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1997 Oldsmobile Achieva problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva is electrical system, typically around 74,081 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Achieva model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
63
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
58
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-23mpg

The worst 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    18
  • Engine
    17
  • Airbags
    8
  • Brakes
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Transmission
    7
  • Visibility
    6
  • Body
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seats
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

Stalling 7

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported April 8, 1997 · 3,464 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting in extremely high current flow.
Risk
This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

Recall number 97V059000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva 58

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 58 bulletins for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD19-2029-3023
3.1L 6‑cylFWD182721

What 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 24, 2014 · Airbags · 150,000 miles · OH · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed. The contact sustained a contusion to the face and left hand. The contact indicated that the vehicle was not involved a crash when the incident occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000. ..updated 12/02/14

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Airbags · 130,000 miles · MN

The air bags deployed by there self no accident and not moving I was at a stand still .first the driver air bag deployed and then a few seconds later the passenger side deployed. I do not know if there are factory installed air bags in the car? As I bought the car second hand less then a year ago. There was no record of the car being in a accident and car never been totaled out. I do not know why it happened.

Filed Mar 15, 2012 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that while attempting to start the ignition, the air bag deployed. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning lamp was illuminated a few days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 90,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2011 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that he attempted to start the ignition repeatedly to no avail. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred sporadically and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic eight times and repaired. The steering column was also replaced because the horn would intermittently activate independently. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch and stated that she would contact the manufacturer to verify whether her VIN was included the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 05/25/11 *bf updated 07/08/11

Filed Sep 28, 2007 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when the key was inserted into the ignition. As of september 28, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. There is a recall for the electrical system: ignition: switch (the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v070000). The current and failure mileages were 50,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Seats · 76,400 miles · PA

While driving, the consumers seat reclined without warning.

Filed Mar 20, 2004 · Engine · 55,000 miles · NY

Water pump is leaking and making bearing noise the estimated cost of repairs is $600.

Filed Feb 27, 2004 · Electrical · 18,848 miles · OH

Car would not start so we took the car in on 1/22/2004 and had to have an ignition module replaced. Cost $492.45 on 2/6/2004 once again car would not start , so we took the car in to a different shop and had to have the ECM module replaced . Cost $629.28 the trunk of this car fills with water, has power surges through the electrical system--noticeable when the heat, defrost or fan has to be used. On occasion the car accelerates on its own. This car has less than 20,000 miles on it and I found out that we are the fourth owners of this vehicle. Could you please let me know if there is anything I can do, as I feel as though I have been sold a"lemon"? The VIN of this car is [xxx] thank you for any information you can give me. [xxx]. *ak updated 07/27/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · UN

(1)54,971 miles "low coolant light" dex-cool coolant guaranteed for 5 years or 150,000 miles reported "dirty coolant" flushed and replaced. Stated no leaks,(2) intermittent "low coolant light" topped up "dex-cool" as per manufactures instructions. (3)56,000 miles replaced hose that had disintegrated (4)59,350 miles "coolant leak" replaced water pump, replaced serp. Belt saturated with coolant. Possible intake manifold leak! Engine shampoo because of coolant saturation.(5)62,370miles "coolant leak" replaced intake manifold, and gasket replaced dex-cool for the 4th time. There is a problem with dex-cool coolant causing coolant system to break down. (6) possible rad leak!!!

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission, Wheels · 95,000 miles · IA

I have had several problems with my oldsmobile achieva since buying it in february of 2001. The water pump went out 6 months after I got it. The serpentine belt has been replaced twice in less than a year. I have replaced the oil sending unit. I have replaced bushing on both front end lower arm controls. The coolant has started to leak. I just had a part that holds the bearings in the wheel replaced and now I am having the transmission replaced.

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Compare the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

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Questions about the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva reliable?

Owners have filed 63 complaints about the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva, close to a typical Achieva model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva?

Electrical system, with 18 complaints, typically around 74,081 miles. Next is engine (17).

How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 02V070000, 97V059000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Oldsmobile Achieva have the most electrical problems?

The Oldsmobile Achieva model years with the most electrical complaints are 1996 (25 complaints), 1995 (20 complaints) and 1997 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 29-30 highway.

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