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
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.
- Electrical18
- Engine17
- Airbags8
- Brakes8
- Acceleration7
- Transmission7
- Visibility6
- Body3
- Fuel system3
- Seats3
- Lights2
- Locks2
- Steering2
- Wheels2
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- 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 underhood
- 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
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- ABS pump running when not needed
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-20 | 29-30 | 23 |
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 |
What 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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
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.
While driving, the consumers seat reclined without warning.
Water pump is leaking and making bearing noise the estimated cost of repairs is $600.
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)
(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!!!
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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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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