RoadVitals

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
38
Latest Oct 26, 2005
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

Overview

Our database contains 38 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and interior & seats categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 2 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes819.5%
  • Interior & seats717.1%
  • Engine37.3%
  • Seat belts24.9%
  • Transmission24.9%
  • Driver assistance24.9%
  • Electrical24.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE

Jul 11, 2000
713,435 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 00061/00065View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RP01001ClosedRecall Process

STRUCTURE

Opened Nov 28, 2001
Closed Jun 13, 2002

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURELed to recall 00V189000
EA92024ClosedEngineering Analysis

STICKING THROTTLE

Opened Jun 26, 1992
Closed Jan 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA91049ClosedEngineering Analysis

JACK FAILURE

Opened Nov 26, 1991
Closed Oct 28, 1992

===

EQUIPMENT
PE91107ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

JACK FAILURE

Opened Aug 1, 1991
Closed Nov 26, 1991

There is no summary currently available

EQUIPMENT

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Oct 26, 2005

I HAVE A 1990 OLDSMOBLE CUTLASS SUPREME. A RECALL #00065 FOR GM WAS DONE ON MY CAR AND ONLY THE FRONT CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS WERE DONE. BUT UPON REVIEWING NHTSA'S RECALL #00V189000 THE FRONT AND REAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. SINCE THE REFUSAL FROM GM THE REAR BOLTS HAVE COME DOWN AND MY ENGINE IS LEANING BACK. I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE MANUFACTURE GM 3 TIMES AND THEY BOTH SAY THAT THEY ONLY HAVE TO DO THE FRONT CRADLE BOLTS FOR THEIR RECALL AND NOT THE REAR. I ALSO HAVE MY ORIGINAL RECEIPT THAT SAYS ONLY 2 BOLTS AND RETAINERS WERE BOUGHT AND INSTALLED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10140878
Incident
Apr 2, 2004
Body & structure
Filed Dec 7, 2004
Fire reported

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE TRUNK. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ANTENNA WIRES CAUSED THE FIRE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10103219
Incident
Dec 3, 2004
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 14, 2004

THE DIGITAL DASHBOARD COMPONENT DOESN'T WORK 99% OF THE TIME. I NEVER KNOW THE SPEED I AM GOING, OR IF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING COMES ON. WHEN THE DASH DOES COME ON IF YOU HIT THE SLIGHTEST BUMP IT GOES BACK OFF. I FEEL THIS IS UNSAFE. AS I RESEARCHED THIS SITE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME CAR I FIND THAT MY COMPLAINT IS THE 5TH ONE FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE BOUGHT AND REPLACED THE COMPONENT THINKING IT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DIDN'T. IT IS WITH THE WIRING ITSELF. A DEFECT IN THE WRING FROM THE MANUFATURER, AGAIN IT'S NOT THE COMPONENTS. I WOULD LIKE A RECALL TO BE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I STILL HAVE THE OLD DASH COMPONENT SO IF THEY NEED TO BE TESTED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10086856
Incident
Jul 14, 2000
Mileage
123,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 23, 2004

WHEN THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE OWNER STATED THERE WAS NO WHERE IN THE MANUAL THAT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED WITH EVERY BATTERY CHANGE. ALSO, THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE STALLED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10055768
Interior & seats
Filed Dec 21, 2003

THE HOOD LATCH CABLE FROZE AND THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER BROKE. IN TURN THEE CABLE AND THE LEVER MUST BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10050900
Incident
Dec 15, 2003
Mileage
67,750 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 14, 2003

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT REAR CARRIAGE BOLTS PROBLEM. STATED FRAME CAME DOWN ON THE CAR, CAUSING ENGINE TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE.MANUFACTURER AND A DEALER WEE CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT WAS NOT A PROBLEM, AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10027170
Incident
Jul 7, 2003
Body & structure
Filed Apr 24, 2003

LTR FM BRYAN GRANT (NJ) *MR. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME CRADLE BOLTS, THE DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE FRONT FRAME CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS, HOWEVER MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE HAD FALLEN FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH NO STEERING CAPABILITY AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE REAR FRAME CRADLE BOLTS HAD SEPARATED, WHICH WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING THE INITIAL RECALL. *JB *CB *JB

NHTSA ID
10012283
Incident
Dec 12, 2002
Body & structure
Filed Mar 31, 2003

ENGINE FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. MR (NOTE: EXEC SEC CONTROLLED A CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING MR. GRANT'S VEHICLE - SEE ODI REFERENCE NO. 10012283, CCMMERCURY NO. ES03-001972). THE REPLACED THE FRONT FRAME /CRADLE BOLTS UNDER RECALL, HOWEVER ON DEC 12, 2002 THE REAR FRAME/ CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINER SEPARATED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10015199
Incident
Dec 12, 2002

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

990309004

SUSPENSION

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF GRINDING / SCRAPING / GROANING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *TT

876002A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1997431250.3
1996472356.4
1995771254.1
1994430140.9
1990Viewing382558.6
1989232452.9
1988222459.8
1987302
1980010
1979010
1976010
1975010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.