1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Cutlass Supreme › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
43 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Engine coolant reservoir has an oily scent and has oil deposits inside.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Mrs. Jones ownes a 1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. on march 10, 2004, I entered the driver seat of the said car to depart from home. when I engaged the ignition to start the car the air bag deployed. the defective air bag struck me in face, causing injury.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
- Steering › Rack and pinion
After having recall 03v527000 performed on my vehicle, I am having clicking noises every time I turn the wheel of the vehicle. *ak
- Suspension
When making a right turn consumer heard a loud noise. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
Consumer was injured when her vehicle crashed into a telephone pole after she experienced lower pinion bearing separation. *ph *mr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
When braking and driving heard a grinding noise. Vehicle was taken to be repaired, was determined that rear caliper slides were frozen and engaged the rear brakes. Rear calipers and rotors were replaced. This has happened 3 times in 2 years. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
When braking heard a grinding noise. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that rear pistons were stuck and engaged the rear brakes. rear calipers and rotors were replaced. it was not known how long the vehicle was in this condition because there was no warning of this problem besides the noise. *ak *la
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Rack and pinion
Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings failure. consumer was authorized to take the vehicle to a chevrolet dealership to have recall repairs done. The dealer informed the consumer that a leaking rack and pinion needed to be replaced before recall work could be done. replacement of…
Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings failure. consumer was authorized to take the vehicle to a chevrolet dealership to have recall repairs done. The dealer informed the consumer that a leaking rack and pinion needed to be replaced before recall work could be done. replacement of the rack and pinion was part of the recalled problem. dealer charged the consumer for replacing the rack and pinion. *ak the consumer requested reimbursement. the transmission cable from the gear shift lever had to be replaced *jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Vehicle's rack and pinion was leaking. *La *mr
- Electrical system › Horn · Steering › Rack and pinion
My vin[xxx] IS not included in gm recall # 03v-527. my 1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme IS having the same problems as described. the repair estimate for repair from caldwell clover chevrolet, an authorized gm facility IS $843.00. the recall needs to be expanded to include all effected…
My vin[xxx] IS not included in gm recall # 03v-527. my 1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme IS having the same problems as described. the repair estimate for repair from caldwell clover chevrolet, an authorized gm facility IS $843.00. the recall needs to be expanded to include all effected automobiles with the problem. this problem has occurred approx. 8 - 12 times over the past 3 months. another safety issue with this same car IS the horn. it does not blow. an authorized gm facility cannot find the problem under the hood and stated it IS in the steering column under the air bag which IS a timely and expensive repair. this problem IS constant. the horn has not blown in over 1year except on the rare occasion (approx. Every two months) it will blow for less than 20 min. Then stop again.*ak *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
When pulling to the left out of a parking place I noticed that the steering wheel was becoming increasingly difficult to turn. eventually the wheel wouldn't turn even with force. while trying to turn the wheel a "squooshing" noise was heard. after a few moments the steering wheel did turn, but…
When pulling to the left out of a parking place I noticed that the steering wheel was becoming increasingly difficult to turn. eventually the wheel wouldn't turn even with force. while trying to turn the wheel a "squooshing" noise was heard. after a few moments the steering wheel did turn, but with extreme difficulty, and I immediately went straight home (approximately 14 miles). during that time I did not make any abrupt turns and was very cautious driving only 45 mph at the maximum. upon reaching home I contacted the local gm dealership for service, since the car was unsafe to be driven any major distance. after the car was inspected I was told the rack and pinion was defective and needed to be replaced in order for the car to be operable. I don't feel that this item should have failed at 6 years since the car has been regularly and properly maintained. I also feel that this repair should be fully reimbursed by the manufacturer since this IS a safety issue. *la
- Steering › Rack and pinion
While driving 50 mph, the vehicle started experiencing difficulty with the steering. the consumer struggled to steer the vehicle to the shoulder. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion steering system. the manufacturer had been informed of the problem. *ak *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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 the vehicle. *ph the consumer stated the vehicle just stopped on the highway. *jb
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
The steering locked up which made it difficult to control the vehicle as well as turn corners.*ak the dealer replaced the rack and pinion assembly. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Power train › Axle assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Steering › Rack and pinion
While driving and without warning steering wheel locked up. Dealer replaced rack and pinion and right axle.*ak the vehicle was taken tot he dealer where they found the lower pinion bearing damaged, dust cap missing, power steering pump leaking, serpentine belt cracked and the right…
While driving and without warning steering wheel locked up. Dealer replaced rack and pinion and right axle.*ak the vehicle was taken tot he dealer where they found the lower pinion bearing damaged, dust cap missing, power steering pump leaking, serpentine belt cracked and the right axle boot torn, which caused axle noise. the dealer replaced the rack and pinion, axle seal, replaced and resealed the power steering pump, replaced the serpentine belt and flushed the brake and power steering fluid. the lower intake manifold leaked at the left rear. the brake hose was twisted. The dealer replaced the hose. *ts *nlm
- Steering
While turning to the left at 10 mph the steering wheel locked up. the vehicle was towed to an independent shop. the dealer never was notified. *ak they replaced the entire rack and pinion steering unit, it failed again one month later and the repair shop realigned the power steering fluid line. *scc *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
The driver side air bad deployed for no apparent reason. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Intake manifold gasket leaked on oldsmobile cutlass.*jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Consumer stated while driving steering failed when wheel was turned to the left. dealer diagnosed that rack and pinion had failed and consumer had replaced. Ts *tt
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Vehicle backed out of a parking place, and when I began to move forward the steering wheel wouldn't turn, even with force. A "squooshing" noise was heard. After a moment, the steering wheel again would turn so I went straight home (approx. 1 1/2 miles). Had car in shop next day for repair and was…
Vehicle backed out of a parking place, and when I began to move forward the steering wheel wouldn't turn, even with force. A "squooshing" noise was heard. After a moment, the steering wheel again would turn so I went straight home (approx. 1 1/2 miles). Had car in shop next day for repair and was told rack & pinion bad. Dealership said mfgr not responsible due to age of car. I don't feel this item should've failed at only 5 yrs and less than 100K miles.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Consumer was traveling 40-45mph when vehicle wandered to the left 3-4 feet into other lane, dealer found a broken weld on the lower sub frame cradle that connects the rack and pinion steering to frame, the broken wled caused the steering mounting bushings to wear out prematurely, causing a loss of steering. *slc
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
While trying to use rear lap&shoulder belt units they locked up. consumer then tried rear driver's side lap&shoulder belt, and buckle was broken. *Ak the middle lap belt does not hold a child car seat. *yh
- Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor
Rear brake rotors had been shaking. Rotos were worn out. Was no brakes in the rear. Front brakes were being used. Took vehicle to dealer & informed by mechanic back brakes, front brakes & the rotors all need replacing due to excessive wear. Contacted GMC after repairs & received reimbursement. Kept original invoice & bad parts.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS…
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion IS related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) IS the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
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.
- 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.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 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.
- 615074Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension scrunch / popping type noise coming from the front of vehicle that IS apparent during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 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.
- 608372Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 607522Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52580Difficult to depress accelerator pedal and/or accelerator cable separation (install accelerator cable and clip).
- 52563Reduced engine performance, restricted fuel flow (clean fuel tank, replace in-line fuel filter and fuel pump strainer).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
Every Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.