1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Achieva › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva. Newest first.
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 universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
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 reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
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.
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 produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
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 authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
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 the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
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.
Owner complaints
63 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
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. The contact indicated that the vehicle was not involved a crash when the incident…
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. The contact indicated that the vehicle was not involved a crash when the incident occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000. ..updated 12/02/14 *bf
- Air bags
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? As I bought the car second hand less then a year ago. There was no record of the car being in a accident and car never been totaled out. I do not know why it happened. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that while attempting to start the ignition, the air bag deployed. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning lamp was illuminated a few days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 90,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that he attempted to start the ignition repeatedly to no avail. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired yet…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. The contact stated that he attempted to start the ignition repeatedly to no avail. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred sporadically and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic eight times and repaired. The steering column was also replaced because the horn would intermittently activate independently. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch and stated that she would contact the manufacturer to verify whether her vin was included the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. updated 05/25/11 *bf updated 07/08/11
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile achieva. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start when the key was inserted into the ignition. as of september 28, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. there IS a recall for the electrical system: ignition: switch (nhtsa campaign ID number 02v070000). the current and failure mileages were 50,000.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While driving, the consumers seat reclined without warning. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
(1)54,971 miles "low coolant light" dex-cool coolant guaranteed for 5 years or 150,000 miles reported "dirty coolant" flushed and replaced. Stated no leaks,(2) intermittent "low coolant light" topped up "dex-cool" as per manufactures instructions. (3)56,000 miles…
(1)54,971 miles "low coolant light" dex-cool coolant guaranteed for 5 years or 150,000 miles reported "dirty coolant" flushed and replaced. Stated no leaks,(2) intermittent "low coolant light" topped up "dex-cool" as per manufactures instructions. (3)56,000 miles replaced hose that had disintegrated (4)59,350 miles "coolant leak" replaced water pump, replaced serp. Belt saturated with coolant. Possible intake manifold leak! Engine shampoo because of coolant saturation.(5)62,370miles "coolant leak" replaced intake manifold, and gasket replaced dex-cool for the 4TH time. There IS a problem with dex-cool coolant causing coolant system to break down. (6) possible rad leak!!!
- Power train · Unknown or other · Wheels
I have had several problems with my oldsmobile achieva since buying it in february of 2001. the water pump went out 6 months after I got it. the serpentine belt has been replaced twice in less than a year. I have replaced the oil sending unit. I have replaced bushing on both front end lower arm…
I have had several problems with my oldsmobile achieva since buying it in february of 2001. the water pump went out 6 months after I got it. the serpentine belt has been replaced twice in less than a year. I have replaced the oil sending unit. I have replaced bushing on both front end lower arm controls. the coolant has started to leak. I just had a part that holds the bearings in the wheel replaced and now I am having the transmission replaced.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Water pump IS leaking and making bearing noise the estimated cost of repairs IS $600. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Car would not start so we took the car in on 1/22/2004 and had to have an ignition module replaced. cost $492.45 on 2/6/2004 once again car would not start , so we took the car in to a different shop and had to have the ecm module replaced . cost $629.28 the trunk of this car fills with water…
Car would not start so we took the car in on 1/22/2004 and had to have an ignition module replaced. cost $492.45 on 2/6/2004 once again car would not start , so we took the car in to a different shop and had to have the ecm module replaced . cost $629.28 the trunk of this car fills with water, has power surges through the electrical system--noticeable when the heat, defrost or fan has to be used. on occasion the car accelerates on its own. this car has less than 20,000 miles on it and I found out that we are the fourth owners of this vehicle. could you please let me know if there IS anything I can do, as I feel as though I have been sold a"lemon"? the vin of this car IS [xxx] thank you for any information you can give me. [xxx]. *ak updated 07/27/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Vehicle battery shorted out which resulted in electrical system failure. This caused power doors to be inoperative. Consumer was trapped in vehicle, doors couldn't be opened from inside.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Power train
The vehicle stalled because the oil pressure exceeded its normal range, the dealer replaced the 02 sensor and cleaned the fuel tank, also the transmission experienced a hard shift. *ak *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
I just got work done to it 9/13/02 thermostat, water pump, and timing chain. When I first start up the car and drive about two blocks the temperature go straight to the half mark and work it's way towards the hot temperature. The car gets hot too fast. I have spent $600.00 on this car so far and I…
I just got work done to it 9/13/02 thermostat, water pump, and timing chain. When I first start up the car and drive about two blocks the temperature go straight to the half mark and work it's way towards the hot temperature. The car gets hot too fast. I have spent $600.00 on this car so far and I just bought it. The warranty just expired about three months ago. It was a three month warranty on the car. ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767158
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The power window motor failed and caused the window to go up and down without warning. *mr *ph *nlm
- Wheels › Rim
The wheel rim was out of round which caused a severe vibration. *ts *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission shifter lever did not move to park and the engine could not be switched off. the shifter lever was jammed in drive and the key could not be removed. this has happened three times. the boot and console was removed and replaced 2 times. however problem still existed and dealership refused to admit part was defective. *tt *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Electrical system:ignition switch and wiring.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle will stall out with cause undetected by dealership. His happened 5 times. also, subject to erratic operation of electrical system/console. dealer IS unable to detect cause unless they can duplicate the problem. please describe details. *ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power windows are malfunctioning. When in use they will stick when down or up, unable to pull them down. Dealer contacted.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer received recall notice 02v070000 ignition campaign, however when vehicle was brought to dealer, dealership would not performed recall unless consumer paid for labor. manufacturer notified. *tt *dt
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer received a recall letter for relay switch, took to dealer they replaced relay, and presently vehicle IS discharging. Vehicle was fine until dealer replaced relay. battery light IS on, and vehicle IS not charging.*akconsumer had to take the vehicle to another mechanic to have the problem resolved. *jg
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dealer: courtesey chevrolet oldsmobile, orlando, fl; phone# 407/295-7000 wanted to charge consumer $600.00 for recall repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine blewout while driving 70-73 mph, and engaged in cruise control. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information. *Ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Defective engine had stalling problems replace alternator and caught on fire. Customer states hears a banging noise when steps on brakes intermittently, front pads worn, customer denied work aware need front brake. Pump leaking, remove and replace water pump.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle had no heat. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced water pump/ gaskets, and seals however, . Problem reoccurred. please provide any further information.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10005527Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10004278Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631899Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *Slc
- 628890Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle.
- 622945Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including the 1996 through 2000 toyota cavalier.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602826Some customers may comment about a squeak/ squawk type noise coming from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 601912Conditions regarding weak or discharged battery, slow starting, gen or mil lamp on, various driveability symptoms.
- 601412Some vehicles may experience a mil (malfunction indicator lamp) light illuminated on the vehicle's instrument panel.
- 601114Seat belt latch slides to seat belt anchor sleeve.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
Every Oldsmobile Achieva model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.