1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

161

Owner Complaints

9 Crashes 1 Fire

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

The 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS has received a total of 161 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES, STEERING:RACK AND PINION, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steeringrack And Pinion (12 complaints), Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (11 complaints), and Electrical System (8 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS, potentially affecting up to 880,452 vehicles.

Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Recall 03V527000 — STEERING:RACK AND PINION

| 750,283 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE...

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Recall 01V068000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

| 129,427 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE...

Consequence: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A...

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

161 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 12 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Air Bags
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11351562 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
I PURCHASED AFTERMARKET FUEL TANK AND SENDING UNIT FROM PARTS STORE :SPECTRA PREMIUM BRAND #GM30A FUEL TANK AND SP09D1H. AFTER INSTALLING THESE PARTS INTO MY CAR, I FOUND I HAD A LARGE GAS LEAK WHEN I FILLED THE CAR WITH FUEL LIKE ABOUT A GALLON WENT ON THE GROUND AND IT LEAKED AS I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP. I HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK TAKEN OUT AND MY MECHANIC FOUND THE SEAL #L020 FROM SPECTRA PREMIUM, DID NOT FIT MAKING IT LEAK FUEL, INSTALLED ANOTHER NEW L020 SEAL AND BEFORE HE INSTALLED THE TANK INTO THE CAR HE DID A BENCH TEST AND IT FUEL GUSHED OUT AS IF THERE WAS NO SEAL INSTALLED, HE LOOKED AT THE OLD RUSTED TANK SEAL AND FOUND IT TO BE MUCH MORE ROBUST SO HE GOT A GM SEAL #10152293 AND INSTALLED IT AND AGAIN HE BENCH TESTED THE TANK AND NO LEAK, THE L020 SEAL THAT COMES WITH THE NEW TANK AND ONE IS INCLUDED WITH THE NEW SENDING UNIT IS AN INCORRECT FIT OR WRONG SIZE OR DIAMETER IT ALSO IS VERY FLIMSY COMPARED TO THE GM SEAL. THIS SEAL IS LISTED FOR MANY GM CARS INCLUDING MINE. I MAY NOT HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM UNTIL I FILLED MY FUEL TANK, A LOT OF WASTED LABOR WENT INTO HAVING TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PART, IF THIS VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, LIVES MAY HAVE BEEN LOST FROM FUEL LEAKAGE. I HAVE CONTACTED SPECTRA PREMIUM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,NOW I AM CONTACTING YOU ALSO PLEASE HAVE THESE PARTS INSPECTED!!
#10837733 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 201,000 miles
IGNITION FAILURE WHEN SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE. IGNITION STUCK BETWEEN ACC AND OFF POSITION. DASHLIGHTS AND RADIO LIGHTS STAYED ON STEERING WHEEL WONT LOCK, SHIFT LEVER WONT LOCK FREELY MOVED. UNHOOKED BATTERY TO KEEP IT FROM DRAINING DOWN
#10794382 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 1,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 01/20/16*LJ *CN
#10663341 | AIR BAGS | | 235,000 miles 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE AND IMPACTED THE CONTACT'S FACE, CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A SUBSTANCE EMITTED IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.
#10559086 | STEERING | | 200,000 miles
VECHILE RECENTLY STARTED MAKING GROANING NOISE WHEN STEERING AND FROM POWER STEERING PUMP. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACE BACK IN 2011. TOOK TO GOODYEAR AND TECH INDICATED PUMP WAS FINE, PROBLEM POINT TO THE RACK AND PINION. *TR

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Safety Rating for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

General Motors, LLC has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

070941006 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

SDM REPROGRAM - CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT (U.S. ONLY). *NJ

050523001 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

REVISED BRAKE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. *TT

010601010A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING POLYMER SERVICE PISTONS. *TT

990850006 — SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING PREMATURE WEAR OF LEATHER MATERIAL ON BUCKET SEATBACK BOLSTER. *TT

98831115 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

CONCERNS REGARDING THE PASSENGER FRONT FLOOR CARPET BEING WET OR WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/ OR HVAC MODULE. *YC

831703 — STRUCTURE:BODY

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE PAINT MAY BE WEARING OFF THE FRONT DOOR ON THE INSIDE OF THE A PILLAR, WHERE A SEAL PATCH IS PLACED OVER A WELDED JOINT. *TT

97IDPD18B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

SUBJECT ON CLUSTERS FOR 1997-98 VEHICLES - CIRCUIT BOARD UPDATE. *TT

970701776517 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCES WITH UNSTABLED ENGINE IDLE. *YC

731047 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

HIGH EFFORT NEEDED FOR DOOR OPENING/CLOSING IN COLD WEATHER. *TW

9702019774T — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VARIOUS INFORMATION REGARDING OVERNIGHT COLD SOAK CONDITIONS. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

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