FaultScore report
Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the brakes.
164
Complaints
6
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
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.
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 200,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
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.
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.
1 investigation is still open.
CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
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.
STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
WHEELS
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
WHEELS
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Risk: A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
SEAT BELTS
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Risk: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE ELECTRONIC AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN STARTING CAR THAT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS WITH IGNITION OFF.
Risk: WINDSHIELD MAY NOT DEFROST AND CAR WOULD NOT CONFORMWITH FMVSS 103.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1989 CUTLASS CALIAS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHILE TRAVELING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A MEDIAN. THE CONSUMER WASN'T DRIVING VERY FAST. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10579755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S RESIDENCE. *AK THE LIGHT DEVICE FLASHED RED/GREEN BEFORE GOING DEAD ON A STEEP HILL AND OR DANGEROUS CURVE. THE STEERING LOCKED AND THE BRAKES WENT OUT, THEN THE VEHICLE WENT DOWN A STEEP EMBANKMENT THROUGH A FENCE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10071781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHEN DRIVING 70MPH A FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10034274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AKTHIS DEFECT HAPPENS ONCE EVERY YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #8013460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL SYSTEM/TANK FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE, CAUSING SEVERAL INJURIES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. POPPED HOOD, AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. *AK CONSUMER STATES STEERING COLUMN IS THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1989 CUTLASS CALIAS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHILE TRAVELING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A MEDIAN. THE CONSUMER WASN'T DRIVING VERY FAST. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10579755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND PAID TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. ONCE HE LEFT THE MECHANIC, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE IS PLANNING TO RETURN TO THE STATE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10230794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S RESIDENCE. *AK THE LIGHT DEVICE FLASHED RED/GREEN BEFORE GOING DEAD ON A STEEP HILL AND OR DANGEROUS CURVE. THE STEERING LOCKED AND THE BRAKES WENT OUT, THEN THE VEHICLE WENT DOWN A STEEP EMBANKMENT THROUGH A FENCE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10071781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LTR FM SEBASTIAN SCOLLO (CT) REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN HIS ATTEMPTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR BRAKE REPAIRS ON HIS 1989 GM OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME.*MR CONSUMER IS ASKING TO BE REIMBURSED FOR BRAKE REPAIRS.*TS
NHTSA complaint #10037984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHEN DRIVING 70MPH A FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10034274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AKTHIS DEFECT HAPPENS ONCE EVERY YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #8013460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
RIGHT SIDE OF SUBFRAME DROPPED WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8012738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER HEARD A THUMPING NOISE, ASSUMING A TIRE HAD GONE FLAT, PULLED OVER TO CHECK BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, FIGHTING TO KEEP VEHICLE IN CONTROL, CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET OVER, FINDING THE WHEEL, TIRE AND LUG NUTS HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF OF VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #565798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER HEARD A THUMPING NOISE, ASSUMING A TIRE HAD GONE FLAT, PULLED OVER TO CHECK BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, FIGHTING TO KEEP VEHICLE IN CONTROL, CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET OVER, FINDING THE WHEEL, TIRE AND LUG NUTS HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF OF VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #565798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER HEARD A THUMPING NOISE, ASSUMING A TIRE HAD GONE FLAT, PULLED OVER TO CHECK BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, FIGHTING TO KEEP VEHICLE IN CONTROL, CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET OVER, FINDING THE WHEEL, TIRE AND LUG NUTS HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF OF VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #565798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
PRIOR TO RECALL (97V-058) WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE FRAME CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER.
NHTSA complaint #561708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
NHTSA RECALL 00 V 189 000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00065-S/CRABLE BOLTS: DEALER: KING OROURKE CADILLAC OLDSMOBILE; LYNBROOK,NY; PHONE# 516/593-6420 REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE STRUCTURE AROUND CRADLE BOLTS HAVE SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THAT STRUCTURE BEFORE RECALL REPAIRS COULD BE DONE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8007355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
PRIOR TO RECALL (97V-058) WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE FRAME CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER.
NHTSA complaint #561708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
RECALL WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. REPAIRS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER DEALERSHIP DISTRICT MANAGER REFUSES TO REPAIR CAR. CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS AND THEY TRIED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR. MANAGER IS STATING THAT YES THE RECALL STATES THAT THE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE FRAME BUT SAYS THAT THE FRAME PULLED FROM THE BOLTS. COPY OF PAPER FROM SAME DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE FRAME. DEALERSHIP MADE ME DRIVE CAR OFF OF THEIR LOT IN AN UNDRIVABLE CONDITION WITHOUT ADVISING ME THAT IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. GENERAL MOTORS SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT YOU REGARDING THIS MATTER. THEY ALSO AGREE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS THE REASON FOR THE RECALL. NOW THE ENGINE HAS TILTED TO THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRAME AND EARL OLSMOBILE REFUSES TO TRY TO REPAIR THE RECALL ON WARRENTED PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #753222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
CARRY 35 LBS. PRESSURE, TIRE HAD SLOW LEAK, TOOK TO DEALER, LEAK IN SIDEWALL OF TIRE, HAD NEVER RAN TIRE LOW, WAS ON RIGHT REAR, SO DID NOT HIT CURB OR ANYTHING ELSE IN ROAD. TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: AMN509 TIRESIZE: 18575R14)
NHTSA complaint #752557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
LEFT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE, P185/75R14 M+S, EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL, CONSUMER PAID FULL PRICE FOR ANOTHER REPLACEMENT TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #561991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL SYSTEM/TANK FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE, CAUSING SEVERAL INJURIES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. POPPED HOOD, AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. *AK CONSUMER STATES STEERING COLUMN IS THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. POPPED HOOD, AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. *AK CONSUMER STATES STEERING COLUMN IS THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
CRADLE BOLTS ROTTED OUT AND MOTOR DROPPED TO THE GROUND, LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING, DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, VEHICLE RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM (00V-189), OWNER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. CJ
NHTSA complaint #559595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ACCIDENTAL FIRE IN PARKED RUNNING CAR IN OUTSIDE LOT, TOXIC FIRE CAUSED CARBON MONOXIDE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FROM ENGINE, OCCUPANT AQUIRED BURNS ON 27% OF HIS BODY (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT, CLIENT DECEASED).
NHTSA complaint #545034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE PAD AND ROTORS RESURFACED, THE REAR BRAKES WERE JUST REPLACED APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO.
NHTSA complaint #557370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AGO, ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD BEGAN FLASHING, SOMETIMES GOING TOTALLY BLACK, WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE SPEED, AMOUNT OF GAS, MILEAGE, ETC.
NHTSA complaint #557370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
HAD RECEIVED RECALL 00V189000/ ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS & CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND TOOK VEHICLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LATER IN THE DAY, PROBLEM WITH CRADLE BOLTS REAPPEARED. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT CRADLE BOLTS WOULD BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE DONE TO MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #876396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
DUE TO INFORMATION HEARD ABOUT TIRES CONSUMER WAS CHECKING THEM & NOTICED ALL 4 TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL. 2 FRONT TIRES HAD CRACKS ON INSIDE OF THE TREAD.
NHTSA complaint #874036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.