1992 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 1992 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
- Brakes5434.2%
- Electrical2213.9%
- Engine1811.4%
- Seat belts159.5%
- Driver assistance95.7%
- Transmission85.1%
- Body & structure85.1%
- Interior & seats63.8%
- Steering42.5%
- Other / unspecified31.9%
- Suspension31.9%
- Heating & air conditioning21.3%
- Exterior lighting21.3%
- Fuel system21.3%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
- Airbags10.6%
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
BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE PER YEAR. CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO OR THREE TIMES. VEHICLE WILL NOT DO AN EMERGENCY STOP. IT TAKES A LONG DISTANCE TO STOP NORMALLY. THE ABS DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. MECHANICS SAY THIS IS COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE. *AK
REAR BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE;. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: PROBLEM BEGAN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. PROBLEM WAS NOTICED WHILE IN MOTION. IT SEEMED TO HAPPEN WHEN IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE. VEHICLE WAS NOT OVERHEATING. THEN, LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT AS WELL AS THE HORN. UPON INSPECTION BY THE MECHANIC, IT WAS REPORTED THAT THERE WAS A BAD SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN ,AND THE WIRES WERE FRAYED. VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP. OWNER CONTACTED GM, AND PROVIDED HER VIN, WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS.*AK
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME 1992 COMPUTER IN DASH MALFUNCTION. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING OR HOW MUCH GAS SHE HAD. *JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1992 CUTLASS SUPREME EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THERE HAS BEEN NO VISIBLE SIGN OF AND OIL LEAK NOR DOES THE VEHICLE SMOKE WHILE DRIVING. *NM
THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES ON AND OFF AND THE BRIGHTNESS CHANGES WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. THE DIMMER CONTROL HAS NO AFFECT AND THE PANEL FLASHES BRIGHTLY AT NIGHT. THE GAS TANK RELEASES FUMES WHEN IT'S FILLED AND A SUCTION PRESSURE BUILDS UP IN THE TANK, CAUSING AIR SQUEAKS AT THE GAS TANK CAP. THE RIMS LEAK AND THE TIRES (WHICH ARE BRAND NEW) HAVE TO BE FILLED CONSTANTLY. THE HEATER BARELY BLOWS HARD ENOUGH AND THE AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. AN AUTO MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HIS 92 CUTLASS SUPREME HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. I DIDN'T MENTION THE CONTROL PANEL TO HIM AND HE ASKED IF MINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING LIKE HIS WAS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER AS WELL, AND HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT EVEN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD TO KEEP THE TIRES STRAIGHT
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR WILL SHOW NEUTRAL BUT THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE IN REVERSE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 91V214000, REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 95V173000, REGARDING THE FRONT SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL AND THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN DOES NOT MATCH THIS VEHICLE.
RETRACTOR ON PASSENGER FRONT RIGHT HAS FAILED TO OPPERATE AND HAS BEEN REPAIRED ONCE. *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRUISE CONTROLE STICKS/ VEHICLE IDLES, AND WILL NOT STOP UNLESS CONSUMER SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL. *AK
AFTER STARTING CAR IN THE MORNING IT IDLES AT 2-3 TACHOMETER AND WILL REV UP TO 3.5 AND WILL NOT DROP TO 1 OR LESS. WHEN IT IS PUT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE YOU MUST DROP TO NEUTRAL OR THE BRAKES WILL NOT STOP THE MOVEMENT. AFTER GOING 2-5 MILES THE ENGINE WILL SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKES WORK BETTER. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM. EVERY MORNING IT IS LIKE THIS. *AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR WILL SHOW NEUTRAL BUT THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE IN REVERSE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 91V214000, REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 95V173000, REGARDING THE FRONT SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL AND THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN DOES NOT MATCH THIS VEHICLE.
PROBLEMS WITH FENDER SCRATCHES ON BODY, DAMAGE AXLE BOOT, MOTOR DAMAGE, SPARK PLUGS, EXHAUST, ETC...*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE REPAIR SHOP DAMAGED THE VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THEIR CARE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE BATTERY EXPLODED. *PH THE RPM'S ON THE VEHICLE RACED EXTREMELY HIGH, IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WAS A VACUUM LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, ALSO THE OIL PAN GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WERE CAUSED BY THE REPAIR SHOP AS WELL AS OTHER DAMAGES INCURRED BY THEM. *JB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS WITH FENDER SCRATCHES ON BODY, DAMAGE AXLE BOOT, MOTOR DAMAGE, SPARK PLUGS, EXHAUST, ETC...*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE REPAIR SHOP DAMAGED THE VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THEIR CARE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE BATTERY EXPLODED. *PH THE RPM'S ON THE VEHICLE RACED EXTREMELY HIGH, IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WAS A VACUUM LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, ALSO THE OIL PAN GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WERE CAUSED BY THE REPAIR SHOP AS WELL AS OTHER DAMAGES INCURRED BY THEM. *JB
EARLIER MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME REASON, SO I CHECKED MY CAR AND FOUND THAT ONE CRADLE RETAINER WAS MISSING ALTOGETHER AND OTHERS ARE SEVERLY RUSTED.*AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOVES BACKWARD AND FORWARD,CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER CAN HEAR THE SEAT MOVE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER FEELS THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM THE REAR AT 35 MPH IN WHICH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RELEASED FROM THE UPRIGHT POSITION. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS.
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
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT VEHICLE WENT TO THE RIGHT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED TO REPLACE THE LOWER PINION BEARING. DEALER STATED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
SMOKE WAS POURING FROM VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS STARTED UP, MELTING THE WIRES. SWITCHS IN STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORAMTION.*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
THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE SPOKES ON THE HUBS OR THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES BECAUSE THE WRENCH PROVIDED FOR THE VEHICLE WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB *JB
THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES ON AND OFF AND THE BRIGHTNESS CHANGES WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. THE DIMMER CONTROL HAS NO AFFECT AND THE PANEL FLASHES BRIGHTLY AT NIGHT. THE GAS TANK RELEASES FUMES WHEN IT'S FILLED AND A SUCTION PRESSURE BUILDS UP IN THE TANK, CAUSING AIR SQUEAKS AT THE GAS TANK CAP. THE RIMS LEAK AND THE TIRES (WHICH ARE BRAND NEW) HAVE TO BE FILLED CONSTANTLY. THE HEATER BARELY BLOWS HARD ENOUGH AND THE AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. AN AUTO MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HIS 92 CUTLASS SUPREME HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. I DIDN'T MENTION THE CONTROL PANEL TO HIM AND HE ASKED IF MINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING LIKE HIS WAS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER AS WELL, AND HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT EVEN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD TO KEEP THE TIRES STRAIGHT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH FRONTAL UPPER BALL JOINTS AR MOLDING OUT, AND CAUSING WHEELS TO RUB WHILE DRIVING;. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
REAR LEAF SPRING MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
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
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS LEAKING, AND CAUSING AIR CONDITIONER TO MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAID THE TUBING IN THE AIR DUCTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
BAD ODOR CAME OUT FROM AIR CONDITIONER, RESULTING IN HEADACHES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH SHORTED CAUSING SMOKE TO COME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR TO FILL THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.
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
THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES ON AND OFF AND THE BRIGHTNESS CHANGES WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. THE DIMMER CONTROL HAS NO AFFECT AND THE PANEL FLASHES BRIGHTLY AT NIGHT. THE GAS TANK RELEASES FUMES WHEN IT'S FILLED AND A SUCTION PRESSURE BUILDS UP IN THE TANK, CAUSING AIR SQUEAKS AT THE GAS TANK CAP. THE RIMS LEAK AND THE TIRES (WHICH ARE BRAND NEW) HAVE TO BE FILLED CONSTANTLY. THE HEATER BARELY BLOWS HARD ENOUGH AND THE AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. AN AUTO MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HIS 92 CUTLASS SUPREME HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. I DIDN'T MENTION THE CONTROL PANEL TO HIM AND HE ASKED IF MINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING LIKE HIS WAS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER AS WELL, AND HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT EVEN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD TO KEEP THE TIRES STRAIGHT
THE FUEL BOX CAUGHT FIRE ELECTRICAL FIRE. TT
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
CONSUMER TOOK VEHIICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A CHECK UP. CALIPERS WERE BINDING. THEY REPLACED THE SLEEVES ON THE REAR BRAKES. BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE OPENED, WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, THEY WOULDN'T OPEN. AT 30,000 MILES DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACED THE BRAKES. ALSO, REAR TIRE CAME OFF. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE HAD NO AIRBAGS WHILE REPAIRING HARNESS WIRING, LEADING INTO STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS WHICH WERE BEING REPLACED ONCE EVERY YEAR. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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 .