Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 80 | −43% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 1998 | 155 | 1.5× | 2 | Brake | Caution |
| 1997 | 96 | −33% | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 1996 | 123 | typical | — | Airbag | Average |
| 1995 | 156 | 1.5× | 3 | Brake | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Cutlass year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Latest Oldsmobile Cutlass 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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
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,…
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…
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass should you avoid?
1998 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Cutlass years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Oldsmobile Cutlass?
1999 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cutlass years at the same age, followed by 1997. 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 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (141), engine & cooling (86) and electrical system (82). Brake complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Oldsmobile Cutlass had?
5 recalls across 1995–1999. The model year with the most is 1995. See all Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls by year.
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.