1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Cutlass › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Newest first.
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 universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, where road…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both bolts pull through, the front of the cradle would no longer be supported at the mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft could separate from the steering gear.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. the rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. the safety belt may not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.
The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material.
Remedy
Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.
Moisture can enter the express-down electronic control module and cause a short circuit that causes window operation without operator control, and leaves the window in the down position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The electronic control module will fail from overheatingand could result in a fire hazard inside the door panel.
Remedy
Replace the window express-down electronic control module.
The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident.
Remedy
Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
Owner complaints
193 complaints11 involved a crash9 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. The contact was traveling 50 mph when the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard abnormally. The brakes were engaged but the vehicle did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated to 85 mph before the contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. The contact was traveling 50 mph when the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard abnormally. The brakes were engaged but the vehicle did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated to 85 mph before the contact turned the vehicle off. The contact had to wait a few minutes before restarting the vehicle as the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 oldsmobile ciera. The contact was concerned about a recall campaign number IS 95v173000, seat belts front, anchorage on his year, make and model vehicle. The, contact had not had any problems with the seat belt, but was concerned that it could fail in the event of a crash. The failure and current mileages were 60000. updated 01/24/11 *bf updated 03.22.11
- Structure · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass ciera. the contact took his vehicle to be inspected by a dealer because he was experiencing failure with the wheel bearings. he was informed that the motor mount was loose. the vehicle was repaired and the contact was later informed of nhtsa campaign…
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass ciera. the contact took his vehicle to be inspected by a dealer because he was experiencing failure with the wheel bearings. he was informed that the motor mount was loose. the vehicle was repaired and the contact was later informed of nhtsa campaign ID number 00v189000 (engine and engine cooling). his vin was not included in the recall. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 105,632 and failure mileage was 99,132. updated 06/09/2008. *lj
- Structure
The rear cradle bolt recall 00v189000 defect occurred while coming to a complete stop. this resulted in the subframe bending and the steering column coming apart. The dealership IS going to replace the subframe and steering column. the vin number IS not included in this recall. *jb
- Steering
While driving 10 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. suddenly the vehicle lost power steering. however, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the cradle bolts…
While driving 10 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. suddenly the vehicle lost power steering. however, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the cradle bolts and retainers needed to be replaced. *ak.....all steering was lost not just power steering. With no control, vehicle moved to the next lane. Driver had no steering, only could use brakes. Dealer bought it for $500.00 to gert vehicle off road.f this vehicle wa sgoing a thighway speed, the driver or another driver could have been killed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Intermittently vehicle stalled while driving. consumer pulled vehicle off the road. consumer has to put the vehicle in neutral and restart the vehicle. Dealership inspected vehicle at consumer's expense of $ 1250. But the problem was not resolved. *Ak
- Seat belts
Seat belt on drivers side will not retract. I'm a disabled person, and husband has been deployed for a year or more, and also have a 6 year old that I have to take care of. When this happened I had visited my husband where he's on standby waiting to go over seas, he had to tie my seatbelt in a knot…
Seat belt on drivers side will not retract. I'm a disabled person, and husband has been deployed for a year or more, and also have a 6 year old that I have to take care of. When this happened I had visited my husband where he's on standby waiting to go over seas, he had to tie my seatbelt in a knot to get it tight so it would not get in the way while driving or get caught in the door and so on and so forth. IS there anyway that your company can help me get this fixed. Money IS tight and I don't have the money to fix it, and can't be without a car for a lengthy period of time. I don't know where else to turn. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
I recently purchased a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. I had to take it back to the dealership 2 times already because it will cut off will driving, putting myself and others at risk of serious injury or death. no one seems to know what IS wrong with the car. upon further investigating using…
I recently purchased a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. I had to take it back to the dealership 2 times already because it will cut off will driving, putting myself and others at risk of serious injury or death. no one seems to know what IS wrong with the car. upon further investigating using consumer automobile review sites on the web. I find that there are multiple similar complaints about this particular model or ones very similar produced by gm/oldsmobile. keep in mind that this vehicle only has 39,700 miles on it. I have a 2 year warranty, that has yet to be honored because the dealership claims they do not know what's wrong with it. I am seriously wondering if there IS some type of cover up or intentional ignoring of a common mechanical defect with this and similar vehicles. please help! thank you. *jb
- Structure
While driving at 60 mph received recall 00 v 189 000 for cradle bolt occurred. engine dropped, and vehicle was immobile. vin was not included in the recall. *ak
- Structure
Consumer states that while driving and with no warning the cradle bolt failed, causing the motor to drop.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the check engine light appeared on the dashboard. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm · Structure
While driving the steering bolt became lose which caused the steering wheel to jump around. which made it difficult for the consumer to steer the vehicle. *nlm the steering knuckle ripped out and the cradle broke causing everything under the hood to fall out. the cradle had to be replaced. *tt *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
The brake caliper was sticking and caused the front brake pads to wear excessively. *nlm
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The power window failed to roll down. *jb the new motor didn't fix the problem and has not been able to move the windows up or down. *scc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control › Linkages
The baffle in the gas tank came loose causing the vehicle to stop running. *jg
- Structure › Body › Door
I have replaced the door handles on both the drivers side and passenger doors. this IS the 3RD time on the drivers side and the passenger side door handle broke off in my hand so I have no way to get into my vehicle at all short of breaking a window just to replace yet another door handle. very…
I have replaced the door handles on both the drivers side and passenger doors. this IS the 3RD time on the drivers side and the passenger side door handle broke off in my hand so I have no way to get into my vehicle at all short of breaking a window just to replace yet another door handle. very poor design and very weak pot metal handles at 135.00 each time one IS replaced (not including labor)this IS getting rediculous. dt
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
The front seat belts in my vehicle have a tendency to lock up when you start to pull on the belts to put them on. my passenger side seat belt IS now completely unuseable because the belt retractor has stopped working. this belt will no longer retract. also, the guide loops for both seat belt are cracked and the guide where the seat belt goes into the driver's side door IS also cracked. dt
- Seats
Front seats original have no adjustment for reclining--seats lay back too far and it feels like you are laying down--head rest don't stay up--seat belts come out of door and because of incline of seats too far the shoulder strap in far away from shoulder
- Structure
The rear engine cradle bushings rusted causing the engine to drop to the ground while driving resulting in loss of steering control. nlm
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While vehicle was parked, steering wheel would lift up or down without using steering adjustment. vehicle was taken to the dealership which did not resolve the problem. *akwhile in motion, consumer had to brake suddenly, putting pressure on the steering wheel. consumer heard a pop and the steering wheel started to lift up and down without the use of the adjuster lever. *jg
- Structure
Consumer was involved in an accident due to a recalled defect which was never sent to him(00v189). once consumer contacted the dealership, they would not honor the recall due to high mileage on the vehicle. *jg
- Structure
While driving, the consumer heard a strange noise. then suddenly the steering wheel would not turn. the rear of the cradel fell down. replaced and removed the left rear upper/lower cradle mounts, replaced steering intermeated shaft, power steering pressure switch, left rear control link, and the left outer tie rod loose. (recall# 00v189) consumer hopes to recieve reimbursement. *ak *scc
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system · Structure
The consumer was in an accident due to the engine cradle bolts and steering collapse while driving. Owner's vehicle was not covered under recall 97v-058000 due to mileage. Owner claimed never received recall notice. Vehicle wa sinvolved in an accident, and incurred damage. complaint listed under anothet name.*yh
- Structure
Recall 97 v 058 000/rear cradle bolts: while in reverse cradle bolts have broken and caused loss of steering. manufacturer was notified , and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to vin.feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system · Unknown or other · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
When using air conditioning, alternator goes out and kills the battery. Had 4 alternators and batteries replaced. Took to dealer who indicated engine was too big for alternator also causing engine to stall, engine cooling fan replaced, power steering pressure hose failed and replaced, rearview mirror fell off, ceiling fabric coming unglued and dashboard vent cover coming off. *ak *tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Structure
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cradle separation
The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control
- Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
- Corroded rear disk brakes
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frame absorber failure
There is no summary currently available
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
- Jack failure
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- Steering wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51353Excessive oil consumption (replace pcv harness).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
- 43021Unknown
- 39308Cold start rattle noise.
- 39080Rear strut related thumping/squeaking noise.
- 39072ABS warning light IS on.
- 37955ABS wire harness for the right front wheel may rub on the brake line causing the ABS warning light to come on.
- 37843Crunch noise from right side dash area when turning steering wheel.
Every Oldsmobile Cutlass model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.