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1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 5 of 139 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

139 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 1999
Power Train

CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND THEN HAD TO WAIT UNTIL VEHICLE HEATS UP BEFORE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION SO THAT VEHICLE COULD MOVE. SAMETHING HAPPENDED WHEN SHE SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, AND FINALLY VEHICLE JERKED LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #835042

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 1999
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING AT 4 MPH ON BOULEVARD VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. OFF ROAD THE STEAL PLATE CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. DEALER CONTACTED , AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. ORDERED REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #834276

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE CAR STARTS INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT HAS TO SIT FOR AWHILE AND THEN START UP LATER. DEALER CANT FIND THE SOLUTION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #833821

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 1998
Tires

DURING THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98T-002 OF JUNE 30, 1998, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO SEARS WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE NAMED TIRES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE LOT NUMBERS OF MY TIRES WERE EXEMPT FROM THE RECALL AND SHOULD NOT FAIL DUE TO THE RECALL DEFECTS. THE 2 TIRE FAILURES THAT HAPPENED IN…

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DURING THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98T-002 OF JUNE 30, 1998, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO SEARS WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE NAMED TIRES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE LOT NUMBERS OF MY TIRES WERE EXEMPT FROM THE RECALL AND SHOULD NOT FAIL DUE TO THE RECALL DEFECTS. THE 2 TIRE FAILURES THAT HAPPENED IN THIS PAST WEEK EXACTLY MATCHED THE REASON FOR THE RECALL. SINCE MY LOT NUMBERS WERE PJMOAKLR 486 AND 416, THEY WERE NOT REPLACED. I ASK THAT THE RECALL BE OPENED, AT KELLY-SPRINGFIELD'S EXPENSE, TO INCLUDE ALL TIRES SOLD FROM SEARS AND NTB FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. ALTHOUGH THE 2 TIRES THAT FAILED HAVE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY FOR MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS, I AM AFRAID THAT MY LIFE AND/OR THE LIFE OF MY FAMILY WILL BE IN JEOPARDY SHOULD ANOTHER TIRE FAIL UNDER HIGH SPEED CONDITIONS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT THE PROVIDED EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND/OR EVIDENSE OF THESE EVENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. STEW DANKO( DOT NUMBER: 98T-002 TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )

NHTSA ODI #700612

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 1998
Electrical SystemPower Train

WITHIN 95,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSON MALFUINCTIONED. DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR AND THE WIRING HARNESS. ALSO THE PRESSURE PLATE WAS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS CHANGED, BUT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #830405

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 1998
Electrical SystemPower Train

THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I AM SENDING THIS IN I TRYED TO PUT A VIN # OF 1G3HW14TOPD326106 IT KEEPS COMING UP INVALID DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING WRONG ALSO 1800 327-4236 THE HELP # YOU GAVE OUT TURNS OUT HAIR CLUB FOR MEN. DEALER REPLACED COMPUTER (ECM) NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGIN LIGHT GO ON CAR WAS PURGING ON HIGHWAY LIKE YOU WERE RUNING…

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THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I AM SENDING THIS IN I TRYED TO PUT A VIN # OF 1G3HW14TOPD326106 IT KEEPS COMING UP INVALID DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING WRONG ALSO 1800 327-4236 THE HELP # YOU GAVE OUT TURNS OUT HAIR CLUB FOR MEN. DEALER REPLACED COMPUTER (ECM) NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGIN LIGHT GO ON CAR WAS PURGING ON HIGHWAY LIKE YOU WERE RUNING OUT OF GAS. PROBLEM CONTINUED. NEXT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A PRESER PLATE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND I HAD A BAD SENSOR AND WIRE HARRNESS. STILL NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . SPENT $375.00 FOR THE ECM PLUS $750.00 FOR TRANS . IT STILL IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLLEM OF PURGING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE LAST THREE OLDS I HAVE HAD 1982-87-93 ALLHAVE HAD THE TRANS GO OUT WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES. I HAVE ALL WAYS GOTTON 5 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARENTIES SO I INTENDED TO KEEP MY CARS. THERE IS A DEFFINIT PATTERN OF PROBLEMS WITH THE OLDS TRANSMISSIONS.AGAIN AFTER ALL THE MONEY I HAVE SPENT THE TRANS IS STILL NOT RIGHT. I AM NOT SAYING THE DEALER IS RIPPING ME OFF BUT THERE IS A DEFFINIT PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT HOME ADDRESS OR ON THE PHONE. 847 541-2898 OR E MAIL IRA9282@AOL.COM. 1450 SAND PEBBLE WHEELING ILL. 60090

NHTSA ODI #700119

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 1998
Unknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING DASHBOARD VIBRATES TREMENDOUSLY, CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. THE DASHBOARD WAS CURRENTLY BOLTED DOWN BY A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #829474

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 1998
Electrical SystemPower Train

I HAVE HAD 3 OLDSMOBILES 1982 -87- 93 ALL 3 OF MY TRANSMISSIONS HAVE GONE OUT AT UNDER 100,000 MILES I HAVE ALL WAYS MAINTAINED THEM I HAVE ALLWAYS BOUGHT 100,000 5 YEAR WARANTIES.ON MY 93 I NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LITE GO ON THE DEALER SAID I HAD A BAD SENSOR AND A BAD WIRE HARNESS AFTER 750.00 DOLLARS WHICH IS A LOT OF MONEY …

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I HAVE HAD 3 OLDSMOBILES 1982 -87- 93 ALL 3 OF MY TRANSMISSIONS HAVE GONE OUT AT UNDER 100,000 MILES I HAVE ALL WAYS MAINTAINED THEM I HAVE ALLWAYS BOUGHT 100,000 5 YEAR WARANTIES.ON MY 93 I NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LITE GO ON THE DEALER SAID I HAD A BAD SENSOR AND A BAD WIRE HARNESS AFTER 750.00 DOLLARS WHICH IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR ME IT STILL DOES NOT WORK RIGHT.ALL SO AT 96000 MILES ONLY 5 MONTHS AFTER MY 5 YEAR WARENTY WAS UP I HAD TO REPLACE MY MAIN COMPUTER (ECM)AGAIN NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON . THE WAY I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPINING. BY THE WAY MY ECM WAS ANOTHER 375.00 DOLLARS.WITH THE BAD SENSOR ON MY TRANS IT KEPT PURGING ON THE HIGHWAY.PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS OR WHAT I CAN DO.I AM SORRY ABOUT MY VIN # I DID NOT HAVE IT UP STAIRS WITH ME PLEASE REPLY AT IRA9282@AOL.COM OR AT HOME 1450 SAND PEBBLE APT.227 WHEELING ILL 60090 847 541-2898

NHTSA ODI #700061

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 1998
Air BagsCrash

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVERS FRONT SIDE WAS HIT AT 35MPH. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. GM WAS CONTACTED AND TOOK INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #828544

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 1998
Steering

POWER STEERING GONE COMPLETELY BECAUSE HOSE WAS TO CLOSE TO THE FIREWALL CHAFFING THE POWER STEERING HOSE OVER TIME.

NHTSA ODI #540926

Official recalls

4

95V173000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 15, 1995

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.

94V211000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 26, 1994

THE BRAKE LINES CAN CONTACT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTING BRACKET OF THE FRAME SIDE RAIL. THE LINES CAN WEAR THROUGH RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF HALF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LEAK IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF ONE HALF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM AND EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE LINE CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THE BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE INDENTATIONS WILL BE REPLACED.

93V121000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 21, 1993

THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE HOSES CAN CAUSEREDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND/OR UNEVEN BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.

93V035000 · Seats

Mar 9, 1993

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINING MECHANISMS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT BACK MECHANISMS WILL NOT LATCH UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SEATS MAY RECLINE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, RESULTINGIN A HAZARD TO SEAT OCCUPANTS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM WITH A MECHANISM THAT COMPLIES WITH FMVSS 207.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE94063 · Corroded Rear Disk Brakes

Opened Aug 12, 1994 · Closed Dec 21, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available