1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes3639.6%
- Body & structure99.9%
- Engine88.8%
- Suspension88.8%
- Electrical66.6%
- Steering55.5%
- Fuel system44.4%
- Transmission33.3%
- Seat belts33.3%
- Visibility22.2%
- Driver assistance22.2%
- Powertrain (other)11.1%
- Other / unspecified11.1%
- Tires & wheels11.1%
- Interior & seats11.1%
- Heating & air conditioning11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES FAILED, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SURGE FORWARD.*AK
WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES PEDAL IS SOFT. BRAKES DO NOT STOP VEHICLE. *AK
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE SUPPORT FAILED (BROKE) WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IMPOSSIBLE STEERING CONTROL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAVE ROADWAY AND ROLLED OVER 3 TIMES, CAUSING MY DAUGHTER'S DEATH. ALSO, I REPORTED THIS DEVASTATING EVENT SHORTLY AFTER IT OCCURRED AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN ANY RESPONSE FROM ANY AGENCY. *AK *JB
1.) THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SAGS AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTY. THE DOOR LOOKS AS THOUGH IT WILL FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. THE PASSENGER DOOR HAS ALREADY FALLEN OFF ONCE, I HAVE REPLACED THE HINGES. WHEN IT FELL OFF, WE WERE STOPPED, BUT IT ALMOST FELL ON MY COUSIN'S LEG. 2.) THE CAR DOES NOT START LIKE NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL "TURN OVER" BUT WILL NOT IGNITE. IT USUALLY TAKES THREE TIMES TO START IT. 3.) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT STUTTERS AND NEARLY STALLS. I HAVE SPENT $600 GETTING A NEW IGNITION MODUEL, FUEL PUMP, PROM CHIP, MAP SENSOR, WIRE SET, FUEL FILTER. IT RAN WELL FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS AND IS NOW HAVING THE SAME INDICATIONS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS- ENGINE CRADLE AND/OR FRONT SUSPENSIONS BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *LA THE CLAIM WAS FILED FOR THE DECEASED CONSUMER. THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON ROADWAY AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND BEGAN TO ROLL APPROX. THREE TIMES COMING TO A REST UPSIDE DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE 20 FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. *TC
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FIRE. *PH *NM
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS- ENGINE CRADLE AND/OR FRONT SUSPENSIONS BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *LA THE CLAIM WAS FILED FOR THE DECEASED CONSUMER. THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON ROADWAY AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND BEGAN TO ROLL APPROX. THREE TIMES COMING TO A REST UPSIDE DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE 20 FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. *TC
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
1.) THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SAGS AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTY. THE DOOR LOOKS AS THOUGH IT WILL FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. THE PASSENGER DOOR HAS ALREADY FALLEN OFF ONCE, I HAVE REPLACED THE HINGES. WHEN IT FELL OFF, WE WERE STOPPED, BUT IT ALMOST FELL ON MY COUSIN'S LEG. 2.) THE CAR DOES NOT START LIKE NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL "TURN OVER" BUT WILL NOT IGNITE. IT USUALLY TAKES THREE TIMES TO START IT. 3.) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT STUTTERS AND NEARLY STALLS. I HAVE SPENT $600 GETTING A NEW IGNITION MODUEL, FUEL PUMP, PROM CHIP, MAP SENSOR, WIRE SET, FUEL FILTER. IT RAN WELL FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS AND IS NOW HAVING THE SAME INDICATIONS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS.
ENGINE SHUTDOWN/NO POWER STEERING/DANGEROUS SITUATION /ELDERLY DRIVER !! THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 50K MILES. TWO FUEL PUMPS AND ONE MODULE REPLACED SINCE 1995. THE FUEL PUMPS REPLACED IN A ONE YEAR PERIOD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE STEERING WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V527000, REGARDING THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 03/22/06. *JB
CONSUME RWAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAYAND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING WENT OUT, AND BOLTS THAT HELD STEERING COLUMN ,FELL ONTO FLOOR. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL LINES ARE RUSTING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
1.) THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SAGS AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTY. THE DOOR LOOKS AS THOUGH IT WILL FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. THE PASSENGER DOOR HAS ALREADY FALLEN OFF ONCE, I HAVE REPLACED THE HINGES. WHEN IT FELL OFF, WE WERE STOPPED, BUT IT ALMOST FELL ON MY COUSIN'S LEG. 2.) THE CAR DOES NOT START LIKE NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL "TURN OVER" BUT WILL NOT IGNITE. IT USUALLY TAKES THREE TIMES TO START IT. 3.) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT STUTTERS AND NEARLY STALLS. I HAVE SPENT $600 GETTING A NEW IGNITION MODUEL, FUEL PUMP, PROM CHIP, MAP SENSOR, WIRE SET, FUEL FILTER. IT RAN WELL FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS AND IS NOW HAVING THE SAME INDICATIONS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECALL 97V058000, REAR CRADLE BOLTS. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED AND DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER STATES VARIOUS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED AND CAUSED BY THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS, INCLUDED RIGHT CV JOINT/ RIGHT FRONT END ALIGNMENT/ LOWER BALL JOINTS/WEAKSTRUTS/ RIGHT AND LEFT TIRES IN FRONT/REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE FROM MOUNT SUPPORT. ALSO, TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. *AW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS- ENGINE CRADLE AND/OR FRONT SUSPENSIONS BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *LA THE CLAIM WAS FILED FOR THE DECEASED CONSUMER. THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON ROADWAY AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND BEGAN TO ROLL APPROX. THREE TIMES COMING TO A REST UPSIDE DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE 20 FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. *TC
SHOULDER HARNESS IN THE REAR WAS ADDED BY CONSUMER, HOWEVER BUCKLE FIT AT THE CHILDS CHEST AREA WHICH IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. MJS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, CAUSING CIGARETTE LIGHTER TO BLOW FUSES.
WIPER SWITCH OVERHEATS/MELTS IF ICE OR DEBRIS ACCUMULATES ON WIPERS, CAUSING WIPERS TO FAIL/POOR VISIBILITY. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES FAILED, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SURGE FORWARD.*AK
BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECALL 97V058000, REAR CRADLE BOLTS. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED AND DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER STATES VARIOUS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED AND CAUSED BY THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS, INCLUDED RIGHT CV JOINT/ RIGHT FRONT END ALIGNMENT/ LOWER BALL JOINTS/WEAKSTRUTS/ RIGHT AND LEFT TIRES IN FRONT/REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE FROM MOUNT SUPPORT. ALSO, TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEEL RIMS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, RIPPING INSIDE OF TIRE. *AW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE @ 70MPH, WHEN THE TREAD ON MY TIRE SEPARATED. THE TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT OR BLOW COMPLETELY OUT. I CONTACTED THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A TIRE DEFECT. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE, FOR I FELT WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS SURRONDING FIRESTONE TIRES, THIS MIGHT BE ANOTHER MODEL THAT IS UNSAFE. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANY RESPONSE FROM FIRESTONE, AS I WOLD LIKE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM.( DOT NUMBER: HYJK4055 TIRE SIZE: 185-80-13 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT LATCH FAILED TO LOCK SEAT IN PLACE. *SD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE VIBRATES AT 50 MPH. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .