FaultScore report
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with NHTSA between 1997 and 2007. The largest single group is the body & structure.
25
Complaints
3
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 168,925 mi
Median failure at 65,800 miles
2 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 70,000 miles
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
STRUCTURE
STICKING THROTTLE
W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Risk: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Suspension
Vehicles located in the high corrosion provinces east of the Manitoba/Ontario border. Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the frame/cradle retainer bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both front bolts or both rear bolts pull through, the frame/cradle would not be properly supported and the intermediate steering shaft may separate from the steering gear. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers. Note: This recall superceedes TC recall 1995-010.
Suspension
On certain vehicles, cracks may develop in the wheel mounting surface, and, should the cracks become severe enough, the wheel could completely separate from the vehicle. This could adversely affect steering and braking control and result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and wheels falling within a specified date code range will be replaced.
Steering
On certain vehicles, the rear engine cradle bolts may pull through due to corrosion of the retainers. If this should occur, the cradle would no longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering shaft may separate from the steering gear. This could result in loss of steering control. Correction: Rear cradle bolts and retainers will be replaced.
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the steel wheels may develop cracks in the wheel mounting surface and, should the cracks become severe enough, the wheel could completely separate from the vehicle. This could adversely affect steering and braking control and result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Wheels will be inspected and replaced if required.
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 210 - Seatbelt Assembly Anchorages. Anchor bolt may pull through the upper anchorage plate. Correction: Nut assembly with a larger diameter flanged nut will be installed in place of the existing nut assembly.
Engine
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL (BRACKET) MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO CAUSE THE SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY TO WEAR THROUGH THE BALL AND CATCH ON OTHER COMPONENTS POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A STUCK THROTTLE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: A BUSHING KIT WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Brakes
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 105 - hydraulic brake systems. (grade holding requirements of parking brake.)
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SUSPENSION
WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE PASSING LANE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN 1996.
NHTSA complaint #10033702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
IDENTICAL FAILURE AS DESCRIBED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V189000/ CRADLE BOLTS. HOWEVER, THIS CAMPAIGN IS LIMITED TO NORTHERN TIER OF STATES "WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY." MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY OF THOSE STATES. I CONTEND THE PROBLEM TO BE MORE WIDESPREAD THAN ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED. WHAT ABOUT COASTAL STATES WITH PLENTY OF SALT AIR. WOULDN'T THEY BE SIMILARLY AFFECTED TOO? MANUFACTURER REFUSED SETTLEMENT BECAUSE TENNESSEE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF STATES FOR ACTIVE CAMPAIGN.
NHTSA complaint #753666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS "FELL OFF" THEREFOR CAUSING A FLIP OVER WHEN THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE BLEW BECAUSE THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRES, THEREFOR, EXPOSING THE THREADS.*AK (TIRESIZE: P195/R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/R14 )
NHTSA complaint #743126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH,THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE AND HAD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE THE SPEED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,800. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE CALIPER WAS NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,400.*AK THE CALIPERS WERE CORRODED. UPDATED 04/05/07.
NHTSA complaint #10184457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PAINT STARTED PEELING ON THE HOOD AFTER I WASHED MY CAR AND IT STARTED PEELING ON THE DRIVER DOOR FRAME. THE PAINT LIFTED AWAY FROM THE PRIMER COAT. TALKED TO DEALER AND THE 800 NUMBER THAT WAS GIVEN ON YOUR WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE THAT I TALKED TO SAID THAT THE CENTER OF AUTO SAFETY AND YOUR INFORMATION ON THE PEELING PAINT WOULD NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH GETTING THE CAR PAINTED. THE PAINT ON THE DOOR STARTED PEELING BEFORE AND WE TOUCHED IT UP WITH TOUCH UP PAINT. WE ALSO BOUGHT THE CAR USED.
NHTSA complaint #10070365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT PEELING IN SHEETES ON HOOD AND ROOF
NHTSA complaint #10070901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
I HAVE A 1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHICH IS HAVING A FAILURE OF THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS AND THEY STATE THAT DUE TO VEHICLE AGE IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. YET I FOUND ON A GM WEBSITE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS THIS INFORMATION. "THE HANDLE CASTINGS BREAK, FAIL, FATIGUE AND STRETCH - NO CURE OR FIX EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY. IT IS THE CASTING (NOT THE HANDLE) THAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM - THAT'S WHY YOU WON'T FIND USED ONES, THEY ARE ALL BROKE! " THIS AFFECTS ALL 1987-1996 GRAND PRIX'S, BERETTA'S AND CUTLASS SUPREME'S. SEEMS LIKE THAT COULD BE MILLIONS OF VEHICLES AND YET THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY. 1996 WAS NOT THAT LONG AGO. THEY EVEN KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND DO NOTHING. SEEMS LIKE A SCAM TO CHEAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY AS THEY COST $136 + TAX UNINSTALLED. IF THEY INSTALL IT IS $204+ TAX. TAKE THAT $204 TIMES MILLIONS OF CARS AND BAM SEVERAL MILLIONS DOLLARS ARE ROLLING IN. WHAT GOOD IS THE CAR IF YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS AND NEARLY EVERYONE OF THESE MODELS HAS AT LEAST ONE BROKEN HANDLE. I AM UNABLE TO LEAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE DUE TO WEATHER. THIS IS SOMETHING I THINK THE DEALERS SHOULD HAVE TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10038761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE PASSING LANE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN 1996.
NHTSA complaint #10033702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
INTERMITTENTLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED. CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES ROTORS, CALIPERS AND PADS. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL TO HAVE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS REPLACED. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REAR BOLTS WERE REPLACED, THE FRONT CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINER DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. THE ENGINE DROPPED AND CONSUMER LOST STEERING. CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THIS VEHICLE BUT IS REQUESTING A REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID BECAUSE THERE IS NOW A RECALL OUT ON THE ABOVE SAID DEFECT, HOWEVER THE RECALL IS FOR THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS.
NHTSA complaint #566026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
IDENTICAL FAILURE AS DESCRIBED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V189000/ CRADLE BOLTS. HOWEVER, THIS CAMPAIGN IS LIMITED TO NORTHERN TIER OF STATES "WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY." MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY OF THOSE STATES. I CONTEND THE PROBLEM TO BE MORE WIDESPREAD THAN ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED. WHAT ABOUT COASTAL STATES WITH PLENTY OF SALT AIR. WOULDN'T THEY BE SIMILARLY AFFECTED TOO? MANUFACTURER REFUSED SETTLEMENT BECAUSE TENNESSEE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF STATES FOR ACTIVE CAMPAIGN.
NHTSA complaint #753666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
THE CRABLE BOLTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-189 CAUSING DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT THE MANUFACTURER ONLY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE OF THE CRADLE BOLTS AND THE LABOR, NOT THE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN THE BOLTS FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS "FELL OFF" THEREFOR CAUSING A FLIP OVER WHEN THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE BLEW BECAUSE THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRES, THEREFOR, EXPOSING THE THREADS.*AK (TIRESIZE: P195/R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/R14 )
NHTSA complaint #743126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FALLS APART --NO BRAKE SHOES AT ALL IN REAR. GRINDING OF DRUMS AGAINST OTHER BRAKE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #741290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FALLS APART --NO BRAKE SHOES AT ALL IN REAR. GRINDING OF DRUMS AGAINST OTHER BRAKE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #741290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FALLS APART --NO BRAKE SHOES AT ALL IN REAR. GRINDING OF DRUMS AGAINST OTHER BRAKE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #741290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
TIE RODS RUSTED OUT DUE TO ROAD SALT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME GOT CORRODED WHICH CAUSED FRONT END TO FALL WITH THE BUSHING, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE, BUT NOT WILLING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #873830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #733942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS HANGING AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTED. THIS FAILURE WAS RECALLED A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, BROUGHT IN TO DEALER, THEY CLAIMED DOOR ASSEMBLY WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. POWER WINDOW ON THIS DOOR HAS NOT WORKED SINCE PURCHASE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #858564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS HANGING AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTED. THIS FAILURE WAS RECALLED A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, BROUGHT IN TO DEALER, THEY CLAIMED DOOR ASSEMBLY WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. POWER WINDOW ON THIS DOOR HAS NOT WORKED SINCE PURCHASE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #858564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BODY MOUNTS SNAPPED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #857977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE FRONT ENGINE-CRADLE RETAINERS BROKE PERMITTING THE ENGINE TO FALL TO THE ROAD SURFACE AS I TURNED ONTO A HIGHWAY DISABLING ALL STEERING CONTROLL. I HAVE SINCE BEEN TOLD OF A RECALL ( THAT HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 1997 ) ON THE REAR RETAINERS OF THE ENGINE-CRADLE. I HAVEN'T CHECKED THE PART #S TO SEE IF THEY ARE THE SAME #S BUT THE FUNCTIONS ARE THE SAME, TO HOLD THE SUB-FRAME TO THE BODY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OLDSMOBILE THAT DUE TO THE AGE ( 10 YEARS ) AND THE MILEAGE THAT THIS IS MY RESONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. MY QUESTIONS ARE WHY ARE THE REAR RETAINERS UNDER RECALL AND NOT THE FRONT RETAINERS SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR IN FUNCTION AND DESIGN? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE WHEN THESE RETAINERS BREAK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS? WHEN IS THE CAR TOO OLD FOR A RECALL WHEN IT'S STILL IN USE? I'VE HAD THIS CAR AT GOODYEAR AND FIRESTONE EACH THIS PAST YEAR FOR FRONT-END ALIGNMENT AND THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #701677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #851506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FREEZE AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #539706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL HALF OR A QUARTER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE STEERING. WHEN CONSUMER CAME OUT OF VEHICLE, SHE SAW THE SUSPENSION AND ENGINE ON THE GROUND. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #829972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
RECALL WORK ON THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS CAN NOT BE DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #529383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHEN DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AREA . CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE. NOTICED THE PROBLEM TWICE A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #815988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.