1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 38 |
| 1994 | 62 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 87 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 40 |
| 2000 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030113
8% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH CONSUMER HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISON, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.WEATHER WAS CLEAR . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990917
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.
Campaign 97V059000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN
Campaign 02V070000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERS
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
Campaign 07E015000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V059000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V070000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E015000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.