1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Routine

Owners filed 193 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Oldsmobile Cutlass years to avoid. Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years to avoid →

Most common 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

56 of the 193 complaints (29%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes14
000
Structure · body and frame13
200
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine13
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · brakes10
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes10
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor9
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine9
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes6
000
Seats6
102

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Structure00V189000
Filed Jul 11, 2000713,435 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Risk. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Structure97V058000
Filed Apr 8, 1997676,535 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage95V173000
Filed Sep 15, 19952,216,325 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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."

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner92V124000
Filed Sep 1, 1992319,181 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THE HIGH CURRENT CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL SHORT WELDS THECIRCUIT BREAKER ELEMENTS TOGETHER IN THE CLOSED POSITION, LEAVING THE CIRCUITUNPROTECTED AND GENERATING SUFFICIENT HEAT TO BURN THE WIRE INSULATION ANDIGNITE THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.

Remedy. REPAIR ANY ABRADED WIRING AND REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS USING A WIRING HARNESS CLIP.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls92V043000
Filed Apr 1, 199237,030 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL FAIL FROM OVERHEATINGAND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE HAZARD INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL.

Remedy. REPLACE THE WINDOW EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.

Seat Belts92V003000
Filed Jan 10, 1992347,866 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.

Risk. THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy. INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 25, 2011200,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Nov 23, 201060,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 95V173000, SEAT BELTS FRONT, ANCHORAGE ON HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE, CONTACT HAD NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELT, BUT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD FAIL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF UPDATED 03.22.11

Structure
Filed May 13, 200899,132 milesCO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED BY A DEALER BECAUSE HE WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V189000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,632 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,132. UPDATED 06/09/2008. *LJ

Structure
Filed Feb 23, 200577,000 milesTX

THE REAR CRADLE BOLT RECALL 00V189000 DEFECT OCCURRED WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS RESULTED IN THE SUBFRAME BENDING AND THE STEERING COLUMN COMING APART. THE DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND STEERING COLUMN. THE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. *JB

Steering
Filed Nov 12, 2004150,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK.....ALL STEERING WAS LOST NOT JUST POWER STEERING. WITH NO CONTROL, VEHICLE MOVED TO THE NEXT LANE. DRIVER HAD NO STEERING, ONLY COULD USE BRAKES. DEALER BOUGHT IT FOR $500.00 TO GERT VEHICLE OFF ROAD.F THIS VEHICLE WA SGOING A THIGHWAY SPEED, THE DRIVER OR ANOTHER DRIVER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 23, 2004OH

INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER HAS TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE OF $ 1250. BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 200439,600 milesVA

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1991 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES ALREADY BECAUSE IT WILL CUT OFF WILL DRIVING, PUTTING MYSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATING USING CONSUMER AUTOMOBILE REVIEW SITES ON THE WEB. I FIND THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OR ONES VERY SIMILAR PRODUCED BY GM/OLDSMOBILE. KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 39,700 MILES ON IT. I HAVE A 2 YEAR WARRANTY, THAT HAS YET TO BE HONORED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. I AM SERIOUSLY WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF COVER UP OR INTENTIONAL IGNORING OF A COMMON MECHANICAL DEFECT WITH THIS AND SIMILAR VEHICLES. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 15, 2004NE

SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT. I'M A DISABLED PERSON, AND HUSBAND HAS BEEN DEPLOYED FOR A YEAR OR MORE, AND ALSO HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD THAT I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAD VISITED MY HUSBAND WHERE HE'S ON STANDBY WAITING TO GO OVER SEAS, HE HAD TO TIE MY SEATBELT IN A KNOT TO GET IT TIGHT SO IT WOULD NOT GET IN THE WAY WHILE DRIVING OR GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND SO ON AND SO FORTH. IS THERE ANYWAY THAT YOUR COMPANY CAN HELP ME GET THIS FIXED. MONEY IS TIGHT AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT, AND CAN'T BE WITHOUT A CAR FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 20, 200396,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH RECEIVED RECALL 00 V 189 000 FOR CRADLE BOLT OCCURRED. ENGINE DROPPED, AND VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE. VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Structure
Filed Jul 7, 2003IA

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE CRADLE BOLT FAILED, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO DROP.*AK

Structure
Filed Jun 26, 2003NY

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BOLT BECAME LOSE WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO JUMP AROUND. WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. *NLM THE STEERING KNUCKLE RIPPED OUT AND THE CRADLE BROKE CAUSING EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD TO FALL OUT. THE CRADLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2003IN

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed May 1, 200380,000 milesCA

THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS STICKING AND CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. *NLM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Mar 27, 2003IN

THE POWER WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. *JB THE NEW MOTOR DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE WINDOWS UP OR DOWN. *SCC

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 2, 2002IN

I HAVE REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER DOORS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND SO I HAVE NO WAY TO GET INTO MY VEHICLE AT ALL SHORT OF BREAKING A WINDOW JUST TO REPLACE YET ANOTHER DOOR HANDLE. VERY POOR DESIGN AND VERY WEAK POT METAL HANDLES AT 135.00 EACH TIME ONE IS REPLACED (NOT INCLUDING LABOR)THIS IS GETTING REDICULOUS. DT

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Nov 4, 2002IN

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS IN MY VEHICLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO LOCK UP WHEN YOU START TO PULL ON THE BELTS TO PUT THEM ON. MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS NOW COMPLETELY UNUSEABLE BECAUSE THE BELT RETRACTOR HAS STOPPED WORKING. THIS BELT WILL NO LONGER RETRACT. ALSO, THE GUIDE LOOPS FOR BOTH SEAT BELT ARE CRACKED AND THE GUIDE WHERE THE SEAT BELT GOES INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS ALSO CRACKED. DT

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Oct 29, 2002IN

CONSUMERS SON WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THINKING THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK, CONSUMER TRIED TO FREE IT BY HAND. THE ACCELERATOR WAS FREE AND FUNCTIONING. THE DEALERS FINAL DIAGNOSIS WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE DID NOT DISENGAGE BUT HELD THE ACCELERATOR OPEN, CAUSING A RACING ENGINE AND RUNAWAY VEHICLE. *JG *DT

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Sep 10, 2002NJ

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, STEERING WHEEL WOULD LIFT UP OR DOWN WITHOUT USING STEERING ADJUSTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AKWHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY, PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER HEARD A POP AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO LIFT UP AND DOWN WITHOUT THE USE OF THE ADJUSTER LEVER. *JG

Structure
Filed Sep 4, 2002IA

THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BUSHINGS RUSTED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO DROP TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. NLM

Structure
Filed Jul 10, 2002MI

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A RECALLED DEFECT WHICH WAS NEVER SENT TO HIM(00V189). ONCE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL DUE TO HIGH MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. *JG

Seats
Filed Jul 10, 2002UT

FRONT SEATS ORIGINAL HAVE NO ADJUSTMENT FOR RECLINING--SEATS LAY BACK TOO FAR AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE LAYING DOWN--HEAD REST DON'T STAY UP--SEAT BELTS COME OUT OF DOOR AND BECAUSE OF INCLINE OF SEATS TOO FAR THE SHOULDER STRAP IN FAR AWAY FROM SHOULDER

Structure
Filed Jul 5, 2002MI

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A STRANGE NOISE. THEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE REAR OF THE CRADEL FELL DOWN. REPLACED AND REMOVED THE LEFT REAR UPPER/LOWER CRADLE MOUNTS, REPLACED STEERING INTERMEATED SHAFT, POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH, LEFT REAR CONTROL LINK, AND THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD LOOSE. (RECALL# 00V189) CONSUMER HOPES TO RECIEVE REIMBURSEMENT. *AK *SCC

Structure
Filed May 8, 2002MO

RECALL 97 V 058 000/REAR CRADLE BOLTS: WHILE IN REVERSE CRADLE BOLTS HAVE BROKEN AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED , AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN.FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Apr 8, 2002NC

WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONING, ALTERNATOR GOES OUT AND KILLS THE BATTERY. HAD 4 ALTERNATORS AND BATTERIES REPLACED. TOOK TO DEALER WHO INDICATED ENGINE WAS TOO BIG FOR ALTERNATOR ALSO CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL, ENGINE COOLING FAN REPLACED, POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE FAILED AND REPLACED, REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF, CEILING FABRIC COMING UNGLUED AND DASHBOARD VENT COVER COMING OFF. *AK *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Mar 21, 2002NY

FRONT ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WOULD NOT OPEN RIGHT AWAY, WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE THE DRIVER MANAGED TO GET LOOSE AND CLIMB TO THE REAR OT THE VEHICLE AND FORCE THE REAR DOOR OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, WHILE OTHER PEOPLE TRIED TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. RESULTING IN INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.

Structure
Filed Mar 8, 2002NY

RECALL 00 V 189 000/CRADLE BOLTS: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

StructureCrash
Filed Oct 22, 2001MI

THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND STEERING COLLAPSE WHILE DRIVING. OWNER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 97V-058000 DUE TO MILEAGE. OWNER CLAIMED NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. VEHICLE WA SINVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND INCURRED DAMAGE. COMPLAINT LISTED UNDER ANOTHET NAME.*YH

StructureCrash
Filed Sep 25, 2001MI

RECALL 00V189000 CONCERNING ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A BOOMING NOIS. STEERING WHEEL WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. VEHICLE HIT SEVERAL BARRERS INSIDE OF ROAD. *AK

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)Crash1 injured
Filed Sep 23, 2001MI

VIN [XXX] I AM DENIED MY SAFETY RECALL FROM GM 313-875-0300.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 20, 2001MI

VEHICLE WAS GOING 40MPH AND THERE WAS A BOOM AND SPARKS IN FRONT END. VEHICLE LOST STEERING, HIT SMALL OBJECTS, AND SLID INTO THE CURB. FRONT CRADLE AND ENGINE WERE ON THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Sep 20, 2001MI

WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO A CORRODED FRONT FRAME CRADLE BOLT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Sep 10, 2001OH

WHILE DRIVING FRONT END OF VEHICLE SEPARATED FROM BUSHING, CAUSING FRONT END TO DROP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2001OH

VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STARTED DUE TO REAR MOUNT BOLTS BEING RUSTY, AND CAUSING ENGINE TO DROP.*AK

Suspension › Rear
Filed Aug 9, 2001OH

I PURCHESED A 1991 OLDS CUTLESS SUPREAM, IN APRIL 2001, I BOUGHT IT FROM A USED CAR PLACE, BUY HERE PAY HERE PLACE, THE CAR HAD NO PROBLEMS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HEARD A POP SOUND, SO I DECIDED TO PULL MY CAR OVER, WELL IN THE PROCESS, I NOTICED I HAD NO STERING ABILITY'S. LUCKY I ENDED UP IN GRASS ANYWAYS. WHEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY AUTO PLACE. THE MACANIC, TOLD ME THAT THERE REAR SUSPENSION WENT ON THE CAR. AND THAT IT WAS A RECALL BACK IN 1997.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Jun 18, 2001SC

BRAKES FAIL TO STOP VEHICLE COMPLETELY, AND EXCESSIVE EFFORT IS NEEDED TO APPLY BRAKES. A REPAIR SHOP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND CANNOT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly
Filed Jun 5, 2001MA

WHILE DRIVING REAR LEAF SPRING SNAPPED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 30, 2001MO

BRAKE PADS ARE SOFT, AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 1, 2001MI

HEAD GASKET FAILED, CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON VEHICLE, DEALERSHIP ADVISED CONSUMER THEY COULD DO NOTHING UNTIL THEY RECEIVED APPROVAL FROM MANUFACTURER, CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST IN SPITE OF THE 70,000 EXTENDED WARRANTY ( DAUGHTER ON BEHALF OF FATHER-JOSEPH BELESKI). *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 25, 2001MD

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS INTERMITTENTLY . THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING. VEHICLE WILL RESTART AGAIN, BUT EVENTUALLY IT WILL STALL AGAIN. MECHANIC CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Apr 9, 2001IN

REAR BRAKE CALIPER FROZE UP, RENDERING BRAKES INOPERABLE, AND WEARING FRONT BRAKE PADS, AND REAR BRAKES FASTER THE NORMAL.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jan 1, 2001CA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Nov 15, 2000MN

BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SHOULDER BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. REAR PASSENGER BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED TO COME OUT OF A RETRACTED POSITION. ALL THESE BELTS ARE UNUSABLE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 9, 2000TN

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE JUST STOPPED, AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. AS SOON AS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT INTO PARK, IT WOULD START AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE JUNE OF THIS YEAR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUISNG THIS PROBLEM. *AK CLEANING THE FUEL SYSTEM AND REPLACING SPARK PLUGS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 31, 2000TN

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STALLING, NEW PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN CLEANED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *SLC

Structure
Filed Oct 13, 2000MI

ENGINE CRADLE DROPPED BECAUSE BOLTS RUSTED AND SEPARATED FROM CRADLE. DEALER REPLACED BOLTS AND ENGINE CRADLE.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Oct 10, 2000FL

ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD FLICKERS OFF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. THIS AFFECTS THE DISPLAY OF THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE AND MILEAGE. SMOKE COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN 2 YEARS AGO, AND I HAD THE SIGNALS AND HIGH BEAM SWITCH REPAIRED ALREADY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Oct 2, 2000MI

CONSUMER OWNS A 1991, 1994, AND 1996 CUTLASS SUPREME, ALL OF WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, CALIPERS LOADED, AND BEARINGS WERE PACKED, CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Sep 18, 2000NJ

POSSIBLE DESIGN PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS RESULTED IN NUMEROUS BRAKE REPAIRS AND EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE COMPONENTS. *MJS

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Sep 7, 2000IL

WHENEVER KEY WAS REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH, STEERING WHEEL WOULD FAIL TO LOCK UP. ALSO, ALARM SYSTEM WOULD START TO SOUND OFF. WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF ALARM & THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UP AGAIN. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 22, 2000MN

POTENTIAL CRADLE BOLT CORROSION PROBLEM! NO HELP FROM GM! HELP. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN STATES THAT USE ROAD SALT. THERE HAS BEEN AN OFFICIAL RECALL, BUT MINNESOTA WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHEN WILL MN BE ADDED TO RECALL? THERE ARE DOCUMENTED CASES OF MN DRIVERS LOSING CONTOL OF THE STEERING.

Complaints 1-50 of 193, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1991
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
199980120Routine
1998155300Routine
199796310Routine
1996123150Routine
1995156400Routine
1994148520Routine
1993139560Routine
1992136470Routine
1991 — this page193880Routine
1990103600Routine

Compare every Cutlass year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.