Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
General motors recently recalled the 1997-2005 Chevrolet malibu for the ignition switch problem. I own the sister vehicle which is a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. This vehicle is the identical layout of the Chevrolet malibu which has been recalled. I sent a couple of e-mail messages to the GM customer assistance center and just received a phone call explaining to me that at this time they had no intention of doing a recall on the Oldsmobile Cutlass for the ignition switch. Even though I have not encountered a problem with my ignition switch as of yet, I deem it a safety issue which GM should fix. I do not know if anyone else has complained of similar issues as mine, but I wanted to inform you of my concerns. I do not know if this is the proper forum for this, so if not, please forward my concerns to the proper authorities. Thank you
Have had ignition switch just shut off driving down the road. Exactly as described in GM's recent recall on ignition switches on newer cars. Loses all electrical power and engine shuts off. Has happened numerous times while I have owned it for the last 10 or so years. When it happens I just quickly put it in neutral and restart immediately. This is a 1998 olds Cutlass. It is apparent that GM's problem with their ignition switch goes back a lot farther than they care to admit.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of the highway. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000. Updated 01/20/16
I own a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass and I have been having problems with the passlock anti-theft system on this vehicle for some time. Sometimes when I try and start this vehicle, the theft system light starts to blink on and off. When this happens, the vehicle can not be started for at least 10 minutes. This is very frustrating as it usually happens at the worst of times, like in the cold winter weather, at a gas station, or in a loading/unloading zone at a hotel. Sometimes the theft system light will come on while driving and then I wonder if the car will start when I am ready to leave again. I have read many stories about similar problems that other GM owners have on their vehicles, so I know that this is not a random problem that affects only some people. This is a problem that needs to be addressed by GM. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH the smell of smoke could be detected. The vehicle was pulled off the side of the road. Within a few minutes the smoke went away and the vehicle was restarted. A few moments later the vehicle was on fire under the hood. Smoke filled the vehicle, the doors would not unlock, and the windows would not roll down. The occupant climbed to the back seat and tried to kick the windows out. Someone saw the vehicle on fire and extinguished the fire. Injuries were sustained, the vehicle was totaled. The vehicle has not been inspected. The manufacturer has not been contacted, updated 05/30/06.
Hi, I filed my complaint with you on the phone in January. Anyway, I tried to start my car and it would not start, my security light stayed on and I had to have my car towed to berger Chevrolet at 2525 28th street s.e. Grand rapids, mi 49512 [phone]. I talked to the service advisor 4102. My vehicle was with berger Chevy from January 02 to January 05,2015. My invoice states my ignition lock cylinder and two keys were replaced. I would like to be reimbursed for $723.56. Please help
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (18), 1999 (18), 1998 (16), 1996 (15) and 1997 (15) model years. Electrical complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Cutlass electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 19% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (13 mentions), followed by the ignition › anti-theft › control module (11).
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.