1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 29%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,081miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva, 29% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,081 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10059102, filed 2004-02, 18,848 miles“Vehicle battery shorted out which resulted in electrical system failure. This caused power doors to be inoperative. Consumer was trapped in vehicle, doors couldn't be opened from inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10024328, filed 2003-06, 99,000 miles“Pcm/TCM replaced twice as well as ignition in conjunction with this problem. Now I am told the instrument cluster panel is in failure as well. Pcm reprogrammed several times prior to replacement a second time. Car has been in internal failure off and on, I never know when it would give out on me. Car at dealership now for the 7th time in 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #743211, filed 2001-03“The contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when the key was inserted into the ignition. As of september 28, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. There is a recall for the electrical system: ignition: switch (NHTSA campaign id number 02v070000). The current and failure mileages were 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10204357, filed 2007-09, 50,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386647, filed 2011-03, 100,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On 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…Covers: Oldsmobile Achieva 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more
- 97V059000Apr 8, 1997The 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…Covers: Oldsmobile Achieva 1997, Pontiac Grand AM 1997, Buick Skylark 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
17 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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