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!!
The worst 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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.
- Brakes25
- Steering20
- Electrical15
- Engine15
- Suspension8
- Lights7
- Transmission7
- Visibility7
- Airbags6
- Fuel system5
- Acceleration3
- Body2
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Wheels2
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Recalls 2
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- 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 movement of the passenger side windshield wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipers will not operate.
- Risk
- 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 reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 01V068000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Defect investigations
Windshield wiper failure
In march 2001, gm notified the federal safety agency that it is conducting a safety recall (the federal safety agency number 01v068) on certain model year (my) 1997-1998 chevrolet malibu and oldsmobile cutlass vehicles to replace defective windshield wiper pivot housings.gm reported the wiper failure was triggered by loads placed on the wipers when operated under conditions of moderate to heavy snowfall.gm conducted the recall in 28 states and the district of columbia (recall states) that receive moderate to heavy snowfall.the recall covered the subject vehicles built through january 1998.odi opened this rq in response to complaints from consumers that experienced wiper failure and were denied the recall remedy.gm is sending letters to owners not located in the recall states giving them a free remedy upon request if they anticipate driving the vehicle in areas that may have moderate to heavy snowfall.in addition, gm is notifying all owners who have changed their residence from a non-recall state to a recall state since the date of the original owner notification letter (march 2001).the actions taken by the manufacturer are sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached summary.
RQ04006
Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
RQ03001
Power rack and pinion steering failure
The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly may fail.gm will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.
EA02003
Steering rack and pinion
Odi has received 200 complaints fromt consumers and 1,238 from gm alleging failure or lockup of the steering rack and pinion unit (r&p).this alleged condition can result in the loss of steering control of the vehicle and a crash can result.gm has reported six crashes in which eight people have sustained injuries ranging from bruises, airbag burn, seat belt abrasion, facial injury, neck and back pain.all crashes were single vehicle crashes.gm states that one possible failure mode is failure of the lower pinion bearing in the r&p.an engineering analysis has been opened to determine if a safety defect trend exists.
PE01038
Windshield wiper
On february 22, 2000, the office of defects investigation (odi) initiated pe00-009 based on seven reports of windshield wiper failure in certain model year (my) 1997 & 1998 chevrolet malibu & oldsmobile cutlass vehicles.the investigation was upgraded to ea00-019 on july 12, 2000.during the course of the investigation, it was found that the failures were the result of fracture of the passenger-side windshield wiper pivot housing (subject component).such a fracture LED to an immediate and irrecoverable loss of windshield wiper function.gmreported that the material composition (50% glass-reinforced acetal) of the subject component was insufficient to withstand stresses imposed by certain frozen precipitiation accumulations.the subject component material was changed to the stronger 50% glass-reinforcednylon-6, effective january 98.obsolete service part were discarded.gm will replace the subject components in 129,427 subject vehicles found in 28 states (ak, co, ct, de, id, il, in, ia me, md, ma, mi, mn, mt, ne, nh, nj, ny, nd, oh, pa, ri, sd, ut, vt, wv, wi, wy), the district of columbia, and all canadian provinces.these states accounted for 91% of the consumer complaints identified above.odi will monitor this compaign for adequate effctiveness and, if necessary, take further action in the future.further expenditure of agency resources on this matter is unjustified at this time.the engineering analysis is closed.
EA00019
Windshield wiper
There is no summary currently available
PE00009
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass 106
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
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- 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...
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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
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.
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.
We bought the car in 2010 from a used car dealer. Upon 6 months of driving we noticed a steering problem that was hard to the left and just didn't seem right. The engine also had overheating and gasket problems so we had the engine replaced. Upon test driving the vehicle the mechanic was driving and the power steer had a complete failure and ran him towards oncoming traffic and then back another direction. Upon return to the shop he concluded the entire rack was broken and needed replaced. At the time in 2011 we were not aware that gm recalled the lower pinion bearing in the power steering rack in 2003 so we had paid for a new rack and pinion to be replaced. There evidently was leftover debris in the rack in pinion from the original part failure and now has ruined the 2nd rack and pinion. My complaint is that in 2004 our car is listed as a car that was affected and had been serviced in 2004 in georgia. The only thing replaced was a tiny snap ring, in which the detailed repair pdf states in multiple incidences that it is up to the mechanic to decide how much failure has taken place what to do and that any misteps will lead to other part failures!! We bought this car w/ very low mileage so at the point they say they fixed the car and when it broke was approx. 30,000 miles. They either did not fix correctly or they did not touch the car at all because the very description to what happened to our car was exactly what is listed as the failure of the part. We would like the original part failure that is now shredded into hundreds of pieces causing future rack and pinion failures to be flushed clean and honestly should replaced the entire rack because they never fixed the part originally or they didn't fix it correctly and the original part failed exactly as stated on the recall to the point the mechanic almost wrecked our car.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile cutlass. When the contact inserted the key into the ignition, the anti- theft warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The engine would not start until the light dimmed. She took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure or provide a sufficient remedy. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 112,000. Updated 11/19/08. *lj the consumer stated when she attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. Updated 11/19/08.
Anti-theft system on my 1997 olds cutlass comes on frequently and will not allow my car to start. In researching this issue I see there are literally 100's of complaints regarding this very problem. Gm should be made to fix the issue by completely replacing the defective part with one that is more stable. This problem started out only happening ever once in awhile, now it is happening daily. My only option at this point, is to disconnect the very feature that would prevent my vehicle from being stolen. Obviously, replacing the ignition or key is a short term fix as the new part also becomes defective in a very short period of time.
Intake manifold gasket failed twice. First repaired at monroe service on 11-18-2005 at 76655 miles the cost was $731.16. Second repair was at goodyear gemini on 12-21-2006 at 82274miles. The cost was $642.40. Both facilities were ase certified. I have been an assistant store manager in the past for both procare and goodyear, and rarely saw a failure of an intake manifold gasket, except in early foriegn engines with aluminum blocks or aluminum heads or both. I just had a front brake overhaul at midas, and the tech nician asked if I had had any problems with theintake manifold gasket, which set me off on this search. I talked to the managers at both monroe and goodyear ,and both said they have had many problems with these gaskets that they have had to repair. Did a google search and found many complaints about it, and saw that a class action lawsuit out of canada was being filed. I could provide the necessary documentation of both repairs. Talked to gm about it, and as I expected, said that I didn't bring it to a gm facility for repair, and that it had excessive mileage. I did not consider 76665 or 82274 as excessive mileage for the year of the car or this type of failure. What would have happened if this defect caused fuel to leak out onto hot exterior of the engine?
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile cutlass. When the brake pedal was depressed the tail lights failed to illuminate. The mechanic stated that there was failure in the circuit. Occasionally, it took approximately five minutes before the gears engaged when attempting to shift from park to reverse. Both failures have been occurring for two months. The current mileage was 208,627 and failure mileage was 205,583.
Compare the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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Questions about the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
Owners have filed 96 complaints about the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, fewer than a typical Cutlass model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
Brakes, with 25 complaints. Next is steering (20).
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
2 recalls, covering steering and visibility.
What year does the Oldsmobile Cutlass have bad brakes?
The Oldsmobile Cutlass model years with the most brakes complaints are 1991 (59 complaints), 1992 (53 complaints) and 1990 (51 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.1L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.
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