MYRModel Year Report

1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass

○ Not enough data
1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:21.150Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 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 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 1984: 16 complaints 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 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 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

1983: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire (Ohio state police report).

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-09

Vehicle speed control

1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH

Seats

1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driver's side seatback bent forward/left anchorage loop broke.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-18

Exterior lighting

1 of 5 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

Equipment

1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Air conditioner motor caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-23

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
    1983-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic83V105000 The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1983-10-25Service brakes, hydraulic83V106000 The master cylinder rear brake pipe, which carries brake fluid to the rear brakes, may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket.

    Remedy: If upon inspection the dealer finds that there is inadequate clearance, the pipe will be reformed to obtain the necessary three quarter inch space. Only those pipes showing signs of wear will be…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1987-07-01Defect petitionClosed 1987-07-17 Cutlass Supreme brake lockup

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Seats: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 83V105000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 83V106000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1983 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 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 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.