Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. When the contact started the vehicle, it ignited into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire and cut the incorrect wires for the battery. The current and failure mileages were 120,000. Updated 05/27/09 updated 05/29/09.
Used the remote start feature during 24 deg weather and the driver side rear fixed window shattered. Possible cause would be a short in the rear window defrost unit, which comes on when using remote start in cold weather.
Ignition failure. Error message to clean key and wait 3 minutes. The key has a microchip, and the microchip has been tested and is working correctly. The ignotion switch, when tested is showing to be working properly. No one can give me a reason for the malfunction, but I have been stranded numerous times due to the malfunction.
Dt:06/23/04 headlights and tail lights flashed on and off intermittently even when car is not running. Headlights seem to flash only in hot weather. Dealer reports the switch's malfunction is heat related. Dealer reports that the car is just old and needs a $525 replacement.
I returned from a trip and parked my car. A few minutes later, I was walking by my car and smelled something burning, I opened the car, and there was fire on the dashboard. I called the fire department and they came a few minutes later.
While parked, on a hot day, my parking lights came on and will not go off. I have to disconnect & reconnect the battery to save it from discharge every time I drive it. Im afraid it May catch fire (from other reports I've heard.)
I purchased a vehicle form chesrown GMC/Kia in columbus ohio. I bought it on June 3rd 2002 paid $10500.00+ $892.00 (extend warranty)when I bought the car I opted for the extended warranty. Since that time, I have had fuel pump, feul switch, feul line, fuel injectors of my car go bad (more than once!). While driving the car on a heavily traveled street the engine just stopped! My husband got out to push the vehicle putting him in danger. I took the vehicle out the next day and on three separate occasions the engine ceased. I took it to the dealer and the technicians said I don t know what it is & they finally concluded it had a bad fuel pump. They replaced it. Less than 24 hours later, I was at the shop again! The fuel pump that they put in didn't work either. I have a serious health problem which requires I be on blood thinners. …
I was beginning a Sunday morning drive today in my 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. It was a few hours ago with my family on the expressway on I-480 west enroute to our vacation. After I hit my right turn signal to change lanes so I can get off at our exit. The turn signal lever was stuck. There was an intense burning smell and seconds later smoke start steaming from my steering. I pulled the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora over and pressed down on the hazard button to release it and notice that the hazard button was stuck too. Finally, I turned the key to the ignition off and after a few minutes the smoke stopped. Soon as I started up the car the turn signal lever was unstuck however the hazard button was still stuck as smoke began seeping from behind the steering wheel again. …
Electrical complaints in other Aurora years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, 17% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.