1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 7% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 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.
“1) after purchasing the car I had it to the dealer at least 4 times for a body module malfunction. 2) ignition switch went bad could not start car, had to be towed, took two attempts to fix correctly 3) air-conditioning button quit working 4) smoke came from steering column 5) when using cigarette lighter, blows auxiliary power fuse 6) passenger side fog light keeps blowing about every three months 7) windows jump track and back windows gradually go down themselves. 8) windshield wipers break when in use, whole arm disconnects leaving them useless, occurred three times within six month.”
NHTSA complaint #10018446, filed 2003-05, 71,000 miles“In the middle of driving during heavy rain, windshield wipers stopped working as the driver side wiper arm flipped over the passenger side wiper arm. When I stopped the car to check what happened, I noticed that the passenger side wiper arm was loose. I brought the car into the dealer the next day and was told that the loose wiper arm evidently had caused the windshield wiper transmission housing to crack and in the process rendered both wiper arms inoperable. As a result, I had to buy a whole new windshield wiper assembly for $350 plus labor for installation. …”
NHTSA complaint #712037, filed 1999-09“Abs light has been coming on intermittently, braking distance is normal. Vehicle taken to dealer 15-20 times. Replaced brake pads/ alternator/ battery/ wiring harness, and put in sensor. Did not remedy problem, vehicle at dealer at this time. Serpentine and tensioner belt broken. Security light blinks due to bad theft lock sensor assembly . Blower speeds inoperative. A/c control inoperative. Left front seat belt buckle falls to floor. Power window inoperable due to electrical switch failure.”
NHTSA complaint #890371, filed 2001-06“Windshield wiper arm froze on passenger's side of vehicle. Contacted dealer about recall 01v068000. Dealer stated that this vehicle was not included under recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #8003382, filed 2002-02“Description of problems- drivers side rear window replaced at delivery due to large scratch. Tail light cover replaced due to moisture build up. Drivers and passengers window motors replaced due to malfunction. Ball joints replaced at 2000 miles, cv joints replaced at 1000 miles, control arms replaced once at 5800 miles and again at 10000 miles. Steering rack replaced at 12400 miles, by this time the complete front end had been replaced from the factory original. And at 19000 miles it is making noise again.”
NHTSA complaint #714750, filed 1999-11Related recalls
- 01V068000Mar 8, 2001On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois…Covers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1997–1998, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–1998
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 9 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 4% |
| 1994 | 19 | 13% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 9 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 2 | 3% |
| 1984 | 3 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
25 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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