MYRModel Year Report

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

● Typical for this model
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:47:50.391Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
63
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 53 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 87 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 63 1998: 40 complaints 1998 2000: 3 complaints 2000
1992: 53 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 87 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 63 1998: 40 complaints 1998 2000: 3 complaints 2000
1992: 53 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 87 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 63 1998: 40 complaints 1998 2000: 3 complaints 2000

1997: 63 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199253
199338
199463
199570
199687
199763
199840
20003

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

40% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing switch and module.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Electrical system:ignition switch and wiring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-13

Engine and engine cooling

35% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.

CRASHFIRE

Vehicle speed control

14% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing cables and linkages.

Air bags

13% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed. The contact sustained a contusion to the face and left hand.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-24

While driving at a speed of 20 MPH consumer had a head-on collison, and the air bags did not deploy.weather was clear .

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-17

The air bags deployed by there self no accident and not moving I was at a stand still .first the driver air bag deployed and then a few seconds later the passenger side deployed. I do not know if there are factory installed air bags in the car?

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-24

Power train

11% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-04-30Electrical system97V059000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2002-03-27Electrical system02V070000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2007-03-20Fuel system, gasoline07E015000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V059000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 02V070000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07E015000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

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 electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.