1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 29%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva, 29% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought my dads 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva, on about the 7-22-13, he had it at our mechanics car lot for sale and my trucks transmission started failing on me so I purchased my dads car, went to pick it up and now after 2 different mechanics and 5 weeks later they still can't get my car fixed so it will run,this is what it does,security light comes on and off flashing until it comes on fully all the time,dies and refuses to start, so I done some looking on the internet and found out that just about all of the Achieva, malibu's,basically all g.m. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535676, filed 2013-08, 150,000 miles“Vehicle continually refuses to start due to pass lock and leaves us stranded. Dealer replaced ipc and ignition switch twice, but problem remained. Spent $1000, and its still the same. Reading all the same problems with various GM vehicles showing, there should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10195018, filed 2007-06, 34,258 miles“Pass lock 1 security system will not allow the car to start. The car thinks that I am stealing it and does not allow gasoline to flow to the fuel injectors. Took it to garage and cost $500 to replace the instrument cluster panel which houses the security sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #10194090, filed 2007-06, 155,000 miles“Vehicle cuts off and any speed for no reason. Then it takes anywhere from 2 to 7 mins to get it restarted and that is onl;y if u put it in n and turn it all the way off, then back on. This is a safety hazard. Is it going to take a death b4 gmc searches for the problem. This happens on the freeway or street.”
NHTSA complaint #10045977, filed 2003-11, 35 miles“Alternator,serp belt tensioner, serp belt, r& r alternator,r & r belt tensioner ... The tension acutally broke off and destroyed the other parts. How can this happen???? For only 43000 miles on this car thats ridiculous... Any help here/?”
NHTSA complaint #10068779, filed 2004-01, 43,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Oldsmobile Achieva 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsInterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology