1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Only 16 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 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1984 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUFFERED VEHICLE FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND REALIZED THE CAR WAS SMOKING, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040105
VEHICLES ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT).
NHTSA ODI report, 19990303
3 of 16 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and windshield wiper/washer.
3 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
2 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR JUST STARTED BURNING FOR NO REASON. 12-4-95 PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951205
SAFETY TIMELINE
SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF SEAT BACK LOCKS WILL BE PERFORMED. LOCKS THAT HAVE BENT, BROKEN OR MISSING HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 84V011000 — check if this car was fixed
PULLING TO LEFT AND VIBRATING STEERING W
84 OLDS BRAKE LOCKUP
CUTLASS SUPREME BRAKE LOCKUP
THROTTLE LINKAGE STICKING
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V011000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1984 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 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.