Most common 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora problems
Share of the 125 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Aurora complaints by model year
Best Aurora years: 2003, 2002, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Oldsmobile Aurora recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Some passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction May degrade and crack. Additionally, the 1995 model year uses a unique underhood fuel return line that May crack.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine fuel rail with a new stainless steel fuel rail. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora:
Fuel rail leakage
The fuel rail assemblies used in the subject vehicles were manufactured by dana.the fuel rail jumper tubes were made of monolayer nylon 12 (pa12).in model year (my) 1998, the jumper tube material was changed from pa12 to m-bond (a multi-layer ptfe/pa12).in addition, all service parts produced since the end of production 1997 use the m-bond jumper tubes.
Fuel rail leaks
On March 3, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was recalling approximately 94,000 my 1995-97 Oldsmobile aurora vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines (rpo l47 - vin8 c) to address concerns with underhood fuel leakage from cracked fuel rails and, in some of the vehicles, cracked fuel return lines.
What 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 51 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact observed a fuel odor within the engine. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the exterior brake lights and headlights illuminated independently without the engine being started. The contact had to remove the battery from the vehicle in order for the lights to remain off. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer, but was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact inquired if the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, there were no open recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, black smoke emanated from under the hood of the vehicle. Within 8 seconds of the contact exiting the vehicle, flames were observed coming from under the front wheel wells, and from under the hood. The hood melted, the engine was burned completely, the front axle melted to the point of preventing any movement of the front wheels, and the entire dash was melted. The vehicle was considered a total loss. Police and fire reports were taken. The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was a fuel leak. There was a NHTSA recall #04V110000 which pertains to the pipings and fittings to the fuel system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Electrical system all 21 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact observed a fuel odor within the engine. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the exterior brake lights and headlights illuminated independently without the engine being started. The contact had to remove the battery from the vehicle in order for the lights to remain off. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer, but was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact inquired if the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, there were no open recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. In addition, while attempting to start the vehicle a mist was present coming from the engine compartment and the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the number 8 cylinder failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine & cooling
I own a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, on 4/25/2009 while traveling on the highway the underneath of my car burst into flames. I pulled over and luckily my mother was following and she had extinguisher in her vehicle. I took vehicle to repair shop and was told that fire was caused by rear main seal leaking oil directly onto exhaust pipe and that this vehicle is known for that and that GM is aware of the defect in that seal that's why there is a service bulletin on it. It turns out after much research that there are thousands of people who had the same problem. Why is the manufacture allowed to put a defect part in the vehicle that puts consumers at risk and not be responsible to fix it. I had my 2 yr old son and my 4 mo old daughter in the car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. In addition, while attempting to start the vehicle a mist was present coming from the engine compartment and the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the number 8 cylinder failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
1997 Oldsmobile Aurora engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora a good car?
Based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Aurora rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Aurora at the same age. It is one of the Aurora years we suggest avoiding. 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 Aurora?
The fuel & propulsion system — 51 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the electrical system (21) and engine & cooling (19).
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, the most recent from March 4, 2004 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). 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 Aurora?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2002 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997, 2001 and 1996. See the full Oldsmobile Aurora years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 103,000 miles; 13% 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.