1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
60% of complaints: service brakes — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH13% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT FAILED RESTRAIN OCCUPANT DURING COLLISION. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950426
12% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and module.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT DASHBOARD COMPONENTS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SHE COULD NOT TELL HOW MUCH FUEL THERE WAS OR HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING/DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040817
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
8% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
Show complaint excerpts
NAR 1/29/2003. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2003 REGARDING THE FRONT FRAME /CRADLE BOLT RETAINERS. AS PER THE RECALL LETTER THEY WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041206
SAFETY TIMELINE
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Campaign 90V054000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CO
Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
Campaign 90V185000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Remedy: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Campaign 91V005000 — check if this car was fixed
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 94V041000 — check if this car was fixed
CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 95V115000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Campaign 97V058000 — check if this car was fixed
CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V054000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V185000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V005000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V041000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V115000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V058000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
6 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.