MYRModel Year Report

1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass

○ Not enough data
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:29.617Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
16

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
3

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 1984: 16 complaints 1985: 18 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1987: 16 complaints 1987 16 1988: 74 complaints 1989: 113 complaints 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 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1987: 16 complaints 1987 16 1988: 74 complaints 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 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1987 16 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

1987: 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

6 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was parked for a few minutes, then caught on fire from under the front grill of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-10-09

Engine compartment fire, causing fatality.(Attorney for client)

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-10

Seat belts

5 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Steering

3 of 16 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and steering wheel/handle bar.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

2 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle assembly and automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-11-25Power train87V168000 Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.

    Remedy: Replace the manual valve detent lever link.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  3. 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 →

  4. I
    1989-07-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-22 Parking brake cable
  5. I
    1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V168000 · Power train
  • 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 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, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.