Oldsmobile / Cutlass / 1997
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 18.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of steering at 13%.
Complaints161
Crashes9
Fires1
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 18.6% · 30
Steering 13.0% · 21
Electrical system 11.8% · 19
Engine and engine cooling 9.9% · 16
Suspension 9.3% · 15
Visibility 5.0% · 8
Power train 4.3% · 7
Exterior lighting 4.3% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass in this data, 1997 sits 7th by complaint volume. 1991 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 82,274 miles.
In owners' own words
After driving vehicle for a month had applied brakes and a grinding noise was heard. Noise proceeded to get worse. Took vehicle back. Brake pads were changed. A month later , needed a new set of brakes. Problem happened every two weeks. Mechanic indicated no knowledge of cause of problem. Brakes kept messing up & were under warranty, but not being properly repaired. Service brakes, hydraulic
All four brake rotors have rusty pitted surfaces. The right rear is almost totally pock marked with pits and causes the car to pulsate and shake severely when the brakes are applied. The anti-lock brake system has been repaired previously three times for faulty sensors or wiring. Service brakes, hydraulic
The abs braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. Also heard a grinding noise at the front end of the vehicle when applying the brakes. The anti-brake wheel sensor also failed. Vehicle been in the shop seven times in reference to the abs brakes. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Oldsmobile Cutlass years
1993 193 complaints · 29.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 200 complaints · 20.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 199 complaints · 20.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 160 complaints · 16.3% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 223 complaints · 21.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 117 complaints · 22.2% electrical system