Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 1999 olds Cutlass, had a leaking manifold intake gasket, which almost caused an accident in the liberty tunnel in pgh, due to overheating. There was no place to pull over. Several mechanics told me this is such a common problem with this GM engine, it should be under recall. Fortunately, I managed to get out of the tunnel and over the bridge before it caught fire, smoke was pouring out from under the hood. I had the problem fixed at my own expense of over $363.
Engine overheating -- coolant leaking into engine. Intake mainfold gasket showed signs of failing at around 57,000 miles failed completely at 59,000 miles. Did some research on internet and found dozens of reports of similar problems with the 3.1 liter v-6 engine in this and similar GM models. Contacted Oldsmobile customer service and was able to negotiate a 50/50 on the cost of repair.
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 …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to start and eventually would not start at all. The check engine light illuminated. The local mechanic diagnosed the failure as needing a new intake manifold and made the repair. The check engine light has begun to illuminate and the vehicle continues to experience difficulty starting. The local mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as needing another intake manifold. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN, powertrain, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage is 140,000 and failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 07/10/07
Intake manifold gasket failed twice. First repaired at monroe service on 11-18-2005 at 76655 miles the cost was $731.16. Second repair was at Goodyear gemini on 12-21-2006 at 82274miles. The cost was $642.40. Both facilities were ase certified. I have been an assistant store manager in the past for both procare and Goodyear, and rarely saw a failure of an intake manifold gasket, except in early foriegn engines with aluminum blocks or aluminum heads or both. I just had a front brake overhaul at midas, and the tech nician asked if I had had any problems with theintake manifold gasket, which set me off on this search. I talked to the managers at both monroe and Goodyear ,and both said they have had many problems with these gaskets that they have had to repair. Did a google search and found many complaints about it, and saw that a class action lawsuit out of Canada was being filed. …
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.
Was driving the car noticed it was not warming up checked anti freeze and noticed it was low in radiator and in overflow container. Added anti freeze looked to see if had been leaking at hoses or was after adding anti freeze and it did not appear to have been leaking at any hoses or from radiator. Started car did not run right shut engine off pulled dipstick and found oil to be discolored. Called around and found that this year engine made by general motors is known to blow the intake manifold gaskets and that this exact car had already been repaired for this same problem prior to my purchasing this car 2 years ago. Old engine is available. Have estimated mileage until it is towed back home. This car was originally owned by my aunt and uncle was sold to my mom joan roodbergen she never drove it and I purchased it from them in October of 2002. …
I was driving across town when I noticed my engine was overheating. I was right down the street from my mechanic, so I stopped there. What was left of my coolant emptied out onto the ground as a I watched. My coolant intake gaskethad given out. The repair guy told me after he fixed it that it had virtually disappeared at some places. He also called me at some point to inform me that my fuel line had given out and was leaking. Thankfully the shop was able to fix everything quickly, as I use my car for commuting to college and work.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (32), 1996 (16), 1997 (15), 1999 (14) and 1995 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Cutlass engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (24 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (23).
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.