MYRModel Year Report

1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass

○ Not enough data
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:55:28.630Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1981: 3 complaints 1981 3 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 16 complaints 1985: 18 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1988: 74 complaints 1989: 113 complaints 1989 1990: 103 complaints 1991: 193 complaints 1992: 136 complaints 1992 1993: 139 complaints 1994: 148 complaints 1995: 156 complaints 1995 1996: 123 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1998: 155 complaints 1998 1999: 80 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1981: 3 complaints 1981 3 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 16 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1988: 74 complaints 1988 1989: 113 complaints 1990: 103 complaints 1990 1991: 193 complaints 1992: 136 complaints 1992 1993: 139 complaints 1994: 148 complaints 1994 1995: 156 complaints 1996: 123 complaints 1996 1997: 96 complaints 1998: 155 complaints 1998 1999: 80 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1981 3 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 16 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1985 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 74 complaints 1988 1989: 113 complaints 1989 1990: 103 complaints 1990 1991: 193 complaints 1991 1992: 136 complaints 1992 1993: 139 complaints 1993 1994: 148 complaints 1994 1995: 156 complaints 1995 1996: 123 complaints 1996 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 155 complaints 1998 1999: 80 complaints 1999

1981: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19813
19821
19835
198416
198518
198623
198716
198874
1989113
1990103
1991193
1992136
1993139
1994148
1995156
1996123
199796
1998155
199980

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire. (Ohio state police report)

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01

Consumer would like to know if there are places or a program for low income citizens to repair vehicle. *la consumer needs major engine work done on her vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-13

Visibility

1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.

Show complaint excerpts

Carburetor float stuck, causing overflow of gasoline into engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Structure

1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1981-03-09Suspension81V025000 The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.

    Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1981-03-30Wheels81V036000 "Tx" Heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1985-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1988-11-28 Brake backing plate

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 81V025000 · Suspension
  • Recall 81V036000 · Wheels
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.