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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

Power Train complaints

14 reports
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31,493 miles · Jun 8, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED ALONG THE FITTINGS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THAT…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED ALONG THE FITTINGS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL # 93V121000 REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES LINES, PIPING, AND FITTINGS. THE VEHICLES VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 6/23/2006 - THE VEHICLE'S OIL PAN, TRANSMISSION PAN AND GAS TANK ALSO RUSTED. . *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159343

136,000 miles · Jul 29, 2003
Power TrainWheels

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN REAR RIGHT AXLE BROKE AND THE WHEEL FELL OFF. ALL THE LUG S:NUTS AND STUDS THAT GO INTO THE DRUM WERE STILL IN TACK.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10031359

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2001
Power TrainSuspension

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE, FRONT RIGHT DROPPED, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP SAFELY. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT HAD BROKEN. THIS CAUSED AXLE TO BREAK ACCORDING TO DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #891847

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2001
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

BATTERY HAD A SHORT WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS ADDED TO VEHICLE.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD DEFECTIVE BRAKE SYSTEM REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL ROTORS, CALIPERS AND BRAKE PADS. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #886614

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2000
Power Train

RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING RUSTED AND BROKE . MECHANICS SAID IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE LUBRICANT WAS WASHED OUT BECAUSE THE WATER ENTER THE UNIT. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL. SINCE SAME UNIT IS IN THE LEFT SIDE (ALTHOUGH THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BROKEN PART CHECK AND SAID IT IS OKEY) IT COULD …

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RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING RUSTED AND BROKE . MECHANICS SAID IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE LUBRICANT WAS WASHED OUT BECAUSE THE WATER ENTER THE UNIT. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL. SINCE SAME UNIT IS IN THE LEFT SIDE (ALTHOUGH THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BROKEN PART CHECK AND SAID IT IS OKEY) IT COULD HAPPENED TOO. THE RESULTS IF THESE HAPPENING WHILE MOVING FAST IS THAT THE DRIVER WOULD LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #731160

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 · 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 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 · Dec 5, 1997
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #525861

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