1996 Oldsmobile Achieva

1996 Oldsmobile Achieva

The 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva is a midsize sedan that was produced by Oldsmobile from 1992 to 1998. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 2.3L Quad 4 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.1L V6 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Achieva was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and dated design.

Engine

2.3L Quad 4

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.1L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, delayed shifting, no power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid from the front struts, clunking or rattling noises, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shocks leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid from the rear shocks, clunking or rattling noises, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace rear shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, no power to the vehicle
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, flickering gauges, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Plastic trim fading
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic trim on the exterior of the vehicle fading or discolored
  • Solution: Replace plastic trim
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body panels, frame, or other components of the vehicle
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate control issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system not functioning properly, weak airflow, no heat or air conditioning
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control components (e.g., blower motor, climate control module)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard rattling or making noise while driving
  • Solution: Tighten or remove loose components, add sound deadening material
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most serious issues, such as transmission slipping and blown head gaskets, can be expensive to repair. However, many of the other issues, such as plastic trim fading and climate control issues, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Achieva is a good value for the money, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before buying one.