1996 Oldsmobile Aurora from North America - Comments

Front wheel hub was damaged at 103,000. After this was repaired, the Body Control Module quit working. A pinched wire from the hub replacement may have damaged it. This was a very expensive repair - over $2,000, but still cheaper than a new car.

The transmission speed sensor is intermittent at 130,000 miles. A $18 part that requires the engine and the transmission to be removed to replace the sensor. This has not been replaced. Another great design form Oldsmobile.

This is a very comfortable car, with lots of driver amenities. There is plenty of room for up to 5 adults, even in the back seat.

There is ample power, and the ride is smooth at speeds over 100 mph. The suspension is set very loose and the feel when cornering is mushy.

Operating cost is hight due to premium gas, 7 quarts of oil and a lot of dealer only repairs.

A very fun car to drive.

I also have a 1996 and the same problem with the "Check Engine Light" staying on due to the same problem--the $18 sensor located in the transmission section. To correct this will cost over $700 unless you wait until transmission needs fixing. This should have been a recall item, but would've cost them too much. I would never give up the great ride.

I purchased a new 1995 Olds Aurora and have been driving it virtually every day for the past eight years. I have driven it approx. 71K miles. Most of the repairs (which were relatively few) were performed during the first three to five years I owned the car and were covered under the warranty. This is definitely the best overall car I have ever owned in terms of reliability, comfort, handling and power. The engine (V8) is superb. Mileage averages about 23 mpg on the road. I did have a problem with the "Service Engine" light staying on. It started coming on and staying on around 60K miles. I put a bottle of STP Gas Treatment in about 2-3 successive tanks of gas and the light went off. It has never come on again and the performance of the car is as good as it has ever been. My only other negative is the difficulty in backing this car. I love the look, but it's rear end design makes visibility and backing difficult.

Mike Moulton.

I had a problem with the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) and it caused the Engine light to come on and trans problems. It would have cost over $700 dollar to fix. But I fixed it my self for $30. I went to the library and got a GM Shop manual, found a wiring Diagram to locate and find the speed sensor. Normally you would have to remove the trans and engine for easy access, but I did not have the time. So I put up with the tight spaces. If you can find a lift I would go with this, but if not ramps will do. Used a small mirror and flash light to see the sensor located under the car under the right side of the engine, inside the top of the trans housing. (It's a tight squeeze) remove the back side trans mount for better access (three screws). Twist to get lose and pull up after disconnecting the connection wires. put the new on in! That's it. Oh, Advanced Auto parts has the sensor on there website for $15 bucks. Hope this saves you guys some money! O.J.

I purchase 1996 Aurora recently at 68,000, and I love it. My check engine light gave a mass air flow sensor and an O2 sensor trouble code which was remedied by cleaning the throttle ports which were filthy and thereby there was not proper airflow which the ECM adjusted for needlessly. The light has stayed out now and the cost total was $88.00. I love this car, but frankly the service stories are scaring me.

Dave,