VehicleVerdict

1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 62 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Cutlass Supreme year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 12 Cutlass Supreme years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (31% of the total).

62

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Cutlass Supreme years?

Cutlass Supreme NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted113 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 25 complaints1989: 29 complaints1990: 42 complaints1994: 59 complaints1995: 113 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 62 complaints
Cutlass Supreme NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cutlass Supreme years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1931%
Steering1524%
Engine711%
Seat Belts35%
Suspension35%
Body & Structure35%
Airbags23%
Electrical System23%
Transmission23%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have recalls?

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

03V527000SteeringDecember 11, 2003 · 750,283 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY WIFE WAS TRAVELIING SOUTHBOUND ON IL TOLLWAY I94 WHEN SHE PROCEDED TO BRAKE FOR A TOLL PLAZA. SHE APPLIED HER BRAKES AND HAD NO RESPONSE. SHE BEGAN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE ABOUT 500 FEET FROM THE PLAZA. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NEVER RESPONDED AND TO HER RECOLLECTION THE BRAKES NEVER WENT ON. SHE HIT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 19, 1999 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND WENT INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 20, 2003 · crash

“PROBLEMS WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH DASH. REQUEST INFORMATION ON VEHICLE AS FAR AS ACCURATE MILEAGE, LEMON CHECK AND RECALL CHECK.*MR DEALER REFUSED TO LET CONSUMER TRADE IN THE VEHICLE OR GIVE HER ANSWERS TO HER QUESTION. IN ADDITION, SHE REQUESTED INFORMATION ON ANY ACCIDENTS/RECALLS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“BUSHINGS ON FRONT SUSPENSIONS KEEP DRYING OUT AND SQUEAKING AT ALL SPEEDS. NOISE IS LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EVEN WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 15, 1998

“THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FELL OFF. DRIVER'S SIDE THE SEAT BELT FASTENER CRACKED AND WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT ABLE TO BE LATCHED. DEALERSHIP DID NOT INDICATE WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THEY WERE JUST QUOTING THE REPLACING PRICE OF THE PART.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 7, 2004

1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme — common questions

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 62 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 12 Cutlass Supreme years. It is one of the Cutlass Supreme years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Cutlass Supreme problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), steering (15 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have recalls?

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

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cutlass Supreme years to avoid are 1995, 1997, 1994, 1996, 1990. The cleanest record among Cutlass Supreme years belongs to 1980.

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.