1996 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.
21% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
18% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WAS INVOLVED ON A FRONT COLLISION AND THE AIR BAG EXPLODED ON HER FACE CAUSING PHISICAL DAMAGE TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021009
CONSUMER WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE DURING AN ACCIDENT AND WAS INJURED BY THE AIRBAG.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980323
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED AND THEN SAW SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED, BUT SINCE IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN SHE LEFT IT ALONE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040217
WHEN DRIVING AT 30 TO 40 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, PULLED OVER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH AERA OF THE VEHICLE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED AS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970624
CADILLAC & 1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OFTEN, THE ENGINE WOULD SPEED UP RANDOMLY WHILE IDLING OR IN PARK, AS THOUGH HE WERE TRAVELING 50 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140409
Also filed under ENGINE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.