1987 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.
4 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE FRONT GRILL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971009
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, CAUSING FATALITY.(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA ODI report, 19961010
2 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.
Remedy: REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.
Campaign 87V168000 — check if this car was fixed
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
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V168000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.