1997 Oldsmobile Aurora: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 125 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (36% of complaints); the 1998 and 1999 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Used the remote start feature during 24 deg weather and the driver side rear fixed window shattered. Possible cause would be a short in the rear window defrost unit, which comes on when using remote start in cold weather.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. In addition, while attempting to start the vehicle a mist was present coming from the engine compartment and the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the number 8 cylinder failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2015
“My 1997 olds aurora started leaking gas from the plastic fuel line under the hood.I had remembered there was a recall on this and called oldsmobile and they told me my car was not under the recall #04014. I don't understand how this could be since they figured this out in 2004 and my car was made in 1997... The date on the plastic fuel lines is 5/10/1996. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. The contact was turning in reverse approximately 2 mph when he heard a loud pop. The vehicle was parked and shut off. The contact then noticed a large amount of fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. The contact then discovered a bolt was missing from the steering rack to the frame. The rack and pinion housing was also fractured and there were several rusted bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. When the contact started the vehicle, it ignited into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire and cut the incorrect wires for the battery. The current and failure mileages were 120,000. Updated 05/27/09 *bf updated 05/29/09.*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. While driving various speeds or turning the vehicle, the contact noticed a gas smell. He then noticed that fuel leaked all over the fuel compartment. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04v110000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings), although the failures were identical. The contact stated that there was a crack in the fuel line pipe. The vehicle will be repaired at a later date. The failure mileage was 123,010 and current mileage was 123,050.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. While parking the vehicle, the contact smelled gasoline through the vents in the passenger compartment. He turned off the vehicle and noticed smoke underneath the hood. The dealer stated that the fuel line was the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile aurora. In november of 2007, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 04v110000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The dealer replaced some of the hoses, but there are three hoses that are leaking fuel. The dealer informed the contact that she would have to pay for the additional repair. The failure and current mileages were 146,037.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2008
“While parked, on a hot day, my parking lights came on and will not go off. I have to disconnect & reconnect the battery to save it from discharge every time I drive it. Im afraid it may catch fire (from other reports I've heard.) *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2008
“My son was driving my 1997 oldsmobile aurora on the freeway when the driver's rear side of the car burst into flames. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aurora by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora reliable?
NHTSA has 125 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 103,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.