Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My main complaint relates to the disc brakes, rotors, and caliper assemblies on my vehicle. I have owned my vehicle since 1996 and on several occasions have had to replace the brake pads, rotors and more recently the calipers due to them freezing up. Since I have purchased the car I have had at least two instances probably three where I changed my brake pads prematurely because of uneven wear. The caliper was not properly releasing and it was causing one pad usually the inside pad (the one without) the metal strip to wear down. In the first two cases I had to replace the brake pads, and the font rotors. More recently it happened again in the front so I had to replace the front rotors and brake pads prematurely (only a year or less since my last brake pad change). …
I have had several electrical problems with this vehicle. The ABS sensor has been replaced, fuses are continuosly blowing, several electrical wires have been replaced in the shift column, the turn signal switch had to be replaced because it was corroded, the battery has been replaced 4 times. Also the low coolant light flashes intermitently even though the radiator and tank are full. He ABS light has been on for at least a year and the mechanic is unable to find the cause. Brakes are in working order and all sensors are good. Now I am having difficulty starting on hot days, the starter clicks but the engine will not start, after several tries it will then start( about 5 tries), and today I seem to be having problems with the transmission. While entering an intersection from a stop sign I lost power. The engine was running at a top of 2rpm's and could not get over 10 miles per hour. …
As I reported to NHTSA on 22 jan.,'98, the ABS is defective at slow very slipery conditions. Apparently this is well recognized as the new Cadillac 2000 advertises a "new side slip rate control that applies both front brakes to slow things down" this would have prevented my rolling thru an intersection with both this car and a similar experience with my ABS equipped 1988 Cadillac deville. Both of these cars and all the other ABS equipped GM cars are just waiting for slippery road accidents due to a total lack of any ability to stop these cars.lots of brake pedal just no wheel braking. The new cadiillac addresses the problem but I want my cars fixed also.
I have been told by two reputable repair facilities that the rotors show signs of defects, with metal chips inside, affecting my braking and a danger to my self, any passengers and any one else on the road! I was also told by someone at olds that there was a recall for such a problem on model years 1994, 1996 & 1997, why not 1995??? I have contacted Oldsmobile and they said my car was no longer under warranty, which I knew and since July 17th I have had no further word from them regarding this safety issue I believe they need to fix asap.
Brakes are unreliable. Pads have replaced three times and rear rotors twice. Front rotors will need to be replaced within 3000 miles. Service tech indicates design problems related to brake system. Also, timing belt failure unusual at mileage.manufacturer contacted, and helped without warranty repairs. Also, alternator failure unusual at mileage/repair time twice usual due to location of alternator and design of engine.
Front brakes were wearing on the rotors & pads. Was no prior warning. First time happend on 3/13/98/16,000miles. 2nd time was getting a rambling noise when brakes were applied. On 12/14/99/ 28,000 miles., vehicle was in dealer's for service & mechanic noticed problem with brakes rotors. Mechanic resurfaced rotors & changed pads first time. 2nd time replaced the pads & one rotor & resurfaced the other rotors.
Original tires on 1995 Oldsmobile, Cutlass, [VIN]. There was very hard vibration while driving and tires were starting to wear out. Dot # for Firestone tires is hyj774a. The consumer also had brakes replaced due to vehicle vibration, however after replacement the vehicle continued to vibrate.
Premature rear brake failure seems common for this and the comparable body styles of GM. GM service managers say this is a common problem. Acquired car with 34K, failure occurred at 60K again at 100K and again at 120K. GM doesn't seem to care because they claim it is normal for the particular car.
While pulling out of driveway onto the highway, right there in the middle of the highway the ABS brakes locked and the brake light came on. Then after giving the auto some gas, the anti-lock brake lights came on. There were both warning lights on at once.
Reporting problem with front rotors. Consumer needs to provide further information on this matter. Rotors were corroded and pitted. Battery failed. Customer states that the manufacturer settled class action law suit over brakes problems.
Brake complaints in other Cutlass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 24% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.