RoadVitals

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
123
Latest May 10, 2015
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
16

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 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

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

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WENT TO TURN THE CORNER AT A GREEN LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE AIR BAGS LIGHT HAS BEEN STAYING ON SINCE 2009.

NHTSA ID 10715553 · filed May 10, 2015

FRONTAL AIRBAG RECALL-NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE/INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURE.FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM SEARCHING A WEBSITE.NO INCIDENT SO FAR!*AK

NHTSA ID 10030569 · filed Aug 1, 2003
All 22 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH IN DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED 5 MONTHS LATER WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED, BUT NEVER RETURNED A CALL. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE, AND COULD A POSE SERIOUS RISK IF THE PROBLEM RECURRED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID 10171983 · filed Oct 27, 2006

THE ABS CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ON, WHICH THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.*AK THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND A WIRE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10113668 · filed Mar 30, 2005
All 21 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CADILLAC & 1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OFTEN, THE ENGINE WOULD SPEED UP RANDOMLY WHILE IDLING OR IN PARK, AS THOUGH HE WERE TRAVELING 50 MPH. SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN. *JB

NHTSA ID 10577698 · filed Apr 9, 2014

LTR FM (FL) RE DEFECTIVE 1996 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. *TS THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE BATTERY HAD A LOW CHARGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOW ON FUEL AND OIL. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE INDICATOR FOR THE FUEL NEVER GAVE AN ACTUAL READING OF THE FUEL IN THE TANK, IT FLUCTUATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND IT WAS HARD TO TELL HOW MUCH FUEL WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE CONSUMER HAD A WATER PUMP INSTALLED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10146491 · filed Dec 29, 2005
All 16 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 55 MPH.TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC AT 55 MPH WITHOUT ANY WARNING.THERE WAS NO NOISES NO SLIPPING OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS.ONE MINUTE EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STOPS MOVING.IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF YOUR IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND YOUR CAR SUDDENLY FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS WHAT SO EVER.*AK

NHTSA ID 744313 · filed Apr 20, 2001

WHILE PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR IT HAD TO BE PUT BETWEEN DRIVE AND NEUTRAL, THE DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO A SHIFT ON THE DASHBOARD, WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE WOULD RACE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. *SLC

NHTSA ID 557841 · filed Nov 21, 2000
All 12 reports naming transmission

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HI, I FILED MY COMPLAINT WITH YOU ON THE PHONE IN JANUARY. ANYWAY, I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START, MY SECURITY LIGHT STAYED ON AND I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO BERGER CHEVROLET AT 2525 28TH STREET S.E. GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 (616)949-5200. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR 4102. MY VEHICLE WAS WITH BERGER CHEVY FROM JANUARY 02 TO JANUARY 05,2015. MY INVOICE STATES MY IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND TWO KEYS WERE REPLACED. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR $723.56. PLEASE HELP

NHTSA ID 10694945 · filed Mar 17, 2015

COULD NOT TURN IGNITION SWITCH OFF. NEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE CABLE TO THE POWER COIL TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER SEVERAL SIMILAR INCIDENTS, HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT A COST OF $147.15. GM HAS A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON SEVERAL LATER MODEL CARS. REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT OF MY COSTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10596659 · filed Jun 6, 2014
All 12 reports naming electrical

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE ABS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB ALSO, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANIMS DO NOT LOCK INTO POSITION AND CAN ALLOW FOR SEAT OCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN FORWARD INTO THE STEERING COLUMN, DASH, WINDSHIELD DURING A CRASH. MJJ

NHTSA ID 10015987 · filed Apr 16, 2003

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, A FIRE HAS STARTED FROM UNDER THE DASH. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM

NHTSA ID 8019779 · filed Sep 30, 2002
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CADILLAC & 1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OFTEN, THE ENGINE WOULD SPEED UP RANDOMLY WHILE IDLING OR IN PARK, AS THOUGH HE WERE TRAVELING 50 MPH. SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN. *JB

NHTSA ID 10577698 · filed Apr 9, 2014

I WAS ACCELERATING TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY (GOING ABOUT 60-63 MPH) IN HEAVY TRAFFIC (55-58 MPH) AND WHEN I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I TRIED FEATHERING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GOT VERY LITTLE SLOW DOWN SO BEGAN TO BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET BUT WITH LITTLE EFFECT. CAR WAS VIBRATING AND I HAD TO KEEP BOTH HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL TO TRY AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND ALSO GET MAXIMUM LEVERAGE ON FLOOR BRAKE. I MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO AN OFF RAMP, DROVE OVER THE ON-OFF RAMP DIVIDER INTO A FIELD. AT THIS POINT I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE CAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND ALMOST FLIPPED OVER. I HEADED TOWARDS A GRASSY INCLINE AND THIS FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR AT WHICH POINT I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I OBSERVED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS LIMP ON THE FLOOR OF THE CAR. A PERSON DRIVING BEHIND ME STOPPED TO CALL STATE PATROL AND CONFIRM THAT HE WITNESSED MY BRAKE LIGHTS ON BUT ONLY THE LEFT REAR TIRE BRAKING. THE STATE TROOPER CONFIRMED THIS BY OBSERVING A SINGLE TIRE SKID MARK ON THE OFF-RAMP. ACCELERATOR THROTTLE CABLE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10203367 · filed Sep 18, 2007
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WENT TO TURN THE CORNER AT A GREEN LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE AIR BAGS LIGHT HAS BEEN STAYING ON SINCE 2009.

NHTSA ID 10715553 · filed May 10, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THE SOUND WAS HEARD ANYTIME A TURN WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING: RACK AND PINION) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ID 10381029 · filed Feb 7, 2011
All 8 reports naming steering

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, CONSUMER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND HOLD CONSUMER IN PLACE LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE DONE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC

NHTSA ID 8013848 · filed Jul 15, 2002

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, CONSUMERS DRIVER'S SIDE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT BECAME UNATTACHED. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHR DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID 898459 · filed Oct 30, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 OLDSMOBILE SIERRA SL (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME BLACK AND HOT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

NHTSA ID 10619043 · filed Aug 5, 2014

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S DOOR AND WINDOW EQUIPMENT.*MR POWER WINDOWS BROKE/ WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND VEHICLE DOOR IS STICKING WHEN OPENED OR CLOSED. DOOR WAS ADJUSTED AND THE HINGES WERE SPRAYED.*MR

NHTSA ID 10055871 · filed Feb 10, 2004

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LTR FM (FL) RE DEFECTIVE 1996 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. *TS THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE BATTERY HAD A LOW CHARGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOW ON FUEL AND OIL. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE INDICATOR FOR THE FUEL NEVER GAVE AN ACTUAL READING OF THE FUEL IN THE TANK, IT FLUCTUATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND IT WAS HARD TO TELL HOW MUCH FUEL WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE CONSUMER HAD A WATER PUMP INSTALLED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10146491 · filed Dec 29, 2005

LTR FM CONSUMER (FL) RE DEFECTIVE 1996 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. *TS SIX MONTHS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER NOTICE THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR A WHILE THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER REPLACED ANOTHER SENSOR. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE OVERHEATED WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE DAMAGE. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER 100,000 MILES . THE FUEL GAUGE NEVER GAVE THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK READING. THE FUEL NEEDLE WOULD FLUCTUATE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT VARIOUS SPEED. MANY BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE BATTERY INDICATOR NEVER ILLUMINATED INDICATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ID 10146422 · filed Dec 19, 2005

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 MPH SHE HEARD A RUBBING AND SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE WAS MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE. SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE STRUT HOUSING WAS PUSHING UP AGAINST THE HOOD. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 200,000.

NHTSA ID 10343987 · filed Jul 19, 2010

1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, THE REAR STRUT MOUNT BRACKETS ARE BAD, EVERYONE WE HAVE SPOKEN TO HAVE HAD THEM BREAK EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE PURCHASED THERE VEHICLES NEW HAVE SAID THE BRACKETS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASE. IF THE BRACKET BREAKS IT CAN LEAD THE DRIVER TO WRECK OR EVEN THE STRUT BEING PROPELLED THROUGH THE BACK SEAT. THE BOLTS HOLDING THE BRACKETS IN PLACE SHEERED OFF. WE DO HAVE THE ORIGINAL BRACKET. *TR

NHTSA ID 10285048 · filed Sep 23, 2009

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH SHORT. NO TAILLIGHTS WHEN TURN SIGNAL IS ON. ONE WAY BOTH SIDE TAILLIGHTS GO OUT AND THE OTHER WAY ONE SIDE OF TAILLIGHTS GO OUT. WHEN TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT BEING USED, SOMETIMES I HAVE TAILIGHTS AND SOMETIMES I DON'T. THEY BLINK ON AND OFF. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND IT STARTED AFTER I HAD MY CAR IN THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL WORK ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG. I HAVE NO TAILLIGHTS AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY TAILLIGHTS. THE ONLY LIGHTS THAT WORK ON THE BACK END OF MY CAR ARE THE BRAKE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS. THE REST OF THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF.

NHTSA ID 764262 · filed Jul 15, 2002

STEERING COLUMN TURN SWITCH FAILURE CAUSED REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO GO OUT COMPLETELY - TOTAL DARK - THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND WILL CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION! ! IT IS ALSO HARD TO DISCOVER - THAT'S WHY PEOPLE DON'T USE TURN SIGNALS - THEY WEAR OUT EARLY, AND COST A LOT! BRAKE LIGHTS ARE MAJOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!*AK

NHTSA ID 760731 · filed Apr 15, 2002

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING AND A NEW TIRE WAS NEEDED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIRE THAT SEPARATED. THE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND TIRE PRESSURE WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE BRAND IS COOPER, COOPER LIFELINER CLASSIC II, SIZE,P215/60R16. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ID 10201132 · filed Aug 29, 2007

WHILE DRIVING, LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE FR721 TIRE P195/75R14 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, TIRES WERE INSTALLED AT 23000 MILES, VEHICLE RECEIVED BODY DAMAGE DUE TO THE TIRE FAILURE. *SLC

NHTSA ID 871344 · filed Sep 24, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATED FROM BODY AT REAR. STEERING COLUMN SEPARATED AT THE STEERING RACK UNIVERSAL JOINT RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

NHTSA ID 531607 · filed Mar 2, 1998

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S DOOR AND WINDOW EQUIPMENT.*MR POWER WINDOWS BROKE/ WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND VEHICLE DOOR IS STICKING WHEN OPENED OR CLOSED. DOOR WAS ADJUSTED AND THE HINGES WERE SPRAYED.*MR

NHTSA ID 10055871 · filed Feb 10, 2004

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

Data on this page last refreshed .