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 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Since I purchased the vehicle in 1997, there have been numerous problems. The front brakes have been replaced 3 times, once while still under warranty. The air conditioning unit failed, an $800 repair. The motor on the driver side window malfunctioned, a $400 repair. Today, while driving home the battery light came on, I was within a mile of home, so I just kept going. As I was turning into my driveway, all of the controls on the dashboard failed, speed limit, gas gauge, etc. I also apparently had no lights because the car behind me almost ran into me when the turn signals didn't work.
ABS light comes on at random times, usually during a turn, but no adverse conditions occur. When diagnosed, it was stated that the speed sensor was bad. I have had both front speed sensors replaced about 3-4 times under warranty, and since the warranty has run out, I just deal with the light. I just brought it in for this problem about 6 weeks ago, and again the computer diagnostics said that it was a speed sensor. This problem has existed since I bought the car.
Driving 65 MPH w/cruise control on; vehicle started drifting left, off road, put brakes on, but to no avail; vehicle spun around & went right; hit post; air bag did not deploy; vehicle went up post then landed on roof.
Tremendous amount of brake problems, which began in June of 1998, since that time and up to the present the problems still exist, the brakes continue to make noise, repairs include rear drum replacement(6/9/98), right front hub replacement(8/4/98), front pads & rotors resurfaced(3/12/99), left front rotor replacement(6/11/99), right front caliper and flex hose replacement(7/6/99),left rotor resurfaced (7/12/99) ,calipers and rotors changed(8/23/99)front rotors resurfaced(1/18/00), brake system experincing excessive wear and noise.
ABS light has been coming on intermittently, braking distance is normal. Vehicle taken to dealer 15-20 times. Replaced brake pads/ alternator/ battery/ wiring harness, and put in sensor. Did not remedy problem, vehicle at dealer at this time. Serpentine and tensioner belt broken. Security light blinks due to bad theft lock sensor assembly . Blower speeds inoperative. A/C control inoperative. Left front seat belt buckle falls to floor. Power window inoperable due to electrical switch failure.
After driving vehicle for a month had applied brakes and a grinding noise was heard. Noise proceeded to get worse. Took vehicle back. Brake pads were changed. A month later , needed a new set of brakes. Problem happened every two weeks. Mechanic indicated no knowledge of cause of problem. Brakes kept messing up & were under warranty, but not being properly repaired.
All four brake rotors have rusty pitted surfaces. The right rear is almost totally pock marked with pits and causes the car to pulsate and shake severely when the brakes are applied. The anti-lock brake system has been repaired previously three times for faulty sensors or wiring.
The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. Also heard a grinding noise at the front end of the vehicle when applying the brakes. The anti-brake wheel sensor also failed. Vehicle been in the shop seven times in reference to the ABS brakes.
The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance and heard a "grinding noise" at the front end of the vehicle when appling the brake. (same problem with a Cutlass supreme 1996, dealer traded in for this 1997 with the same problem).
ABS light comes on very frequently when hitting a bump in the road or making a turn. Has done so since the car was purchased and has been in numerous times about problem, having several parts relating to ABS and brakes replaced.
Brake complaints in other Cutlass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 26% of the model year's 96 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, though it has 2 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 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 137,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.