Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Consumer was informed there was an additional recall campaign 00V171000 interior system: passive restraint air bag frontal. However, recall repairs were not performed due to lack of parts. Consumer has yet to be contacted.
Recall notice no.00v171oo was sent the the consumer regarding unexpected air bag deployment, however the repair is not available at this time, consumer is not satisfied and would like a disconnected air bag during the interum period.
Prior to recall 00V171000 the defective airbag module replacement part required 2 trips to the dealer. One to order the part and the second one 2 weeks later to replace the defective module for 30 minutes.
Consumer received recall 00V171000 concerning inadvertent air bag deployment. Contacted dealer, who emphasized that there were no parts available to remedy problem. Please give any further details.
Consumer received the manufacturer's recall regarding the air bags, the consumer would like to also get an on/off switch because of her height and how close she has to sit to the steering wheel.
Driving down the highway and went to turn the corner at a green light and the steering wheel was hard to turn I almost hit another car. The air bags light has been staying on since 2009.
While traveling at 60 MPH consumer lost control of vehicle, causing vehicle to impact wall at the rate of speed 40-50 MPH, and air bags did not deploy. Please provide further information.
While driving at 35 MPH consumer t-boned another vehicle and none of the air bags deployed. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find cause of problem.
Airbag complaints in other Cutlass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 18% of the model year's 123 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to air bags 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.