VehicleVerdict

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 157 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median Aurora year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 11 Aurora years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 55 reports (35% of the total).

157

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Aurora years?

Aurora NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted406 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 406 complaints1996: 149 complaints1997: 157 complaints1998: 53 complaints1999: 38 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 180 complaints2002: 38 complaints2003: 9 complaints
Aurora NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aurora years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System5535%
Electrical System2214%
Engine2013%
Brakes117%
Steering106%
Other96%
Body & Structure74%
Lighting74%
Suspension43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control21%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Airbags11%
Transmission11%

Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V110000Fuel SystemMarch 4, 2004 · 483,477 units

Defect

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V110000 FOR THE FUEL RAIL TUBING; BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED AT A GAS STATION. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN OLDSMOBILE SERVICE MANAGER,WHO INSISTED THAT THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 16, 2004 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND CUT THE INCORRECT WIRES FOR THE BATTERY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. UPDATED 05/27/09 *BF UPDATED 05/29/09.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2009 · fire

“I OWN A 1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA, ON 4/25/2009 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. I PULLED OVER AND LUCKILY MY MOTHER WAS FOLLOWING AND SHE HAD EXTINGUISHER IN HER VEHICLE. I TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY REAR MAIN SEAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 2009 · fire

“BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES ARE SO EXTREMELY CORRODED IT ACTUALLY RUSTED THROUGH THE METAL BRAKE LINES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES AND IS LEAKING IN LARGE AMOUNTS AT THE SEVERE CORRODED SPOTS OF THE LINES. ALSO THE FRONT BRAKE LINES ARE ALSO EXTREMELY CORRODED THEY JUST HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 26, 2013 · fire

“WHEN I TRY TO START MY VEHICLE I AM FORCED AT TIMES TO SIT AND WAIT 3 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WILL START DUE TO THE PASS-KEY THEFT-DETERRENT SYSTEM. I HAVE REPLACED MY KEY AND CLEANED THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH ELECTRONIC CONTACT CLEANER. NOTHING HELPED. SOME DAYS / WEEKS / MONTHS ARE BETTER THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 2, 2002

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora — common questions

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 157 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 11 Aurora years. It is one of the Aurora years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Aurora problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (55 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), engine (20 complaints).

Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Aurora years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aurora years to avoid are 1995, 2001, 1997, 1996. The cleanest record among Aurora years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.