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 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A week after I bought the car used in October 2002 there was noise from front left end of vehicle....there is another noise that comes from the steering when turning the wheels trying to park the car.....I took the car back to the dealer and they said they don't hear anything...also I had the car checked out the same day for the brakes...there was a squealing noise on the front left side and the car wouldn't brake properly...the dealer replaced the left brake pad..I haven't had any trouble with the brakes since...three weeks later I took the car back to the dealer for the steering noises and they said it would be costly for the labor to find out the problem and that it May not be covered by warranty...they said since it's only minor and is not causing any problems it would probably be better to keep driving it until something went wrong to where they would know where the problem was …
I had the car into the dealer three times prior to the warranty expiration with complaints about the brakes. My concern was that the brake light (ABS) kept coming on and off. Finally, the end of August they agreed to replace the rotors if I paid to replace the brake pads. This was done. The next week, I was driving down the highway and the brake light came on again. I immediately picked up the cell phone and called the dealer. I was told that it was probably a computer glitch and to bring it in at my convenience. I scheduled it to go in on Friday, three days later. On Wednesday night, I was driving, came to a stop sign and had no brakes. A tree stopped me! The dealership and Oldsmobile would accept no responsibility, so I paid for the repairs myself. Today, after I have had it on the road again for about three months, the ABS light came on as soon as I started the car. …
The ABS light came on intermittently. This problem occurred before the warranty expired. The consumer was told that the problem could not be diagnosed unless the light was on. The consumer is concerned that the brake will not work when attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the consumer that they would have to pay for the repairs because the vehicle was no longer under warranty.
98 olds Cutlass. Rear brake lines rusted through in vicinity of lr wheel . Resulted in sudden total loss of braking due to loss of all brake fluid. No separate reservoir for front brake fluid. Heard of similar event with same model style Chevy malibu. No year known.
The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The front disc/rear drums were replaced however the brake pedal still felt spongy and continued to go to the floor.
We reported the problem as a loud pop when turning and striking a bump in the road. After three trips to the dealer and being told there was nothing wrong, they finally examined the rack and pinion and found a broken weld on the rack assembly. There is still some unusual noises in the front end but the dealor tells us everything is normal. At 8,000 miles the left front rotor was examined, and found to have deep scores in it while the right one was smooth. After three days in the shop, and there telling me this was normal wear they finally turned the rotors (not replacing them) this eleminated some noise and surging when stopping, but something is still not right. There is a ticking noise like when there is a rock in one of your tires, as well as unexplained poping when crossing rr tracks etc.
Suspension making a squeaking loud sueaking noise from left fron end. (lower control arms replaced. ** vehicle front end suspension continues to have problems). Steering problem generated noises from left front end which I mistook for suspension failure. (tape kit added to front stabilizer bar). Brakes noises during the act of braking. (calibers grabbing pad making a clacking sound-stop squeal added to back of pads ** brakes continue to make noises). Left and right hub cap assemply both failed-currently part on order for righ hub cap assembly). ** vehicle front suspension rough and unrealiable causing continues problems with vehicle.
I have e-mailed Oldsmobile and they have referred me back to burne Oldsmobile. It is a government owned vehicle that is used as an enforcement vehicle. The brakes have been replaced two times, the calipers once and now they are failing again. Our group has a second Oldsmobile Cutlass that is experiencing the same problems with brake failure. There are no current recalls. The vehicle is covered until 36,000 miles, however; the more important issue is the constant wearing out of the front brakes as well as the calipers. Please advise me of any corrective actions that can be taken.
Extreme pulsation when braking - steering wheel and brake pedal are difficult to control. The dealer has tried replacing the brake pads, turning the rotors, and replacing the rotors and nothing has worked. After each of the 5 times we have this car serviced, the pulsation returns after 3,000 to 4,000 miles. We are entering arbitration proceedings with Oldsmobile to demand a buy-back.
A/C turned off on its own. Consumer has come close to having an accident, trying to push buttons to turn it back on. Consumer felt this was unsafe. Consumer noticed steam, pulled over ,and it was gushing coolant out. Took to dealer , and they said water pump went out, and thermostat failed. Consumer felt lucky this didn't cause a fire. Also, ABS flashed on and off sometimes.
Brake complaints in other Cutlass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 26% of the model year's 155 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 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 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.