Most common 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems
Share of the 43 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme complaints by model year
Best Cutlass Supreme years: 1997, 1996. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme recalls (1)
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme:
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 sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
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 750,283.GM determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion…
What 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme owners say
Steering
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. …
My VIN[redacted] 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.
Brakes
While driving and without warning steering wheel locked up. Dealer replaced rack and pinion and right axle. 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.
My wife was traveliing southbound on il tollway i94 when she proceded to brake for a toll plaza. She applied her brakes and had no response. She began attempting to brake about 500 feet from the plaza. The anti-lock brakes never responded and to her recollection the brakes never went on. She hit a cement barrior while trying to find a clear lane to pass through. This problem has been intermittant throughout the ownership of the car. When I have the vehicle looked at, no problems are found.
Engine & cooling
While driving and without warning steering wheel locked up. Dealer replaced rack and pinion and right axle. 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.
Problems with smoke coming from underneath dash. Request information on vehicle as far as accurate mileage, lemon check and recall check. 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. The consumer stated the vehicle just stopped on the highway.
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme a good car?
Based on 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Cutlass Supreme rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cutlass Supreme at the same age. It is one of the best Cutlass Supreme years by this measure. 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 Cutlass Supreme?
The steering — 14 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the brakes (12) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, the most recent from December 11, 2003 (rack and pinion). 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 Cutlass Supreme?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 36% 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.