1998 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
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FRAME, WHERE STEERING RACK BOLTS TO, RUSTED OUT. STEERING RACK BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION. FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY HIGH COST. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20130828
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
WINDSHIELD WIPER
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DA
Campaign 01V068000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004.
Campaign 03V527000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
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
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V068000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V527000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
3 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.