Most common 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva problems
Share of the 63 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Achieva complaints by model year
Best Achieva years: 1998. Compare all years →
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls (2)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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.
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.
What 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva owners say
Electrical system
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 [redacted] thank you for any information you can give me. [redacted]. Updated 07/27/2012
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 updated 07/08/11
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 just bought it. The warranty just expired about three months ago. It was a three month warranty on the car. Ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767158
Ongoing problem with intermittent engine stalling. Also, ABS light came on and off, indicating brake failure. Vehicle was involved in a rear end accident because of brake failure. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on five or more occasions, and nothing could be found.
Brakes
Ongoing problem with intermittent engine stalling. Also, ABS light came on and off, indicating brake failure. Vehicle was involved in a rear end accident because of brake failure. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on five or more occasions, and nothing could be found.
Received recall notice #97v05900 for under hood fuse. Contacted dealer, who in turn, contacted manufacturer. Was informed no recall for fuse center located on vehicle by VIN #. Vehicle was not repaired. Also, other problems included: ignition coil burned out completely, causing spark plugs to go bad/had water pump & thermostat replaced/cross caster at permanent right angle which caused vehicle to pull right, and front brakes went completely out, calipers/rotors were not replaced, and ,problem still exists.
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva a good car?
Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Achieva rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Achieva at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva?
The electrical system — 18 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (17) and brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva, the most recent from March 6, 2002 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Achieva?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998. See the full Oldsmobile Achieva years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.