1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 33%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 33% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10046858, filed 2003-11, 131,608 miles“While turning to the left at 10 MPH the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was towed to an independent shop. The dealer never was notified. They replaced the entire rack and pinion steering unit, it failed again one month later and the repair shop realigned the power steering fluid line.”
NHTSA complaint #10040388, filed 2003-11, 23,331 miles“While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started experiencing difficulty with the steering. The consumer struggled to steer the vehicle to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion steering system. The manufacturer had been informed of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10044867, filed 2003-12, 40,000 miles“Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings failure. Consumer was authorized to take the vehicle to a chevrolet dealership to have recall repairs done. The dealer informed the consumer that a leaking rack and pinion needed to be replaced before recall work could be done. Replacement of the rack and pinion was part of the recalled problem. Dealer charged the consumer for replacing the rack and pinion. The consumer requested reimbursement. The transmission cable from the gear shift lever had to be replaced”
NHTSA complaint #10059847, filed 2004-04, 45,000 miles“While driving vehicle pulled to the right. Consumer pulled the steering wheel to the left and the vehicle rolled over and went into a ditch. Vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10059497, filed 2004-02, 60,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V527000Dec 11, 2003Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These…Covers: Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1996–1997, Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998 +5 more
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
12 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
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