Owners have filed 59 complaints
about the 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1994 compares with every other Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
444.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
333.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
111.1%
When owners complained
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.
Jul 1995peak 6Aug 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
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.
EA96023Opened 27 Sep 1996Closed 13 Feb 1998AIR BAGS
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
THE FAILURE RATE (1.25/100K) ON THIS ISSUE IS LOW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITURE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS ISSUE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
Recalls on the 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199703934,440 units in Canada
Visual System
Certain vehicles may have a strained or separated washer/wiper power feed wire. This may cause the windshield washer/wiper to work intermittently and could ultimately result in inoperative wipers. This would result in reduced driver visibility during inclement weather conditions and a crash could occur. Correction: Windshield washer/wiper switch will be replaced with a redesigned switch.
Recall 199505123,125 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the rear wheel brake hose(s) may be contacting rear suspension components. This could cause the brake hose(s) to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of the braking system. This could result in increased stopping distances and a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and brake hoses found in the incorrect position will be replaced with new hoses and correctly routed.
Recall 19941666,789 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles may have been produced with a brake pipe contacting the transmission mounting bracket or frame side rail. This condition can cause the brake line to wear through resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual partial brake system failure. This would increase braking distances and could result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and brake lines repositioned where necessary. Brake lines found to have an indentation caused by contact will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CUT TO FOREHEAD AND BRUISES TO THE KNEES WHEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10089986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
OWNER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 35MPH,AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER HAS SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #854424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richfield, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES.CERTIFIED MECHANIC CLAIMED THERE WAS A DETONATION, BUT AIRBAG DID NOT COME OUT OF WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #851821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MNCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
WHEN VEHICLE MAKES SHARP TURNS OR STOPS QUICKLY THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK, AND PASSENGER COULD BE THROWN INTO THE DASHBOARD WHEN BELTS DO NOT HOLD. BELTS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE DOOR ARE DEFECTIVE, DEALER AND GMC AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #832314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CUT TO FOREHEAD AND BRUISES TO THE KNEES WHEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10089986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN
THE BRAKES ARE A CONSTANT REPAIR THEY NEVER WORKED AND CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT THE DEALER "FIXED" THE BRAKES BUT SHORTLY AFTER -THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY WON'T HONOR THE BRAKED JOB BECAUSE THEY ENTERED IN THE WRONG DATE OF REPAIR DATE. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THESE CARS. MINE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR MONTHS NOW WITH THE BRAKES OUT AND THE COOLING SYSTEM LEAKING WITH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR OF 500.00 -SOME METAL TUBE LEAKS -THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE CAR APART TO FIX IT !
NHTSA complaint #10070215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE BRAKES ARE A CONSTANT REPAIR THEY NEVER WORKED AND CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT THE DEALER "FIXED" THE BRAKES BUT SHORTLY AFTER -THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY WON'T HONOR THE BRAKED JOB BECAUSE THEY ENTERED IN THE WRONG DATE OF REPAIR DATE. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THESE CARS. MINE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR MONTHS NOW WITH THE BRAKES OUT AND THE COOLING SYSTEM LEAKING WITH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR OF 500.00 -SOME METAL TUBE LEAKS -THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE CAR APART TO FIX IT !
NHTSA complaint #10070215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THE BRAKES ARE A CONSTANT REPAIR THEY NEVER WORKED AND CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT THE DEALER "FIXED" THE BRAKES BUT SHORTLY AFTER -THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY WON'T HONOR THE BRAKED JOB BECAUSE THEY ENTERED IN THE WRONG DATE OF REPAIR DATE. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THESE CARS. MINE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR MONTHS NOW WITH THE BRAKES OUT AND THE COOLING SYSTEM LEAKING WITH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR OF 500.00 -SOME METAL TUBE LEAKS -THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE CAR APART TO FIX IT !
NHTSA complaint #10070215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES ARE A CONSTANT REPAIR THEY NEVER WORKED AND CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT THE DEALER "FIXED" THE BRAKES BUT SHORTLY AFTER -THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY WON'T HONOR THE BRAKED JOB BECAUSE THEY ENTERED IN THE WRONG DATE OF REPAIR DATE. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THESE CARS. MINE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR MONTHS NOW WITH THE BRAKES OUT AND THE COOLING SYSTEM LEAKING WITH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR OF 500.00 -SOME METAL TUBE LEAKS -THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE CAR APART TO FIX IT !
NHTSA complaint #10070215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesCohoes, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE, WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR AN INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ENGINE K-FRAME CORRODED, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10061191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesLansing, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED FUSE AND THE BULB BLEW OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES, AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10061064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesLansing, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED FUSE AND THE BULB BLEW OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES, AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10061064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesTucson, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF CONSUMER SMELLED A VERY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ODOR.
NHTSA complaint #10044572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Short Hills, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK RUSTED OUT AND LEAKED GAS AND FUMES.
NHTSA complaint #10041086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLake Geneva, WI
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
ON A 1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME CONVERTIBLE WITH THE 3.4 LITER DOHC ENGINE, THE HIGH PRESSURE (I.E., INLET) POWER STEERING LINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. THE POINT OF FAILURE WAS ABOUT 2 INCHES ABOVE WHERE THE LINE TURNS 90 DEGREES VERTICALLY UP AT THE RIGHT FRAME RAIL AND BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND THE FRONT FRAME REAR CROSS-MEMBER. A BOLT AND BRACKET FOR DIFFERENT ASSEMBLY INTERFERED WITH AND WORE A HOLE IN THE FLEXIBLE PART OF THE LINE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
INTERMINTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INOPERABLE OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVERS VIEW. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THIS SIMILAR MAKES AND MODELS, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE IS NOT DUE TO VIN# DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8021297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON. ALSO, THERE IS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT DEALER COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST.
NHTSA complaint #8018164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, KS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEM ACCELERATING. DEALER STATED THAT A VALVE COULD BE DEFECTIVE, CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8018163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE WAS GOING 35MPH AND EMERRGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BRAKES FAILED, AND VEHICLE WAS FORCED TO RUN A RED LIGHT. BRAKES WERE MAKING A HISSING NOISE BEFORE THEY FAILED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT MASTER CYLINDER, ROTORS AND DISCS FAILED. OLDSMOBILE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8015192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
RECALL 97V017000O REPAIRS CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER SWITCH WERE DONE IN 1997. ON 1 JUNE 2002, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. DEALER REPLACED WIRING MECHANISM.*AK CONSUMER ADDS WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN. MECHANIC REPLACED THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND AN INSPECTION OF THE FAILED PART SHOWED THAT IT HAD THE REQUIRED NYLON TIE ON THE WIRES, EXCEPT FOR ONE WIRE WHICH WAS MISSING. THE WIRE WHICH BROKE OVER TIME, WAS THE REASON FOR THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #8012809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
CONSUMER NOTICED EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR CALIPERS WERE FROZEN, RUST BEING THE CAUSE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8008069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CONSUMER STATES THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ALL OVER DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER STATES ONE OF THE FUEL LINES WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED METAL FUEL LINE WITH A RUBBER HOSE. CONSUMER STATES THAT 99000 MILES VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. CONSUMER RAISED HOOD AND OIL WAS SQUIRTING ACROSS ENGINE, TOOK TO MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT AN INCORRECT HOSE WAS PUT ON. CONSUMER STATES CAR ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #8006583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
CONSUMER STATES THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ALL OVER DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER STATES ONE OF THE FUEL LINES WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED METAL FUEL LINE WITH A RUBBER HOSE. CONSUMER STATES THAT 99000 MILES VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. CONSUMER RAISED HOOD AND OIL WAS SQUIRTING ACROSS ENGINE, TOOK TO MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT AN INCORRECT HOSE WAS PUT ON. CONSUMER STATES CAR ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #8006583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Diamond BAR, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED. DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #890666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsville, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH ACCELERATOR CABLE SNAPPED.
NHTSA complaint #885450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everrett, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
REAR CALIPER LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH. TOWED/REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNWILLING TO HELP IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #880576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE RECLINE MECHANISM IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLIPS UNDER ACCELERATION, CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE AND MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO REACH THE STEERING WHEEL OR OTHER CONTROLS. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, MAKING LANE CHANGING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. THERE IS ALSO CONCERN THAT IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #737189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
THE RECLINE MECHANISM IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLIPS UNDER ACCELERATION, CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE AND MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO REACH THE STEERING WHEEL OR OTHER CONTROLS. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, MAKING LANE CHANGING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. THERE IS ALSO CONCERN THAT IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #737189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER OWNS A 1991, 1994, AND 1996 CUTLASS SUPREME, ALL OF WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, CALIPERS LOADED, AND BEARINGS WERE PACKED, CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.