FaultScore

1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake problems

41 of the 200 complaints about the 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass are about the braking system — 21% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 88,823 miles.

D

41

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 18 43.9%
Foundation Components 4 9.8%
Rotor 4 9.8%
Disc 3 7.3%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 3 7.3%
Pads 2 4.9%
Power Assist 2 4.9%
ABS Warning Light 1 2.4%
Caliper 1 2.4%
Drum 1 2.4%

Brakes across every Oldsmobile Cutlass year

1988 47 7.9%
1989 58 9.8%
1990 66 11.1%
1991 78 13.1%
1992 70 11.8%
1993 59 9.9%
1994 41 6.9%
1995 41 6.9%
1996 26 4.4%
1997 35 5.9%
1998 51 8.6%
1999 22 3.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 62,217 miles Kansas City, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

I HAVE A 94 CUTLASS OLDS WITH ONLY 62,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SURGES FORWARD AND THEN STOPS. TODAY I ALMOST HIT KID CROSSING THE STREET. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I JUST HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED ALL THE WAY AROUND AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I HAD THEM REPLACED ON 8-16-05. THIS DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME SO THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THEY ARE NOT GOING TO STOP RIGHT AWAY. I CHECKED YOUR SITE AND THERE ARE 16 COMPLAINTS ON THE BRAKES. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE TO MAKE GM DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DEFECT. THE CAR IS A 94 BUT THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF US ON THE STREETS. I AM THINKING ABOUT CALLING THE NEWS STATION HOTLINE SO THIS PROBLEM WILL REALLY BE MADE PUBLIC AND SEE HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE COMPLAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10134183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,430 miles Syracuse, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ON MY 1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CRUISER MAKE THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP ON AN ICY ROAD. AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, 15 MPH OR LESS ONCE THE ANTILOCK BREAKS KICK IN THE CAR TAKES OFF AND SLIDES RIGHT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THIS BEHAVIOR IS UNPREDICTABLE, SCARY AND QUITE DANGEROUS. THE TIRES AND BRAKES ARE NEW AND IN GOOD CONDITION. DISABLING THE ANTILOCK BREAKS MAKES THE CAR VERY EASY TO STOP UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS EVEN IF A WHEEL SKIDS A LITTLE BIT. THIS ISN'T AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE AS MUCH AS IT IS A DEFECT IN DESIGN CONCEPT. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES MAY BE FINE FOR A 65 MPH STOP ON A RAINY CALIFORNIA EXPRESSWAY, BUT THEY ARE TERRIBLE ON AN ICY OR SNOWY NEW YORK ROAD AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 15 MPH, IN A SLOW SPEED STOP ONCE ONE WHEEL SLIPS. THE WHEELS GO INTO ANTILOCK AND SINCE ALL THE WHEELS ARE ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE THE ANTILOCK ACTION CONTINUES EFFECTIVELY SHUTTING THE BREAKS OFF MAKING THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP. THE ANTILOCK ACTION IS VERY VIOLENT AND ACTUALLY CAUSES THE WHEELS TO SKID RESULTING IN MORE ANTILOCK ACTION. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FEATHER THE BRAKES TO BRING THE CAR TO A PREDICTABLE STOP ON AN ICY ROAD. I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL GM VEHICLES AND THEY ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WILL AVOID PURCHASING ANTILOCK BREAKS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. OBVIOUSLY THE DESIGNERS NEVER WENT THROUGH A NEW YORK WINTER WITH THESE BRAKES. *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10049138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Upper Darby, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL. *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10019957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plymouth Meeting, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

CONSUMER STATES, A MELTED FUSE BOX AT THE POWER DOOR LOCK CIRCUIT BRAKER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA complaint #8021607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Batimore, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM

BRAKE DRUM ON ALL FOUR WHEELS IS RUSTING VERY BADLY, RUST SEEPS OUT FROM UNDER THE HUB CAP AND GOES ALL OVER THE WHEELS

NHTSA complaint #9005942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Attleboro, MA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

THE VEHICLE PULSATES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND WERE REPLACED, CALIPERS WERE OVERHAULED, FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED, ALSO REAR ROTORS WERE RESURFACED.

NHTSA complaint #562224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sloan, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #744757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aberdeen, SD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND HAS DONE SO SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS TO 3 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO BE LOOKED AT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NOTHING CAN BE FOUND TO BE WRONG. I ALSO CALLED THE OLDSMOBILE NUMBER LISTED IN THE MANUFACTURERS GUIDE, AND THEY SAID SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED NOTHING COULD BE DONE AT THEIR END (AT THE SAME TIME I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT OTHER PROBLEMS). I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT FAILURE OF SUCH A MAJOR PART WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WOULD BE OF NO CONSEQUENCE TO THE MANUFACTURER OR ANY OTHER SAFETY ORGANIZATION.

NHTSA complaint #743753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY REAR BRAKE SYSTEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES AND I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THIS BEFOR NOR AFTER I BAUGHT THIS CAR. I WANT SOMEONE TO LOOK AT MY BRAKES FREE OF CHARGE, TO INFORM ME IF I HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT THIS CAR WAS RECALLED FOR. I ALSO AM WONDERING ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT 65 MPH. AND IT WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WOULDNT STOP . I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE THAT LOOKED AT. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP

NHTSA complaint #741246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

P.o. BOX, 00

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

REAR WHEEL BRAKE HOSE WAS CHAFED. THERE WERE NO BRAKES. SAME AS RECALL 95V061000.

NHTSA complaint #876142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY THERE WOULD BE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP FOR REPAIRS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DEALER REPLACE BRAKE SHOES, BRAKE SENSORS, BRAKE LIGHT BULB, ROTORS AND NEW TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING.

NHTSA complaint #872542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crystal Lake, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #726287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenexa, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

POPPING NOISE FOLLOWED BY BRAKE FAILURE. HAS BEEN IN SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES AND PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE FOUND

NHTSA complaint #722734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bolton, IL Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WAS DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. PULLED HARD TO LEFT IN FRONT OF SEMI-TRAILER WHICH BROADSIDED VEHICLE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE, AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NO INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA complaint #861449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canton, ME

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME YEAR CAR HAD THE SAME THING WITH THE STRUT MOUNT WITH A FREIND

NHTSA complaint #713977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chapel HIL, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN COLLISION, ON ONE OCCASION BRAKES FAILED CAUSING COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN PROPERTY DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #548512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Galion, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

VEHIOCLE ABS SYSYTEM WOULD ENGAGE INTERMITTENLY WITH OUT REASON; VEHICLE IN /OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASION AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUNDED.

NHTSA complaint #839139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ABS IS ACTIVATED ON DRY PAVEMENT FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON, CAR IS DIFFICULT TO STOP AT TIMES, AND STOPPING DISTANCES ARE LONGER. SEVERAL DEALERS HAVE LOOKED AT PROBLEM, TWO DON'T KNOW, AND SAID THEY COULD DO INVESTIGATIVE REPAIRS THAT COULD EASILY AMOUNT TO OVER $2500, THE OTHER DEALER SAID THAT IF MY "CHECK ENGINE" DOESN'T COME ON THEN THEY CAN'T HELP ME!! THE CAR IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AND SHOULDN'T BE ON THE ROAD LEFT UNREPAIRED. BECAUSE OF THE ABS MALFUNCTIONING, I DID HIT A STATIONARY OBJECT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I DON'T HAVE $2500 TO THROW INTO A CAR FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPAIRS. I KNOW LONGER WANT TO PUT MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS IN JEAPARDY BECAUSE I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN FEAR THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT I WOULD FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR. SINCE, I FEEL BASICALLY HELPLESS, I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT CAR.

NHTSA complaint #704934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Deer Park, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

THE INSIDE OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY.

NHTSA complaint #536320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Deer Park, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

THE INSIDE OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY.

NHTSA complaint #536320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gladstone, MO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHEN GOING DOWNHILL OR YPHILL SLOWLY THE BRAKE SWILL MAKE A CLICKING NOISE, AND IT WILL TAKE LONGER TO STOP. WHEN GOING FASTER, PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR.

NHTSA complaint #538403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norridge, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

BRAKES PULSATE WHILE BRAKING DUE TO BRAKE VACUUM HOSE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #524639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norridge, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

BRAKE ROTORS FAILED DUE TO RUST, CAUSING VIBRATION.

NHTSA complaint #524639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norridge, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

BRAKE PADS FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #524639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Northridge, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES MAKE A POPPING SOUND AND VEHICLE WILL SURGE.

NHTSA complaint #524272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tarrant, AL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #817375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Isla, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #516219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Isla, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

BRAKE SHOES FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #516219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Mank, MN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

ABS LIGHT BULBS FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #518224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Mank, MN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

REAR BRAKE HOSE FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #518224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

← Full 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass report