NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“DASH BOARD LITE SAYS "AI R BAG PROBLEM" EVERY TIME YOU START THE ENGINE”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE AURORA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING AND HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE STARTS THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE MAKES A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD CALL GM TO CHECK IF THE VEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED FOR FREE UNDER WARRANTY. GM STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS WITH A 10% DISCOUNT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.”
“ON OCTOBER 1, 2004 I RETRIEVED MY 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FROM HER CAR SEAT. I WAS HOLDING HER AND PUSHED THE INSIDE DOOR BUTTON TO CLOSE THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE I THEN LEANED IN THE FRONT SEAT TO RETRIEVE A BAG. SHE MUST HAVE REACHED BACK WHILE STILL IN MY ARMS AND THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR CLOSED, LATCHED AND LOCKED BREAKING HER ARM. I HAD TO USE THE KEY REMOTE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I HAVE FILED THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE AND LEFT NUMEROUS MESSAGES WITH A [XXX] THE PERSON TO WHOM TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO AS STATED IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER. I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED A PHONE CALL BACK NOR HAVE I RECEIVED ANY OTHER LETTERS. SINCE THEN GENERAL MOTORS HAS ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING THE SLIDING DOORS. I HAVE MADE MANY PHONE CALLS ASKING ONLY TO RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE KNOWING MY 3 YOUNG CHILDREN COULD POTENTIALLY GET HURT AGAIN. I CAN NOT IN GOOD FAITH SELL THIS VEHICLE KNOWING ANOTHER YOUNG PERSON COULD GET HURT. PLEASE, ACKNOWLEDGE THIS E-MAIL. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *NM *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| 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 |
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.
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), electrical system (2), structure (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).