and the ABS brake control as well as other components, and can cause stalls as well as lack of response. The lack of concern by GM is unbelievable. Their attitude seems to be it is past the 50,000 mile warranty, you should now have to spend another $35,000 on a new one. Can't GM make a car that is not disposable?

The car, when running has good comfort and performance.

Their manual should say that you must be on first name basis with a dealer mechanic and should have one with you on any long trips.

The lack of concern by GM of the obvious manufacture design is of great concern. The problems with the electrical systems could lead to auto accidents and people dying.

DONNAPACA@aol.com