1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 21%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,701miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 21% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,701 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We bought the car in 2010 from a used car dealer. Upon 6 months of driving we noticed a steering problem that was hard to the left and just didn't seem right. The engine also had overheating and gasket problems so we had the engine replaced. Upon test driving the vehicle the mechanic was driving and the power steer had a complete failure and ran him towards oncoming traffic and then back another direction. Upon return to the shop he concluded the entire rack was broken and needed replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10548733, filed 2013-10, 60,000 miles“Vechile recently started making groaning noise when steering and from power steering pump. Power steering pump was replace back in 2011. Took to goodyear and tech indicated pump was fine, problem point to the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10559086, filed 2014-01, 200,000 miles“While driving the vehicles the steering wheel makes noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on september 9, 2002 and replace steering column seals, on september 18, 2002 problem recurred. Happened again on january 8, 2003. The steering experienced many other failures and the dealer replaced the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10002457, filed 2003-01, 82,752 miles“After dealership performed steering gear bearings recall 03v527000 repairs front end was out of alignment. The steering wheel was off center, and the right tire faced outwards. Dealership wanted to charge $80.00 to align the vehicle although the alignment was fine before the recall was done.”
NHTSA complaint #10063299, filed 2004-03, 76,650 miles“While driving at 20 MPH, the front wheels buckled and the vehicle fell to the ground. The steering locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer in march 2004 for a rack and pinion replacement. The consumer was wondering why this incident happened. The consumer was approaching a rail road track, then all of a sudden the steering wheel would not turn and the vehicle had taken off to the right. The consumer was not able to control the vehicle. The vehicle was not fixed or the dealer placed the wrong part on the vehicle. The lower pinion bearing was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10072088, filed 2004-06, 89,270 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 1997–1998, Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10020731Sep 1, 2006Revised tilt steering wheel and column fastener tightening specifications.
- 10013031Jan 29, 2004Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 21 | 14% |
| 1997 | 20 | 21% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 1991 | 17 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 9 | 8% |
| 1988 | 5 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 19% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
25 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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