RecallMyCar

Oldsmobile Cutlass Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 58 safety recalls and 1,609 owner complaints across 28 model years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass (1967–1999). The most-complained-about year is 1991.

58
safety recalls, all years
1,609
owner complaints, all years
1979
year with most recalls
1991
year with most complaints

Pick your Oldsmobile Cutlass model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass080
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass2155
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass296
1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass0123
1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass3156
1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass4148
1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass4139
1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass3136
1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass6193
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass6103
1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass6113
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass674
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass216
1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass323
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass318
1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass216
1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass25
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass21
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass23
1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass43
1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass72
1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass50
1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass23
1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass13
1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass30
1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass30
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass20
1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass10

What Oldsmobile Cutlass owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 1,609 complaints with NHTSA. The 1991 model year has the most, with 193.

All Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls (58)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Oldsmobile Cutlass, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Rack and pinion (steering)

    NHTSA 03V527000 Reported 750,283 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact…

    Model years: 1997, 1998

  2. Linkages (visibility)

    NHTSA 01V068000 Reported 129,427 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…

    Model years: 1997, 1998

  3. Structure

    NHTSA 00V189000 Reported 713,435 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.

    Model years: 1991

  4. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 98V306000 Reported 111,470 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.

    Model years: 1995

  5. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 97V065000 Reported 50,709 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.

    Model years: 1995

  6. Structure

    NHTSA 97V058000 Reported 676,535 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

  7. Switch/wiring (visibility)

    NHTSA 97V017000 Reported 349,331 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.

    Model years: 1994, 1995

  8. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 95V173000 Reported 2,216,325 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with FMVSS no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.

    Model years: 1991, 1992, 1993

  9. Wheels

    NHTSA 95V115000 Reported 22,361 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing date codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

  10. Wheels

    NHTSA 94V041000 Reported 198,163 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

  11. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 95V061000 Reported 199,572 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear wheel brake hose(s) can contact the rear suspension components causing the brake hose(s) to wear through.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper brake hose position and replace those hoses in an incorrect position with new hoses and correctly routed.

    Model years: 1994

  12. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 94V211000 Reported 70,676 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake lines can contact the transmission mounting bracket of the frame side rail. The lines can wear through resulting in loss of brake fluid, and eventual loss of half the vehicle braking system.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper brake line clearance and reposition the brake lines. Brake lines found to have indentations will be replaced.

    Model years: 1993, 1994

  13. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 93V162000 Reported 579 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The cruise control cable may separate from the conduit end fitting while engaged and accelerator control could be lost.

    Remedy: Replace the cruise control cable.

    Model years: 1994

  14. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 93V121000 Reported 2,848 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with FMVSS 106, "brake hoses."

    Remedy: Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.

    Model years: 1993

  15. Seats

    NHTSA 93V035000 Reported 5,574 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The driver and passenger front seat manual reclining mechanisms do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 207, "seating systems." the seat back mechanisms will not latch under certain conditions.

    Remedy: Replace the manual seat recliner mechanism with a mechanism that complies with FMVSS 207.

    Model years: 1993

  16. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 92V124000 Reported 319,181 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.

    Remedy: Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.

    Model years: 1991

  17. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 92V066000 Reported 33 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The optional remote entry module may have a fault which causes random actuation of interior lamps, door locks, and/or tailgate release. This actuation may occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended.

    Remedy: Replace the remote entry module with a newly revised module to prevent random actuation.

    Model years: 1992

  18. Power window devices and controls (visibility)

    NHTSA 92V043000 Reported 37,030 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Moisture can enter the express-down electronic control module and cause a short circuit that causes window operation without operator control, and leaves the window in the down position.

    Remedy: Replace the window express-down electronic control module.

    Model years: 1991

  19. Seat belts

    NHTSA 92V003000 Reported 347,866 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with FMVSS 208.

    Remedy: Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.

    Model years: 1991

  20. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 91V214000 Reported 10,141 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The reverse servo apply pin may bind in the case which could cause reverse band distress (loss or slipping of reverse), reverse band drag in drive range (poor performance -- poor power), or the transmission to remain in reverse while the shift indicator shows neutral gear position.

    Remedy: Replace the transaxle where required.

    Model years: 1992

  21. Seat belts

    NHTSA 91V005000 Reported 412,792 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.

    Remedy: Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.

    Model years: 1990

  22. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 90V185000 Reported 476,422 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp switch. Also in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal.

    Remedy: Install an improved design stoplamp switch.

    Model years: 1989, 1990

  23. Seat belts

    NHTSA 90V054000 Reported 673,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.

    Remedy: Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

  24. Air conditioner (equipment)

    NHTSA 89V122000 Reported 5,459 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The electronic air conditioning control may not function when starting car that has been parked for a few hours with ignition off.

    Remedy: Replace electronic comfort control assembly.

    Model years: 1989

  25. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

    Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.

    Model years: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

  26. Linkage and cable (parking brake)

    NHTSA 88V175000 Reported 3,857 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The parking brake cable may be disconnected from the left rear brake caliper.

    Remedy: Install a retainer on left rear caliper if cable is not already retained with a cotter pin and adjust parking brake system.

    Model years: 1988

  27. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 87V168000 Reported 11,936 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.

    Remedy: Replace the manual valve detent lever link.

    Model years: 1987

  28. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 86V093000 Reported 2,223 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Left handed driver's side shoulder belt anchor plate may be upside down in lock pillar so that the unthreaded slot of the plate aligned with the hole in the lock pillar. This resulted in the anchor bolt being driven into the slot instead of the threaded hole of the anchor plate. Consequence of defect: in a vehicle crash, belt anchor…

    Remedy: Install a bolt anchor plate reinforcement and new bolt, as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

  29. Electrical system: rear compartment/trunk

    NHTSA 86V061000 Reported 197 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An incorrectly indexed wiring harness may cause the center high mounted stop lamp to remain illuminated when the headlights or parking lamps are on. FMVSS 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment requires that this stop lamp be lighted only when the brakes are applied. Also, the opera lamps may come on when the brakes are…

    Remedy: Correctly index wiring harness terminals.

    Model years: 1986

  30. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V048000 Reported 1,810,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.

    Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

  31. Retractor (seat belts)

    NHTSA 84V154000 Reported 19 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The vehicles were assembled with front seat belt retractors which may not perform adequately during a collision.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the left and right front seat belt retractors free of charge.

    Model years: 1985

  32. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 84V149000 Reported 3,100,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

  33. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 84V124000 Reported 10,359 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie rod to loosen and detach itself from the adjuster.

    Remedy: The tie rod end bolts will be tightened without cost to the owner.

    Model years: 1985

  34. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 84V011000 Reported 76,586 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.

    Remedy: Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.

    Model years: 1984

  35. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V105000 Reported 352,036 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.

    Model years: 1983

  36. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V106000 Reported 4,667 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The master cylinder rear brake pipe, which carries brake fluid to the rear brakes, may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket.

    Remedy: If upon inspection the dealer finds that there is inadequate clearance, the pipe will be reformed to obtain the necessary three quarter inch space. Only those pipes showing signs of wear will be replaced.

    Model years: 1983

  37. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V021000 Reported 519,329 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certaain conditions, the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and fuel tank filler vent pipe could fracture. The fracture of these clamps could cause fuel leakage at any of the four pipe to hose connections. Leakage can occur during refueling, or while driving, if the fuel tank is above 3/4 full.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and vent pipe at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

  38. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V012000 Reported 79,686 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

  39. Hubcap/cover (wheels)

    NHTSA 81V036000 Reported 6,690 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    "tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1981

  40. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 81V025000 Reported 5,821,160 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.

    Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

  41. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

    NHTSA 81V022000 Reported 67,350 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The electro-clear rear window defoggers contain a defect which causes the glass to shatter without impact during or some time after use of the defogger. Vertical electrical strips may deteriorate and cause hot spots that can result in breakage of the rear glass.

    Remedy: Vehicles will be inspected for presence of a particular weatherstrip. If present, a layer of a special conductive epoxy will be added to the vertical bar on the rear window glass. This epoxy is a new conductive…

    Model years: 1979, 1980

  42. Head restraint (seats)

    NHTSA 79V196000 Reported 491 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The invovled vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts". Incorrect head restraints may have been installed.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install new head restraints at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

  43. Wheel bearing (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V175000 Reported 1,896,222 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front wheel spindle nut.

    Remedy: The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be…

    Model years: 1978

  44. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

  45. Caliper (service brakes)

    NHTSA 79V101000 Reported 46 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An incorrect fluid was used as an assembly aid (lubrication) during installation of the piston seal in front brake calipers which were installed in 10.5" x 1" disc brake assemblies used on "a" series cars. The incorrect fluid attacks the piston seal and causes them to swell and deteriorate.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the brake caliper piston seals.

    Model years: 1979

  46. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 78V138000 Reported 265,068 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal. This flaw could allow the shaft to break and the tire and wheel assembly to separate.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace one or both rear axle shafts, if necessary, free of charge.

    Model years: 1977

  47. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

  48. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

  49. Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

    NHTSA 76V016000 Reported 3,011 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

  50. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 75V032000 Reported 220,982 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  51. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V150000 Reported 1,951 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  52. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V140000 Reported 2,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  53. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 74V027000 Reported 1,218,387 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

  54. Retractor (seat belts)

    NHTSA 74V016000 Reported 26,421 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

  55. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

  56. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 73V214000 Reported 6,149 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

  57. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V275000 Reported 155,418 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

  58. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 66V032003 Reported 70,644 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1967

Other Oldsmobile models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.