Most common 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Share of the 80 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 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass owners say
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The contact stated that while attempting to start the engine, the vehicle would not start and a burning odor was present inside the vehicle. The driver then noticed smoke emitting from the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The instrument panel intermitently failed to show any check/warning indicator light when the ignition key was inserted at the off and on position. The ignition also failed to start the engine even with the presence of clicking noise. If the ignition was successful, the engine could suddenly die unexpectantly while running in the garage or on the highway -- without showing any instrumental failure indicator signs in either case. The processes repeatedly occurred unpreditably during the past few days but the dealer could not duplicate similar failures as reported while the vehicle was in the shop for checking-up.
Brakes
While driving ABS warning alarm chime came on, and the warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Also, brake pads and rotors were continuously replaced because of excessive wear. This was as a result of ABS module sensor failure.
Ongoing problem with brakes locking up from the rear wheels. This happened on two occasions; once while applying brakes in a sudden/emergency situation, and another time while applying brakes in a normal situation. Also, brake pedal went to the floor while applying brake to slow vehicle down for appraoching oncoming stopping vehicle. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and problem is still occurring. Feel free to provide further details.
Wheels & tires
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway and vehicle was vibrating. She was able to pull over to the shoulder, and noticed that right rear tire tread separated from rim. Firestone affinity t2 26695gxbm10757-3, there were no injuries. Dot#w2mwaaa318 size p21560r15.
Orginal manufacturing equipment purchased on a Oldsmobile, Cutlass, 1999. Tire size unknown. Tire mileage 2,040. While driving 35 MPH tread on left front tire separated.no injuries or collision. Consumer states she stopped for a red light and when she started to move forward she heard a flapping noise, the vehicle started to pull to the left, consumer pulled over and found the tread was completely off the tire, Firestone, p215/60r15.
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass a good car?
Based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Cutlass rates better than average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cutlass at the same age. It is one of the best Cutlass years by this measure. 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 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The electrical system — 18 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › anti-theft › control module. Next are the brakes (18) and wheels & tires (16).
How many recalls does the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 27% 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.