Owners have filed 223 complaints
about the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass with NHTSA between 1997 and 2014.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 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 — 62
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Cutlass. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% 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 1998 compares with every other Oldsmobile Cutlass
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.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
47.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1730.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1527.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
59.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1221.8%
150,000+ miles
23.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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.
Dec 1997peak 12Dec 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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.
RQ04006Opened 7 Jul 2004Closed 13 Jan 2005VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...
EA00019Opened 12 Jul 2000Closed 6 Mar 2001VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ON FEBRUARY 22, 2000, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) INITIATED PE00-009 BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 & 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU & OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO EA00-019 ON JULY 12, 2000.DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF FRACTURE OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING (SUBJECT COMPONENT).SUCH A FRACTURE LED TO AN IMMEDIATE AND IRRECOVERABLE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION.GMREPORTED THAT THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION (50% GLASS-REINFORC...
PE00009Opened 22 Feb 2000Closed 12 Jul 2000VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
EA99030Opened 29 Oct 1999Closed 25 Mar 2002AIR BAGS
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
PE99037Opened 19 May 1999Closed 29 Oct 1999AIR BAGS
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
Recalls on the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
03V527000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
01V068000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Risk: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200106020,021 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice restricts the movement of the passenger side wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipe will not operate. Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the side pivot housing on affected vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Madison, WICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
ON 1/07 HAD LOW SPEED SLIDE ON ICY ROAD , CAUSING IMPACT WITH SMALL TREE, AND RESULTING IN MINOR CRACKS IN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER CAP, AND SUBSEQUENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. NOW, HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION REGARDING DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS WHICH INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED IN MINOR CRASH CONDITIONS. DEPLOYMENT HAS TOTALED VEHICLE WITH ONLY MINOR DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10195016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesEnglewood, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. *AK *SC
NHTSA complaint #10051844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eatonton, GA2 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD FLFEW UP WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #9005972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, PACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
POWER FAILURE- DRIVING APPROX. 20MPH- CAR HESITATES- TRAVELS 3-5MPH-NEED TO STOP THE CAR TO PICK UP SPEED. HAD IT TO THE DEALER 10 TIMES- REPLACED PCM, FUEL REGULATER/PUMP AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER -POWER LOSS PROBLEM STILL REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #752259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, PACrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
POWER FAILURE- DRIVING APPROX. 20MPH- CAR HESITATES- TRAVELS 3-5MPH-NEED TO STOP THE CAR TO PICK UP SPEED. HAD IT TO THE DEALER 10 TIMES- REPLACED PCM, FUEL REGULATER/PUMP AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER -POWER LOSS PROBLEM STILL REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #752259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oberlin, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
I HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRAKES. MY CONCERN WAS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT (ABS) KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. FINALLY, THE END OF AUGUST THEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS IF I PAID TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS. THIS WAS DONE. THE NEXT WEEK, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY PICKED UP THE CELL PHONE AND CALLED THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A COMPUTER GLITCH AND TO BRING IT IN AT MY CONVENIENCE. I SCHEDULED IT TO GO IN ON FRIDAY, THREE DAYS LATER. ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, I WAS DRIVING, CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND HAD NO BRAKES. A TREE STOPPED ME! THE DEALERSHIP AND OLDSMOBILE WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY, SO I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF. TODAY, AFTER I HAVE HAD IT ON THE ROAD AGAIN FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS I STARTED THE CAR. AM I SAFE IN THIS CAR???? DO I FEEL SAFE? NO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #747257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 93,500 milesHemet, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,500.
NHTSA complaint #10667719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesCaldwell, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GENERAL MOTORS RECENTLY RECALLED THE 1997-2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I OWN THE SISTER VEHICLE WHICH IS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THIS VEHICLE IS THE IDENTICAL LAYOUT OF THE CHEVROLET MALIBU WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED. I SENT A COUPLE OF E-MAIL MESSAGES TO THE GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND JUST RECEIVED A PHONE CALL EXPLAINING TO ME THAT AT THIS TIME THEY HAD NO INTENTION OF DOING A RECALL ON THE OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY IGNITION SWITCH AS OF YET, I DEEM IT A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH GM SHOULD FIX. I DO NOT KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR ISSUES AS MINE, BUT I WANTED TO INFORM YOU OF MY CONCERNS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROPER FORUM FOR THIS, SO IF NOT, PLEASE FORWARD MY CONCERNS TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10609708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWaterloo, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH JUST SHUT OFF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN GM'S RECENT RECALL ON IGNITION SWITCHES ON NEWER CARS. LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE I HAVE OWNED IT FOR THE LAST 10 OR SO YEARS. WHEN IT HAPPENS I JUST QUICKLY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A 1998 OLDS CUTLASS. IT IS APPARENT THAT GM'S PROBLEM WITH THEIR IGNITION SWITCH GOES BACK A LOT FARTHER THAN THEY CARE TO ADMIT.
NHTSA complaint #10576006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesWaterloo, IA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME, WHERE STEERING RACK BOLTS TO, RUSTED OUT. STEERING RACK BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION. FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY HIGH COST.
NHTSA complaint #10537788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesWaterloo, IA
STEERING
FRAME, WHERE STEERING RACK BOLTS TO, RUSTED OUT. STEERING RACK BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION. FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY HIGH COST.
NHTSA complaint #10537788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTunkhannock, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
98 OLDS CUTLASS. REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH IN VICINITY OF LR WHEEL . RESULTED IN SUDDEN TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING DUE TO LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID. NO SEPARATE RESERVOIR FOR FRONT BRAKE FLUID. HEARD OF SIMILAR EVENT WITH SAME MODEL STYLE CHEVY MALIBU. NO YEAR KNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10315673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,051 milesRusselvile, AL
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TIGHTEN WHEN MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER PERTAINING TO THE STEERING RACK AND PINION, WHICH STATED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THIS IS WHERE THE RETAINER TABS WERE LOCATED. THE FAILURE COULD ALLOW THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT NO CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CONTINUOUS BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,051 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 125,096.
NHTSA complaint #10257421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa FE, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WORK FOR A IGNITION INTERLOCK COMPANY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES ENTER THE SERVICE CENTER WITH PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE KEY HAS TO BE SHAKEN SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET THE KEY TO TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THESE IGNITIONS ARE MOUNTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE NOTICED IT ON ALMOST EVERY VEHICLE THAT HAS THE IGNITION MOUNTED TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN NOT ON THE COLUMN. THAT IS AN OLDSMOBILE. I OWN THE 1998 OLDMOBILE CUTLASS. WAS THERE EVER A RECALL AS DEFECT OF THIS IGNITION AND IS THE DEALERSHIP RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACEMENT? IF I EVER HAD AN EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START MY CAR RIGHT AWAY AS IT AT TIMES TAKES UP TO FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO GET THE KEY TO TURN.
NHTSA complaint #10250738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesCahokia, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
1) THE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL USE OF WIPERS IN HEAVY RAIN. 2) DURING NORMAL USE, THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER ARM APPEARED TO BECOME DISLODGED AND BEGAN MOVING ERRATICALLY. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE WIPER ASSEMBLY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE WIPER ARM TO THE WIPER MOTOR WAS CRACKED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE LINKAGE TO THE WIPER MOTOR. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FAILURE IS THAT NEITHER WIPER ARM OPERATES AND THIS CAUSES HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS BY REDUCING VISIBILITY DURING RAIN OR FROST. 3) AFTER RESEARCHING THIS APPARENT DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURERS ORIGINAL PART, I DISCOVERED AN OPEN RECALL IS ALREADY IN EFFECT FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 01V068000). THE DESCRIPTION UNDER THIS RECALL IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED AND IS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, GM-OLDSMOBILE, AND THE OPEN RECALL WAS VERIFIED, BUT I WAS TOLD MY PARTICULAR VIN# WAS NOT ON THEIR LIST. I WAS TOLD THAT IF GM HAPPENS TO ADD OTHER VEHICLES FROM THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL TO THE LIST THEN I WOULD BE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPAIRS WOULD BE OFFERED.
NHTSA complaint #10206993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSlidell, LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OR GREATER THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10198433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
ON 1/07 HAD LOW SPEED SLIDE ON ICY ROAD , CAUSING IMPACT WITH SMALL TREE, AND RESULTING IN MINOR CRACKS IN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER CAP, AND SUBSEQUENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. NOW, HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION REGARDING DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS WHICH INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED IN MINOR CRASH CONDITIONS. DEPLOYMENT HAS TOTALED VEHICLE WITH ONLY MINOR DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10195016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesJanesville, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL*THE 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
NHTSA complaint #10192532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesDES Moines, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
I HAVE A 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS WITH 55,000 MILES--THE CAR HAS A 3.1 LITER V6 WITH A BLOWN INTAKE GASKET-- IT COST ME $550 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. PER 3 MECHANICS --"ALL"L 3.1 INTAKE GASKETS GO OUT AT AROUND 50,00 MILES I FEEL THE GM SHOULD PAY FOR DEFECTS THAT EFFECTS ALL 3.1S I'VE HAD 40+ CARS IN MY LIFE AND NEVER EVER HAD AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GO OUT ON ANY OF THEM---------TO ME THAT'S A MFG DEFECT!!!
NHTSA complaint #10182923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
I SUBMITTED MY COMPLAINT TO GM AND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MICHIGAN. MY COMPLAINT STEMS FROM PROBLEMS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OVER THE LAST 3-4 YEARS WITH MY 1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS RELATED TO RUST ON AND AROUND THE GAS FILLER PIPE AND DOOR. I HAVE A CONTINUOUS WARNING LIGHT (CHECK ENGINE) ON MY DASHBOARD THAT ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL MAY IMPACT THE EMISSION CONTROLS IN MY ENGINE. THIS WARNING LIGHT APPEARS TO BE DUE TO THE POOR FIT OF THE GAS CAP ON THE FILLER PIPE DUE TO RUST. CAP REPLACEMENT HAS NOT HELPED. THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST THAT HAS DEVELOPED SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER PIPE DOOR ON THE RIGHT REAR BODY PANEL. I SPOKE WITH A BODY SHOP AND THEY MENTIONED THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE WITH SIMILAR DAMAGE AND WAS DUE TO THE INSULATION COLLECTING MOISTURE UNDER THE BODY PANEL AND RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE BACK SIDE. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN TWO OTHER SAME MAKE/MODEL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. GM RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINT STATING THE RUST-THROUGH PROTECTION ON MY VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED AND THERE ARE NO CURRENTLY NO RECALLS ISSUED. MY CONTENTION IS THIS ISSUE IS NOT ISOLATED TO MY VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE AND AGE AND PRESENTS NOT ONLY UNSIGHTLY DAMAGE AND COST TO REPAIR, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER PIPE.
NHTSA complaint #10158678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THEFT-LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES FOR SYSTEM TO RESET BEFORE STARTING CAR. HAD KEY-LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED TWICE, FOR A TOTAL OF OVER $1400 IN REPAIRS. NOW THE LIGHT IS ON SEEMINGLY PERMANENTLY. ALWAYS WONDER IF IT WILL START OR NOT. CAN'T GET ANYONE BESIDES A DEALER TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. THE DEALER HAS ENOUGH OF MY MONEY FOR NOW...I HAVE TO DEAL WITH BEING INCONVENIENCED REGULARLY BY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10153655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,083 milesWilliamsville, NY
STEERING
TOTAL FAILURE OF STEERING SYSTEM. MECHANICAL LOCK UP. STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED BY HAND. PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED CLOSE TO HOME. THE STEERING RACK BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. GM COMPLAINT # 1-399 751 487 MARCH 18,2006.
NHTSA complaint #10153079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,083 milesWilliamsville, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TOTAL FAILURE OF STEERING SYSTEM. MECHANICAL LOCK UP. STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED BY HAND. PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED CLOSE TO HOME. THE STEERING RACK BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. GM COMPLAINT # 1-399 751 487 MARCH 18,2006.
NHTSA complaint #10153079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesRixeyville, VA
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
BOTH REAR SEAT BELT SHOULDER BUCKLE LATCHES BROKE IN MY CAR. THE PLASTIC PIECE BROKE OFF AND THEIR IS NO WAY TO KEEP A CAR SEAT PROPERLY SECURED WITHOUT REPLACING THEM. CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE DEATH TO ANYONE IN THE CAR SEAT IF THERE WAS A CRASH. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND OVER 250 DOLLARS FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO GET THIS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10138969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesBridgeport, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MIN. OR SO, IF ONE STOPS THE VEHICLE SHIFT TO PARK THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE RIGHT AWAY. ONE CAN HEAR THE ENGINE ACCELERATE, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE SLOWLY UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGES, SOMETIMES IN A ABRUPTLY MANNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN MY VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I GOT IT. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I CONTACTED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY (GMC) THEY SUGGESTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP, WHICH I DID AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EITHER. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHOW THE SAME PROBLEM. II HAVE CONTACTED OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL AND TYPE OF VEHICLES AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM(S), IN OTHER CASE THE TRANSMISSION HAS SIMPLY GONE BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10135309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,586 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
RECALL ON 1998 OLDS CUTLASS- I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF SUCH RECALL ON STEERING: RACK AND PINION. I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS REPAIR AND AM GETTING A RUN AROUND FROM OLDSMOBILE. MY CAR IS BEING SERVICED AT A NON-GM FACILITY. OLDSMOBILE IS VERY INCONSISTANT AND UNRELIABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM VEHICLE, AND RECOMMEND THAT MY FRIENDS/FAMILY NOT BUY ONE EITHER. GM IS NOT CUSTOMER ORIENTED AND THIS IS VERY DISSAPPOINTING.
NHTSA complaint #10134164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesAnniston, AL
AIR BAGS
DT: CALLER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN HE STARTED TO TAKE OFF. HE HIT A DIP AND BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOT RECALL, BUT CALLER SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10130566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesFruithurt, AL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
RECALL CAMPAIGN#01V068000 WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BREAKAGE WILL NOT COVER MY BREAKAGE BECAUSE I AM IN A SOUTHERN STATE, MY VIN IS NOT ON THEIR RACALL LIST.
NHTSA complaint #10130080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesTupelo, MS
SEATS
AIR CONDITIONING CUTS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. LEATHER UPHOLSTERY HAS PREMATURELY WORN.
NHTSA complaint #10128138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesTupelo, MS
EQUIPMENT
AIR CONDITIONING CUTS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. LEATHER UPHOLSTERY HAS PREMATURELY WORN.
NHTSA complaint #10128138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesKnoxville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MY COOLENT IS LEAKING. I HAVE HAD MY HEAD GASKET REPLACED TWICE AND IT I STILL HAVE LEAK. I WAS TOLD BY THE GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO EXPECT TO REPLACE MY HEAD GASKIT EVERY 20-40,000 MILES. THERE IS A DEFECT. ALSO MY AC KEEPS SHUTTING OFF. MY POWER WINDOW ARE GETTING STUCK WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR. I AM THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #10126666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.