41 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.
Most common 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
34 of the 155 complaints (22%) are about the brakes.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes
12
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
10
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes
8
0
0
0
Steering › Rack and Pinion
7
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
6
4
0
2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine
5
0
0
0
Suspension
4
0
0
0
Steering
4
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes
4
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
4
0
0
0
3 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.
Filed Dec 11, 2003750,283 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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 BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Filed Mar 8, 2001129,427 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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 DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Risk. REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 22, 201493,500 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,500.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2014117,000 milesID
GENERAL MOTORS RECENTLY RECALLED THE 1997-2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I OWN THE SISTER VEHICLE WHICH IS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THIS VEHICLE IS THE IDENTICAL LAYOUT OF THE CHEVROLET MALIBU WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED. I SENT A COUPLE OF E-MAIL MESSAGES TO THE GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND JUST RECEIVED A PHONE CALL EXPLAINING TO ME THAT AT THIS TIME THEY HAD NO INTENTION OF DOING A RECALL ON THE OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY IGNITION SWITCH AS OF YET, I DEEM IT A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH GM SHOULD FIX. I DO NOT KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR ISSUES AS MINE, BUT I WANTED TO INFORM YOU OF MY CONCERNS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROPER FORUM FOR THIS, SO IF NOT, PLEASE FORWARD MY CONCERNS TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 201470,000 milesIA
HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH JUST SHUT OFF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN GM'S RECENT RECALL ON IGNITION SWITCHES ON NEWER CARS. LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE I HAVE OWNED IT FOR THE LAST 10 OR SO YEARS. WHEN IT HAPPENS I JUST QUICKLY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A 1998 OLDS CUTLASS. IT IS APPARENT THAT GM'S PROBLEM WITH THEIR IGNITION SWITCH GOES BACK A LOT FARTHER THAN THEY CARE TO ADMIT. *TR
Steering
Filed Aug 28, 2013141,000 milesIA
FRAME, WHERE STEERING RACK BOLTS TO, RUSTED OUT. STEERING RACK BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION. FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY HIGH COST. *TT
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 2, 2010120,000 milesPA
98 OLDS CUTLASS. REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH IN VICINITY OF LR WHEEL . RESULTED IN SUDDEN TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING DUE TO LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID. NO SEPARATE RESERVOIR FOR FRONT BRAKE FLUID. HEARD OF SIMILAR EVENT WITH SAME MODEL STYLE CHEVY MALIBU. NO YEAR KNOWN. *TR
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 200966,051 milesAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TIGHTEN WHEN MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER PERTAINING TO THE STEERING RACK AND PINION, WHICH STATED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THIS IS WHERE THE RETAINER TABS WERE LOCATED. THE FAILURE COULD ALLOW THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT NO CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CONTINUOUS BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,051 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 125,096.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 2008NM
I WORK FOR A IGNITION INTERLOCK COMPANY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES ENTER THE SERVICE CENTER WITH PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE KEY HAS TO BE SHAKEN SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET THE KEY TO TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THESE IGNITIONS ARE MOUNTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE NOTICED IT ON ALMOST EVERY VEHICLE THAT HAS THE IGNITION MOUNTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN NOT ON THE COLUMN. THAT IS AN OLDSMOBILE. I OWN THE 1998 OLDMOBILE CUTLASS. WAS THERE EVER A RECALL AS DEFECT OF THIS IGNITION AND IS THE DEALERSHIP RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACEMENT? IF I EVER HAD AN EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START MY CAR RIGHT AWAY AS IT AT TIMES TAKES UP TO FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. *TR
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Oct 26, 2007154,000 milesIL
1) THE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL USE OF WIPERS IN HEAVY RAIN. 2) DURING NORMAL USE, THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER ARM APPEARED TO BECOME DISLODGED AND BEGAN MOVING ERRATICALLY. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE WIPER ASSEMBLY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE WIPER ARM TO THE WIPER MOTOR WAS CRACKED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE LINKAGE TO THE WIPER MOTOR. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FAILURE IS THAT NEITHER WIPER ARM OPERATES AND THIS CAUSES HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS BY REDUCING VISIBILITY DURING RAIN OR FROST. 3) AFTER RESEARCHING THIS APPARENT DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURERS ORIGINAL PART, I DISCOVERED AN OPEN RECALL IS ALREADY IN EFFECT FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 01V068000). THE DESCRIPTION UNDER THIS RECALL IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED AND IS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, GM-OLDSMOBILE, AND THE OPEN RECALL WAS VERIFIED, BUT I WAS TOLD MY PARTICULAR VIN# WAS NOT ON THEIR LIST. I WAS TOLD THAT IF GM HAPPENS TO ADD OTHER VEHICLES FROM THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL TO THE LIST THEN I WOULD BE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPAIRS WOULD BE OFFERED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2007130,000 milesLA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OR GREATER THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control ModuleCrash
Filed Jun 29, 2007WI
ON 1/07 HAD LOW SPEED SLIDE ON ICY ROAD , CAUSING IMPACT WITH SMALL TREE, AND RESULTING IN MINOR CRACKS IN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER CAP, AND SUBSEQUENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. NOW, HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION REGARDING DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS WHICH INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED IN MINOR CRASH CONDITIONS. DEPLOYMENT HAS TOTALED VEHICLE WITH ONLY MINOR DAMAGE. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 6, 200790,000 milesWI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO START AND EVENTUALLY WOULD NOT START AT ALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS NEEDING A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MADE THE REPAIR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEGUN TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING ANOTHER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN, POWERTRAIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 140,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 07/10/07 *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 18, 200755,000 milesIA
I HAVE A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS WITH 55,000 MILES--THE CAR HAS A 3.1 LITER V6 WITH A BLOWN INTAKE GASKET-- IT COST ME $550 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. PER 3 MECHANICS --"ALL"L 3.1 INTAKE GASKETS GO OUT AT AROUND 50,00 MILES I FEEL THE GM SHOULD PAY FOR DEFECTS THAT EFFECTS ALL 3.1S I'VE HAD 40+ CARS IN MY LIFE AND NEVER EVER HAD AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GO OUT ON ANY OF THEM---------TO ME THAT'S A MFG DEFECT!!! *JB
Structure › Body
Filed May 31, 2006MI
I SUBMITTED MY COMPLAINT TO GM AND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MICHIGAN. MY COMPLAINT STEMS FROM PROBLEMS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OVER THE LAST 3-4 YEARS WITH MY 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS RELATED TO RUST ON AND AROUND THE GAS FILLER PIPE AND DOOR. I HAVE A CONTINUOUS WARNING LIGHT (CHECK ENGINE) ON MY DASHBOARD THAT ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL MAY IMPACT THE EMISSION CONTROLS IN MY ENGINE. THIS WARNING LIGHT APPEARS TO BE DUE TO THE POOR FIT OF THE GAS CAP ON THE FILLER PIPE DUE TO RUST. CAP REPLACEMENT HAS NOT HELPED. THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST THAT HAS DEVELOPED SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER PIPE DOOR ON THE RIGHT REAR BODY PANEL. I SPOKE WITH A BODY SHOP AND THEY MENTIONED THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE WITH SIMILAR DAMAGE AND WAS DUE TO THE INSULATION COLLECTING MOISTURE UNDER THE BODY PANEL AND RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE BACK SIDE. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN TWO OTHER SAME MAKE/MODEL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. GM RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINT STATING THE RUST-THROUGH PROTECTION ON MY VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED AND THERE ARE NO CURRENTLY NO RECALLS ISSUED. MY CONTENTION IS THIS ISSUE IS NOT ISOLATED TO MY VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE AND AGE AND PRESENTS NOT ONLY UNSIGHTLY DAMAGE AND COST TO REPAIR, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER PIPE. *NM
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Mar 24, 2006IL
THEFT-LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES FOR SYSTEM TO RESET BEFORE STARTING CAR. HAD KEY-LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED TWICE, FOR A TOTAL OF OVER $1400 IN REPAIRS. NOW THE LIGHT IS ON SEEMINGLY PERMANENTLY. ALWAYS WONDER IF IT WILL START OR NOT. CAN'T GET ANYONE BESIDES A DEALER TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. THE DEALER HAS ENOUGH OF MY MONEY FOR NOW...I HAVE TO DEAL WITH BEING INCONVENIENCED REGULARLY BY THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Steering
Filed Mar 18, 2006122,083 milesNY
TOTAL FAILURE OF STEERING SYSTEM. MECHANICAL LOCK UP. STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED BY HAND. PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED CLOSE TO HOME. THE STEERING RACK BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. GM COMPLAINT # 1-399 751 487 MARCH 18,2006. *JB
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Oct 7, 2005145,000 milesVA
BOTH REAR SEAT BELT SHOULDER BUCKLE LATCHES BROKE IN MY CAR. THE PLASTIC PIECE BROKE OFF AND THEIR IS NO WAY TO KEEP A CAR SEAT PROPERLY SECURED WITHOUT REPLACING THEM. CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE DEATH TO ANYONE IN THE CAR SEAT IF THERE WAS A CRASH. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND OVER 250 DOLLARS FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO GET THIS FIXED. *NM
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 4, 200536,000 milesCT
TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MIN. OR SO, IF ONE STOPS THE VEHICLE SHIFT TO PARK THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE RIGHT AWAY. ONE CAN HEAR THE ENGINE ACCELERATE, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE SLOWLY UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGES, SOMETIMES IN A ABRUPTLY MANNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN MY VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I GOT IT. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I CONTACTED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY (GMC) THEY SUGGESTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP, WHICH I DID AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EITHER. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHOW THE SAME PROBLEM. II HAVE CONTACTED OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL AND TYPE OF VEHICLES AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM(S), IN OTHER CASE THE TRANSMISSION HAS SIMPLY GONE BAD. *JB
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Aug 25, 2005163,586 milesVA
RECALL ON 1998 OLDS CUTLASS- I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF SUCH RECALL ON STEERING: RACK AND PINION. I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS REPAIR AND AM GETTING A RUN AROUND FROM OLDSMOBILE. MY CAR IS BEING SERVICED AT A NON-GM FACILITY. OLDSMOBILE IS VERY INCONSISTANT AND UNRELIABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM VEHICLE, AND RECOMMEND THAT MY FRIENDS/FAMILY NOT BUY ONE EITHER. GM IS NOT CUSTOMER ORIENTED AND THIS IS VERY DISSAPPOINTING.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 29, 200576,000 milesAL
DT: CALLER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN HE STARTED TO TAKE OFF. HE HIT A DIP AND BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOT RECALL, BUT CALLER SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Jul 26, 200515,000 milesAL
RECALL CAMPAIGN#01V068000 WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BREAKAGE WILL NOT COVER MY BREAKAGE BECAUSE I AM IN A SOUTHERN STATE, MY VIN IS NOT ON THEIR RACALL LIST.
Equipment
Filed Jul 8, 200569,000 milesMS
AIR CONDITIONING CUTS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. LEATHER UPHOLSTERY HAS PREMATURELY WORN.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 27, 200540,000 milesTN
MY COOLENT IS LEAKING. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPLACED TWICE AND IT I STILL HAVE LEAK. I WAS TOLD BY THE GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO EXPECT TO REPLACE MY HEAD GASKIT EVERY 20-40,000 MILES. THERE IS A DEFECT. ALSO MY AC KEEPS SHUTTING OFF. MY POWER WINDOW ARE GETTING STUCK WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR. I AM THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines
Filed Mar 13, 2005KY
I CURRENTLY HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH MY 1998 OLDS CUTLASS GL. MY POWER STEERING IS STIFF AND MAKES A "WAILING" NOISE. MY COOLENT SYSTEM HAS A LEAK. MY HEAT AND AIR HAVE COMPLETEY STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS (IN THE PAST THAT HAVE BEEN REPAIRED_ WITH MY POWER WINDOW LOCKING UP (DRIVERS SIDE). THE SOUND SYSTEM SHORTED OUT. THE CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING. I HAVE REPLACED MY WIPER BLADES SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY STILL DO NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY. ONE TIME WHEN MY TEENS WERE USING MY CAR, THEY WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD...NOT ONLY WERE THEY TERRIFIED, IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THEM TO BE IN.*AK
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Oct 12, 2004MI
PERIODICALLY MY THEFT LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON, WHICH PREVENTS ME FROM STARTING MY VEHICLE UNTIL THE LIGHT STOPS FLASHING. THIS TAKES 15 MIN. AND IS VERY INCONVENIENT. IT HAPPENS UP TO FOUR TIMES OR MORE A MONTH!! *NM
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Aug 16, 2004IL
AFTER THE NEW LOWER BEARINGS WERE REPLACED THE GEAR ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE GEAR ASSEMBLY AS INDICATED IN THE STEERING GEAR BEARING RECALL 03V527000. *JB
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jul 14, 200420,000 milesVA
INTERMITTENTLY THERE IS VIBRATION AND GRINDING SOUND IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT. CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD HAD FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS SINCE 1999.*AK
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 12, 2004OH
DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO COMPLY WITH STEERING BEARING RECALL 03V527000. THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING, BUT THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Jun 4, 2004MN
WHILE DRIVING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE FLASHER UNIT UNDER THE DASH WOULD CLICK EVEN WHEN THE FLASHER WASN'T TURNED ON. WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED OFF, THE CLICKING WOULD CONTINUE UNDER THE DASH, SOMETIMES AT A RAPID SPEED AND SOMETIMES AT A SLOWER RATE). THE GARAGE STATED THAT THE SIGNAL SWITCH SEEPS POWER TO THE FLASHER. *SC *JB
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed May 30, 200499,000 milesOH
VEHICLE HAS AROUND 98000 MILES "LIGHT" WENT OUT ON A MONDAY MORNING TO GO TO WORK AND FOUND THE DIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS ALL THE WAY UP INTO THE WHEEL HUB. AFTER JACKING THE CAR UP I WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT THE SPRING HAD SNAPPED. IMMEDIATELY I HAD IT TOWED TO A GM DEALER FOR REPAIR. CONTACTED GM AND DEALER, BOTH SAID THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR??? MY CONCERN WAS THAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND MORE THEN LIKELY CAUSED A SERIOUS CRASH. I HAVE THE OLD PART AND WAS TOLD THE SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND DID NOT NEED REPLACED. BUT I QUESTION THAT.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 30, 200471,000 milesNC
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON A DOWN POUR, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE WIPERS BEGAN TO WORK OUT OF SYNCH AND ENDED CROSSED UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. HAD TO REPLACE THE WIPER TRANSMISSION. NO RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED. *LA
Steering › Column Locking › Anti-theft Device
Filed Apr 29, 2004NV
STEERING WHEEL UNEXPECTEDLY LOCKED. CONSUMER STATED STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT. *AK POWER STEERING PUMP, PULLEY AND PRESSURE HOSE WERE REPLACED. ALSO, NOISE ON FRONT END OF VEHICLE, DEALER REPLACED BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARM AND PERFORMED ALIGNMENT. *LA
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 21, 200460,000 milesMI
VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING ANTI FREEZE EXCESSIVELY. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE LOWER GASKET IN THE ENGINE LEAKING ANTI FREEZE. THE ANTI FREEZE WAS GOING INTO THE ENGINE AND MIXING WITH THE OIL. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Apr 16, 2004NJ
VEHICLE OVERHEATED, AND ENGINE LEAKED COOLANT. HEAT INCREASED IN FRONT ON THE FLOOR AND THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE OR DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Apr 8, 200475,800 milesPA
MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS HAS HAD SEVERAL HEATING/COOLING PROBLEMS AS WELL AS BRAKE PROBLEMS. MY CAR CONSISTENTLY NEEDS BRAKES SOONER THAN MOST CARS SHOULD AND THE CAR HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND HEATING AND COOLING PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE SPENT OVER $2000.00 TO FIX. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT REPORTING DEFECTS WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR HAS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS THAT A HIGH MILEAGE CAR SHOULD HAVE. *AK
Steering
Filed Mar 29, 200426,000 milesDC
WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD FOR CONSUMER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT/RIGHT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Feb 25, 2004UT
RECALL 03V527000 SUBJECT:STEERING GEAR BEARINGS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE MACHINE INSTALLING THE NEW PARTS BROKE, AND RECALL REPAIRS COULD NOT BE DONE UNTIL THE MACHINE WAS FIXED. *AK
Suspension
Filed Feb 19, 200439,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WOULD HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC HAD NOT YET RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.*AK *MR
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 23, 200471,000 milesOH
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. *AK *SC *JB
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jan 22, 2004TX
WHILE DRIVING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200441,901 milesTX
IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED ENGINE OR ENGINE ASSEMBLED WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILS ALLOWING WATER TO MIX WITH OIL AND/OR FUEL, IF LEFT UNCORRECTED THIS CONDITION WILL DESTROY THE ENGINE. SYMPTOMS SEEN AS EARLY AS 36,000 MILES WITH THE VEHICLE BEING FOUR YEARS OLD. HAD REPAIRED IN MY CUTLASS ON DEC. 27, 2002 FOR $606.06 BY CHUCK NASH CHEVY/OLDS/BUICK/JEEP/EAGLE, SAN MARCOS, TX 41901 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT THAT TIME THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. GOOD LUCK. MARK C. ERICKSON DIRECTOR OF RECORDING ARTS
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 12, 200440,000 milesTN
INTAKE GASKET KEEPS BREAKING EVERY 40,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED TWICE (ONCE AT 40,000 AND THE SECOND TIME AT 80,000 MILES) AND HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WILL NEED IT REPLACED AGAIN AT ANOTHER 40,000 MILES. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT IS A DEFECT WITH OLDSMOBILE. *LA
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jan 12, 200440,000 milesNJ
1998 OLDS CUTLASS LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WENT BAD. O-RINGS WENT BAD ON FUEL INJECTORS AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. 40,000 MILES. MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM IS FAIRLY COMMON ON THE CHEVY LUMINA AND MALIBU. THE MECHANICS AT DEALER TOLD ME AND PARTS MGR. SAID TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS IN CASE OF RECALL. $888. FOR MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACEMENT. *LA
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 23, 2003112,000 milesNH
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE ON MY 1998 OLDS CUTLASS RESULTED IN TOTAL DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A VERY WIDESPREAD COMPLAINT, THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AT GM'S EXPENSE. THIS CONDITION WAS DISCOVERED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT BY MASTER GUARD. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED THE DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD BY MASTER GUARD THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED, ALTHOUGH MY PLATINUM COVERAGE SPECIFICALLY SAID IT WAS.
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Dec 22, 200346,484 milesGA
VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH. AS A RESULT, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED RACK AND PINION. *AK *MR
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Nov 27, 2003118,000 milesGA
STEERING MAKING NOISE AFTER BOTH POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING RACK BEGAN LEAKING FLUID. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP (4 TIMES) AND POWER STEERING RACK (4 TIMES), BUT GRINDING NOISE PERSISTS. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY ACCOMMODATING AND HAS ASSIGNED THREE DIFFERENT TECHNICIANS IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED IF THE PROBLEM CAN EVER BE FIXED. *LA
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2003MI
WHILE DRIVING ENGINES HEAD GASKET FAILED AND AS A RWSULT THE DRIVER HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 12, 200320,000 milesWI
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED UNLESS THE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKE WILL NOT WORK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *AK *TS *NLM
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Sep 9, 200345,000 milesMA
ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER DISABLES THE IGNITION PERIODICALLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SYSTEM RESETS AND ALLOWS THE CAR TO START. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 28, 2003GA
THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHICH CAME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AREA WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE NEW BRAKE SHOES AND PADS EVERY 6-8 MONTHS. *AK *CB *NLM
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jun 12, 200315,000 milesNY
STEERING FEELS STRANGE WHEEL HAS A TUG TO IT WHEN MAKING TURNS.. LEFT TURNS REQUIRE MORE STEERING EFFORT THAN RIGHT TURNS ALSO STEERING WHEEL SQUEAKS WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.. CAR HAS JUST 25,000 MILES ON IT, AFRAID THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RACK AND PINION. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 155, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.