Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 3 of 23 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.
Structure. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
23 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2000
StructureSuspension
I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH WHEN I HEARD A THUMP AND MY CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK TO THE LEFT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED AND THE DID NOT SO I SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON AND AVOIDED A MAIL BOX AND ANY BODY DAMAGE TOTHE CAR AND THE PASSENGER AND MYSELF. THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND THE FRAME …
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH WHEN I HEARD A THUMP AND MY CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK TO THE LEFT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED AND THE DID NOT SO I SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON AND AVOIDED A MAIL BOX AND ANY BODY DAMAGE TOTHE CAR AND THE PASSENGER AND MYSELF. THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND THE FRAME WAS ABOUT 5 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. THE BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRAME NEED REPLACED AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE NEEDS REPLACED AT THIS POINT. THE MECHANIC I HAVE WORKING ON IT SAID THE FOUR MOUNTING BOLTS ON THE FRAME WERE CORRODED AND CAME OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I AM VERY CURIOUS IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #722079
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 1999
Visibility
WINDSHIELD GIVES OFF A DISTORTED VIEW WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES PROBLEM FOR THE DRIVER AT NIGHT & DURING THE DAY. WHENEVER HEADLIGHTS ARE SHOWN AGAINST WINDSHIELD, UNABLE TO DETECT LINES IN ROAD. HAVE NOT BEEN TO DEALERSHIP BUT WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO HAVE WINDSHIELD CHECKED OUT.AK
NHTSA ODI #853603
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline
READ INFORMATION IN PAPER REGARDING FUEL TANK BEING TOO CLOSE TO THE BUMPER & COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO GET BURNED OR A FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED NO REMEDY AVAILABLE TO CORRECT FUEL TANK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #846765
Mileage unknown · May 20, 1999
Structure
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS WHICH DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #838245
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
WHILE SLEEPING IN VEHICLE IN AN OPEN AIR PARKING LOT WITH HEATER AND MOTOR ON CONSUMER DIED OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISIONING, MOTOR CONTINUED RUNNING UNTIL CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED RESULTING IN FIRE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA ODI #545034
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
REAR DISC BRAKE MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING THE CALIPERS TO LEAK BRAKE FLUID . CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEAS PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #832960
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
STRUT MOUNT & PLATE BROKE. BRAKES, CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS, AND STRUTS WERE DESTROYED BY THIS OCCURRENCE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. MECHANIC MANUAL SAID THAT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE DAILY TO MAKE THE CALIPERS FUNCTIONAL WAS A NECESSITY, OWNER UNAWARE OF THIS. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #829983
Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 1998
Engine And Engine Cooling
CRANK MODULE, CRANK SENSOR COOLANT LINE MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI #541567
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 1998
Steering
WHILE DRIVING FRONT CRADLE BOLTS SNAPPED,CAUSING FRONT END TO DROP AND LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. CONSUMER VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #824785
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 1998
Suspension
CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN FRONT CRADLE BOLTS FELL OFF, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FALL ONTO DRIVETRAIN, DISLODGING STEERING. TOTALLY DISABLED, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER SAID CRADLE BOLTS HAD RUSTED. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
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
4
RP01001 · Structure
Opened Nov 28, 2001 · Closed Jun 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA92024 · Sticking Throttle
Opened Jun 26, 1992 · Closed Jan 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA91055 · W-CAR Hinge Pin Failure
Opened Dec 5, 1991 · Closed Aug 17, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE91072 · Steering Wheel Separation
Opened May 1, 1991 · Closed Jul 8, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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