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BrakesPart report

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Brakes Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
13%of 63 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva, 13% of the 63 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #861028, filed 2000-04

“Ignition coil completely burned causing spark plugs to go bad sooner than needed. The crank shaft, water pump & thermostat had to be replaced. The cross caster is at permanent right angle which causes vehicle to pull right. No front brakes. Calipers & rotors were replaced, but not corrected. Right rear door misaligned, causing difficulty closing, right passenger door does not lock properly due to faulty motor. Underhood fuse recall, repairs have not been completed.”

NHTSA complaint #850477, filed 1999-10

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #851759, filed 1999-11

“During vehicle operation, the speed control was set at 60 MPH, the steering wheel locked up without warning, causing the driver to lose control/accident, vehicle has ABS brakes.”

NHTSA complaint #804062, filed 1996-11

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
1998718%
1997813%
19961214%
19951014%
19941219%
19931334%
19921121%

Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

Electrical system
18 complaints
Engine cooling
17 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology