RoadVitals

1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass

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.
148
Latest Feb 1, 2020
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.
5
Latest Mar 12, 2007
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.
0
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.
17
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 148 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass, most frequently naming the brakes, visibility and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 38 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

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
07E021000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

Mar 12, 2007
742 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
DELPHIView on NHTSA.gov
97V017000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

Feb 11, 1997
349,331 units potentially affected
The defect: SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPER TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN A SEVERE WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE OLD DESIGNED WASHER/WIPER SWITCHES WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
95V061000

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

Mar 22, 1995
199,572 units potentially affected
The defect: THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE HOSE(S) CAN CONTACT THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE(S) TO WEAR THROUGH.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE HOSE POSITION AND REPLACE THOSE HOSES IN AN INCORRECT POSITION WITH NEW HOSES AND CORRECTLY ROUTED.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 148
Visibility
Filed Feb 1, 2020

WINDSHIELD WIPER DOES NOT WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK WHEN LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT IS ON

NHTSA ID
11306513
Incident
Oct 10, 2019
Electrical
Filed Jun 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD INADVERTENTLY ENGAGE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE HORN AND, AS A RESULT, THE FUSE WENT OUT. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FAILURE WOULD AFFECT THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SUGGESTED HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11101857
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Nov 24, 2014

MY BOYFRIEND AND I HAVE AN OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME 1994 THE OTHER DAY WE GOT IN THE CAR TO DRIVE AND THE WIPERS WASN'T WORKING UNLESS WE TURNED ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. WE NEED A RECALL REPLACEMENT. ALSO WE HAVE AN EXCEPTION DUE BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10660726
Incident
Nov 21, 2014
Mileage
180,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Dec 12, 2013

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH/MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH THAT ALSO CONTROLS THE CRUISE CONTROL, WIPERS, AND WINDSHIELD WASHER. 1. I CAN'T PUT THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER IN THE LOCKED POSITION WHEN SIGNALING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE SIGNALS WON'T WORK. I HAVE TO APPLY JUST ENOUGH PRESSURE ON THE LEVER TO MAKE THE SIGNALS BLINK. 2. MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS WON'T WORK AT ALL AND I HAD TO REMOVE THE UPPER PART OF THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY BUMP IT THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T WORK. 3. MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT WORK ON LOW UNLESS I TURN ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. WHEN THE LEFT SIGNAL IS BLINKING THE WIPERS WORK PERFECT ON LOW. WHEN I TURN THE WIPERS ON FAST THEY WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ON AND THEN THEY GO UP THREE INCHES AND DOWN THREE INCHES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10555778
Incident
Jun 11, 2008
Mileage
75,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Aug 24, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY FALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V017000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER: SWITCH/WIRING). THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER HONORING THE RECALL BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS INITIATED IN 1997. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ID
10351422
Incident
Jun 11, 2010
Mileage
44,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 16, 2008
1 injury reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHILE TURNING THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HER NOSE FROM THE DEPLOYMENT. SHE HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE, AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 127,000. UPDATED 07/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 07/15/08

NHTSA ID
10231125
Incident
Jun 15, 2008
Mileage
127,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 4, 2007

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. HE WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK. THE CONTACT HAD THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPAIRED ON AUGUST 17, 2004. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF RECALL 97V017000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLES AGE AND MILEAGE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER. *AK

NHTSA ID
10177790
Incident
Jul 17, 2004
Mileage
11 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 27, 2006

ENTERED MY CAR AFTER BEING INSIDE STORE PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START CAR WHEN THE AIR BAG IN STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STRUCK FROM THE FRONT OR REAR AT THE TIME OF MY ENTRY, I BECAME DIZZY FROM THE POWDER. THE HORN BECAME ACTIVATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. HAD TO REMOVE A FUSE TO GET THE HORN TO STOP. *NM

NHTSA ID
10171987
Incident
Sep 28, 2006

Manufacturer communications

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

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.

PIC4696C

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

010601002A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT

990604005A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2001000—
2000000—
1999801038.1
19981553656.9
1997963660.3
19961231045.7
19951564053.3
1994Viewing1485053.9
19931395159.8
19921364262.0
19911938863.4
19901036464.2
19891136462.1
1988746862.5
1987162363.2
1986233362.8
1985183668.5
1984162565.5
1983521—
1982120—
1981321—
1980351—
1979281—
1978061—
1977320—
1976320—
1975040—
1974030—
1973020—
1967010—

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.