1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1985 | 18 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 74 |
| 1989 | 113 |
| 1990 | 103 |
| 1991 | 193 |
| 1992 | 136 |
| 1993 | 139 |
| 1994 | 148 |
| 1995 | 156 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 155 |
| 1999 | 80 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
CARBURETOR FLOAT STUCK, CAUSING OVERFLOW OF GASOLINE INTO ENGINE. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960601
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20040113
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 81V025000 — check if this car was fixed
"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.
Campaign 81V036000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE BACKING PLATE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V025000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V036000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 visibility:glass, side/rear, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.