MYRModel Year Report

1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass

○ Not enough data
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:01.977Z

Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 16 complaints 1985: 18 complaints 1985 18 1986: 23 complaints 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 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 16 complaints 1985: 18 complaints 1985 18 1986: 23 complaints 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 1984: 16 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1985 18 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

1985: 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

4 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle expriencing problem with acceleration after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive. Vehicle went out of control, causing vehicle to crash into fence. Dealer was not notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-25

Consumer was backing out of the driveway and car accelerated and hit another car, mechanic said it was the accelerator . Please describe .

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-21

Power train

4 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The vehicle lost power while driving uphill. A few years earlier, the vehicle was taken to an auto garage for a diagnosis, but no failure was found.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-17

Steering

3 of 18 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

Tires

2 of 18 total reports mention: tires.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Rear tires locked up, vehicle fishtailed, lost control, resulting in an accident/injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-03

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1984-10-01Steering84V124000 The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie…

    Remedy: The tie rod end bolts will be tightened without cost to the owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1984-11-27Seat belts84V154000 The vehicles were assembled with front seat belt retractors which may not perform adequately during a collision.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the left and right front seat belt retractors free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
  4. I
    1987-07-01Defect petitionClosed 1987-07-17 Cutlass Supreme brake lockup
  5. I
    1988-02-02Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-06 Throttle linkage sticking
  6. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  7. I
    1989-03-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-12 Jammed steering mechanism
  8. R
    1989-07-20Vehicle speed control89V102000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    1989-07-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-22 Parking brake cable

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 84V124000 · Steering
  • Recall 84V154000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 89V102000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
3 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.