Most common 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Share of the 123 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints by model year
Best Cutlass years: 1999, 1997. Years to avoid: 1998, 1995. Compare all years →
What 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners say
Air bags all 22 →
While driving at 35 MPH, consumer t-boned another vehicle and driver's side seat belt did not retract and hold consumer in place like it should have done. Contacted dealer. Consumer states that air bag did not deploy, one person was injured in accident.
Consumer received notice for recall 00V171000, and has been informed for eleven (11) months that part was unavailable. Consumer stated that other vehicles have been repaired under this recall. However, when he arrived for a scheduled appointment part was no longer available. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Brakes all 20 →
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 MPH in dry road conditions, the ABS light illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and stopping distance was increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who performed a diagnostic, but could not determine the problem. The brake pads were replaced, but the problem recurred 5 months later while traveling 30 MPH. The dealership was contacted, but never returned a call. The contact expressed concern that the ABS system was defective, and could a pose serious risk if the problem recurred in heavy traffic.
The ABS check light remained on, which the owner's manual indicated that the brakes May not operate properly. Consumer contacted manufacturer. The brake lights failed and a wire within the steering column broke.
Engine & cooling
Was driving the car noticed it was not warming up checked anti freeze and noticed it was low in radiator and in overflow container. Added anti freeze looked to see if had been leaking at hoses or was after adding anti freeze and it did not appear to have been leaking at any hoses or from radiator. Started car did not run right shut engine off pulled dipstick and found oil to be discolored. Called around and found that this year engine made by general motors is known to blow the intake manifold gaskets and that this exact car had already been repaired for this same problem prior to my purchasing this car 2 years ago. Old engine is available. Have estimated mileage until it is towed back home. This car was originally owned by my aunt and uncle was sold to my mom joan roodbergen she never drove it and I purchased it from them in October of 2002. …
I was driving across town when I noticed my engine was overheating. I was right down the street from my mechanic, so I stopped there. What was left of my coolant emptied out onto the ground as a I watched. My coolant intake gaskethad given out. The repair guy told me after he fixed it that it had virtually disappeared at some places. He also called me at some point to inform me that my fuel line had given out and was leaking. Thankfully the shop was able to fix everything quickly, as I use my car for commuting to college and work.
1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass a good car?
Based on 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Cutlass rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Cutlass at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The air bags — 22 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the brakes (20) and engine & cooling (16).
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998 and 1995. See the full Oldsmobile Cutlass years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 115,000 miles; 16% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.