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?
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine problems
15 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,274.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 82,274
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine: gasoline4
- Engine4
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2
- Exhaust system1
- Cooling system: fan1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Oldsmobile Cutlass engine problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Intake manifold gasket- 3100 v6 engine on gm product.
Dt:the contact stated the intake manifold gasket leaked oil and antifreeze due to the type of plastic that was manufactured for this gasket. The gasket has not been repaired because the manufacturer will not assist in the cost. *ak updated 11/30/2005 - although the dealer verified the problem as requested by the manufacturer they refused refused to cover the cost of the repair.
Consumer stated that the vehicle continued to shut down in traffic, and leaked antifreeze continuously.
Engine overheated. Consumer made it home, and after the vehicle was inspected, it was discovered that engine was defective. The manufacturer offered no assistance.
While driving at 30 MPH consumer heard a loud noise coming through the engine. Suddenly, steering wheel locked . Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and the technician determined that serpentine belt broke.
I have a 97 and 99 oldsmobile cutlas with v6-191 3.1l VIN m sfi engines. They both leak coolant from the intake manifold at the rear of the engine. I am told this is a common problem with this engine and is caused by the dex cool anti-freeze installed by the mfg. The cost est. From the olds dealer is $850.00 to replace the gasket. These cars each have 50,000 mi. If this is in fact a common problem I should get some relief from the manufacture.
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.
Engine rear nut bolts broken, engine moves at the least bump on pavement. Ticking noise from the engine. Sometimes the car will not start right away. Coolant constant needed. Engine light/or battery light comes on.
Abs light has been coming on intermittently, braking distance is normal. Vehicle taken to dealer 15-20 times. Replaced brake pads/ alternator/ battery/ wiring harness, and put in sensor. Did not remedy problem, vehicle at dealer at this time. *ak serpentine and tensioner belt broken. Security light blinks due to bad theft lock sensor assembly . Blower speeds inoperative. A/c control inoperative. Left front seat belt buckle falls to floor. Power window inoperable due to electrical switch failure.
Questions about the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine
Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass have engine problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 16% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,274 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Oldsmobile Cutlass have bad engine?
The Oldsmobile Cutlass model years with the most engine complaints are 1998 (32 complaints), 1991 (30 complaints) and 1992 (18 complaints).
Other 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Brakes 25Steering 20Electrical 15Suspension 8Lights 7Transmission 7Visibility 7Airbags 6Fuel system 5Acceleration 3Body 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Wheels 2Seats 1
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