Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 43 | −30% | 1 | Steering | Average |
| 1996 | 47 | −21% | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 1995 | 77 | 1.7× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Cutlass Supreme year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems
Latest Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme recalls
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Corrosion of the air bag inflator's internal wiring, which can occur over time, could cause the inadvertent deployment of the driver's air bag. This deployment could occur during vehicle start-up, while the vehicle is parked or idling, or while in operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflators on these air bags.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme should you avoid?
1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Cutlass Supreme years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme?
1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cutlass Supreme years at the same age, followed by 1996. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (47), brakes (42) and steering (21). Airbag complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme had?
2 recalls across 1995–1997. The model year with the most is 1996.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.