Check a VIN

1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical problems

15 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 73,000.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
16%
typical mileage
73,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    2
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    2
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    2
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    1
  • Wiring: front underhood
    1
  • Wiring
    1
  • Ignition: switch
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical problems in other years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Electrical · 1,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Oct 30, 2008 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jun 11, 2008 · Electrical · 73,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Aug 12, 2006 · Electrical · 98,597 miles · OH

I own a 1997 oldsmobile cutlass and I have been having problems with the passlock anti-theft system on this vehicle for some time. Sometimes when I try and start this vehicle, the theft system light starts to blink on and off. When this happens, the vehicle can not be started for at least 10 minutes. This is very frustrating as it usually happens at the worst of times, like in the cold winter weather, at a gas station, or in a loading/unloading zone at a hotel. Sometimes the theft system light will come on while driving and then I wonder if the car will start when I am ready to leave again. I have read many stories about similar problems that other gm owners have on their vehicles, so I know that this is not a random problem that affects only some people. This is a problem that needs to be addressed by gm. I have had the ignition switch replaced once on this vehicle, and this will be a very expensive option if I have to do that again. Is there anything that can be done about this? The date listed below is the most recent date that this happened. It happened twice last week when we were out of town on a trip at the worst of times.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Electrical · RI · fire

While driving 55-60 MPH, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the steering wheel column. The consumer pulled vehicle over, and towed it to repair shop, technician couldn't duplicate the problem. *ak the turn signal switch shorted and burned the wire through the column to the fuse panel. *sc

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Electrical · 17,296 miles · PA

The vehicle's iac sensor connector wire was too short which caused engine failure while driving. Technical service bulletin 634780 is related to this issue. *ak *ph

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 137,000 miles · MA

Since I purchased the vehicle in 1997, there have been numerous problems. The front brakes have been replaced 3 times, once while still under warranty. The air conditioning unit failed, an $800 repair. The motor on the driver side window malfunctioned, a $400 repair. Today, while driving home the battery light came on, I was within a mile of home, so I just kept going. As I was turning into my driveway, all of the controls on the dashboard failed, speed limit, gas gauge, etc. I also apparently had no lights because the car behind me almost ran into me when the turn signals didn't work.

Filed May 9, 2003 · Electrical, Visibility · 71,000 miles · PA

1) after purchasing the car I had it to the dealer at least 4 times for a body module malfunction. 2) ignition switch went bad could not start car, had to be towed, took two attempts to fix correctly 3) air-conditioning button quit working 4) smoke came from steering column 5) when using cigarette lighter, blows auxiliary power fuse 6) passenger side fog light keeps blowing about every three months 7) windows jump track and back windows gradually go down themselves. 8) windshield wipers break when in use, whole arm disconnects leaving them useless, occurred three times within six month.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Electrical, Fuel system · MD

Consumer had fuel injector replaced, electrical testing was done on vehicle due to engine check light alert, the next day the vehicle would not start. Vehicle was checked by dealer who determined that battery was not disconnected during testing which caused wires to burn into steering column. Consumer very concerned because horn was not working. Also had an exposed wire in the steering which was a potential shock hazard.*ak consumer states he is now experiencing other problems related to the electrical problem such as the air conditioning light coming on and the air bag system failed.

Filed Apr 1, 2002 · Electrical · MI

While turning on vehicle there is a clicking noise coming from ignition. Dealership is aware of problem.

Questions about the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical

Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 73,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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

The Oldsmobile Cutlass model years with the most electrical complaints are 1991 (23 complaints), 1992 (22 complaints) and 1993 (21 complaints).

Other 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

Brakes 25Steering 20Engine 15Suspension 8Lights 7Transmission 7Visibility 7Airbags 6Fuel system 5Acceleration 3Body 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Wheels 2Seats 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history