Service brakes
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO PEDAL ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT NUTS MAY BE LOOSE.
Research · Midsize Cars
1999 Oldsmobile AuroraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints for the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and engine and engine cooling (5). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Aug 1999
Owner complaints
37
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Service brakes
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET ON EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
37 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 1999 – Nov 2014
- Electrical system8
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Steering4
- Air bags3
- Equipment3
- Suspension2
- Wheels2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Tires2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
8 reports3 fires
“ON 5/11/2012 MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WAS PARKED AT MY HOUSE AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 PM AND APPARENTLY OVERNIGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS LIMITED TO THE BASE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE BUT CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE CAR, INCLUDING SMOKE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE INTERIOR. *JS”
Engine and engine cooling
5 reports
“THE INTAKE GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED AND BECAUSE OF THE GASKET LEAKING I NOW HAVE LIFTERS THAT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IT COST ME $500 TO REPLACE THE GASKET. I CANNOT AFFORD TO DO ANY MORE REPAIRS. SO I'M NOW PAYING FOR A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE. I THINK GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD PAY TO FIX MY VAN SINCE THEY FAILED TO RECALL KNOWING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE GASKETS.*AK”
Steering
4 reports
“DEAR SIR: I HAVE A 1999 OLDSMOBILE AURORA THAT I PURCHASED NEW, WITH A DELIVERY DATE OF 09/22/1999. THE CAR IS USED PRIMARILY BY MY WIFE WITH APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WE HAVE KEPT THE CAR UP AND NOW FIND A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT WE FEEL IS NEITHER OF OUR DOING NOR A NORMAL WARE ITEM. IN THE PAST TWO (2) YEAR THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BECOME LOOSE INTERNALLY. TODAY AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE WRITER SAYS THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REMOVED TO TIGHTEN THE THREE (3) BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE COLUMN ASSEMBLY TOGETHER COSTING $540.00. MY WIFE IS HAVING OTHER ITEMS WORKED ON TODAY AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IS VERY RELUCTANT TO PERFORM THE STEERING COLUMN WORK BECAUSE SHE BELIEVES, AS I DO, THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE A SAFETY ITEM GM SHOULD PAY FOR. WE UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RECALL NOTICE. UNDER THE PRESENT RECALL ATMOSPHERE, I AM ASKING THAT GM REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. IF THERE IS A FAILURE OF THE STEERING COLUMN IT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE AND INJURY. AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE STATEMENT ABOVE, TODAY I HAVE JUST FINISHED SPEAKING TO AN OLDSMOBLE…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3991
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1999 Aurora questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora problems?
Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), engine and engine cooling (5), steering (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026