VehicleVerdict

2002 Oldsmobile Aurora problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora sits mid-pack among Aurora years: 38 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 38, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (6), electrical system (5), and steering (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

38

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Aurora years?

Aurora NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted406 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 406 complaints1996: 149 complaints1997: 157 complaints1998: 53 complaints1999: 38 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 180 complaints2002: 38 complaints2003: 9 complaints
Aurora NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aurora years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension616%
Fuel System513%
Electrical System513%
Steering513%
Tires & Wheels38%
Body & Structure38%
Lighting38%
Transmission25%
Engine25%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Other25%

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V238000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 2003 · 102,212 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence

FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

02V222000AirbagsAugust 9, 2002 · 133,221 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence

PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SEVERE VIBRATION IN STEERING/BODY/SUSPENSION FROM 50 TO 70 MPH; MOST SEVERE 60 TO 70 MPH. TIRES RE-BALANCED TWICE AND PROBLEM CONTINUES...FELT ON SMOOTH AND LEVEL PAVEMENT...CREATES INSTABILITY WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN PAVEMENT. MOST SEVERE AT 64-66 MPH. MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 1, 2002

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY 1500 MILES, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE STEERING SECTOR SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 24, 2006

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 18, 2008

“DAMAGED WIRING HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE WIRING HARNESS THAT RUNS ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. *TT *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2002 · crash

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 17, 2024

2002 Oldsmobile Aurora — common questions

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora reliable?

It is close to typical for the Aurora: 38 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Aurora problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), steering (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Oldsmobile Aurora years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aurora years to avoid are 1995, 2001, 1997, 1996. The cleanest record among Aurora years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.