1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva, 5% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: consumer states that the transmission failed 3 times. The vehicle was taken to a service station and put on the computer, but they couldn't find what was wrong. The intake gasket blew twice allowing water in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10125502, filed 2005-07, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic stated that the transaxle had an oil leak near the cv joint. The current mileage was 76,000 and failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 07/08/08. The transaxle seal was leaking fluid near the cv joint. Updated”
NHTSA complaint #10230048, filed 2008-06, 74,000 miles“Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration due to shift plate being wedged into gears. Shift plate rusted and bent. One incident resulted in vehicle collision.”
NHTSA complaint #537036, filed 1998-06Related service bulletins
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
25 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSeat belts
5 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 Nov 1, 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