Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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. …
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (41), 1995 (37), 1997 (25), 1996 (20) and 1999 (18) model years. Brake complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Oldsmobile Cutlass model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (56 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (42).
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.