2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

The 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora is a mid-size luxury sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 3.5L V6 and a 4.0L V8. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed automatic. The Aurora was praised for its comfortable interior, powerful engines, and stylish exterior, but it was criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of handling precision.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, reduced engine power, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noises from the engine, reduced engine power, engine misfires
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V8

• No Major Issues Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• TCC Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping gears, increased transmission temperatures
  • Solution: Replace the TCC solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic

• No Major Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushings Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, reduced handling stability
  • Solution: Replace the front control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system malfunctions, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges quickly even when the vehicle is not in use
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors won’t lock or unlock, clicking noises from the door locks
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from the vents, excessive noise from the blower motor
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights not illuminating
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora is a reliable vehicle overall, but it does have some common issues that can be expensive to fix. The most notable issues include intake manifold gasket failure and timing chain tensioner failure for the 3.5L V6 engine, TCC solenoid failure for the 4-speed automatic transmission, and front control arm bushing failure for the suspension. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures that can render the vehicle inoperable. The cost of repairs can also be significant, especially for the more involved repairs.