1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Cutlass › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1993 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.
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 brake lines can contact the transmission mounting bracket of the frame side rail. The lines can wear through resulting in loss of brake fluid, and eventual loss of half the vehicle braking system.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A leak in the hydraulic brake line will cause a loss of one half the vehicle braking system and extended braking distances which can result in an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper brake line clearance and reposition the brake lines. Brake lines found to have indentations will be replaced.
The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
Remedy
Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.
The driver and passenger front seat manual reclining mechanisms do not comply with the requirements of fmvss 207, "seating systems." the seat back mechanisms will not latch under certain conditions.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seats may recline without prior warning, resultingin a hazard to seat occupants and possible loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Replace the manual seat recliner mechanism with a mechanism that complies with fmvss 207.
Owner complaints
139 complaints11 involved a crash6 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Steering
1993 cutlass ciera. consumer writes in regards to air conditioner conversion kit upgrade and power steering issues. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but declined assistance due to the vehicle's age and mileage. Also, the a/c conversion kit was not installed at a GMC dealer. *Js
- Equipment › Other › Labels
TL* the contact owns a 1993 oldsmobile cutlass. The consumer stated the driver's side sun visor has a decal on the underside stating that the vehicle IS equipped with a driver's side air bag. A fuse IS in the box, where it indicated an air bag fuse. However, there IS no air bag. the consumer…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 oldsmobile cutlass. The consumer stated the driver's side sun visor has a decal on the underside stating that the vehicle IS equipped with a driver's side air bag. A fuse IS in the box, where it indicated an air bag fuse. However, there IS no air bag. the consumer stated gm failed to notify consumers that some of the vehicles produced could have an erroneous driver side sun visor decal stating that the vehicle IS equipped with a driver side air bag. Updated 04/18/13
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, a puddle of brake fluid was observed on the ground underneath the driver's side seat. upon further inspection it was determined that the brake lines had rusted along the fittings. The contact confirmed that the vehicle had not been driven in…
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, a puddle of brake fluid was observed on the ground underneath the driver's side seat. upon further inspection it was determined that the brake lines had rusted along the fittings. The contact confirmed that the vehicle had not been driven in poor weather conditions and that the vehicle was stored in a garage. the manufacturer was alerted but the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. there IS a nhtsa recall # 93v121000 regarding the service brakes lines, piping, and fittings. the vehicles vin was not included in the recall. updated 6/23/2006 - the vehicle's oil pan, transmission pan and gas tank also rusted. . *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
Consumer stated that while his friend was driving she heard a noise, got out, and discovered that the sub frame on the passenger's side broke. also, another crack started on the a frame on the other side. *ak
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
On june 10TH, two days ago, I totaled my 93 oldsmobile cutlass supreme on I-93 in new hampshire. while my year (93) has not been recalled, 88 -91 were all recalled for separation of the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear as a result of corrosion of 2 bolts where road salt use IS…
On june 10TH, two days ago, I totaled my 93 oldsmobile cutlass supreme on I-93 in new hampshire. while my year (93) has not been recalled, 88 -91 were all recalled for separation of the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear as a result of corrosion of 2 bolts where road salt use IS high, including in massachusetts. I have been commuting from boston to hanover nh to teach for the past 10 weeks. a couple weeks ago I started worrying about steering. had two rear tires replaced last week and on the day of the crash a ball joint and a tie rod replaced and an alignment. but on 93 south in londonderry I started to move into the passing lane, saw a car that had been in my blind spot so swerved a bit to the right. but I could not straighten my car out - it just kept going right, then it swerved to the left, I crashed into the guard rail, bounced backwards and stopped horizontally to the traffic blocking both lines of traffic. at first I assumed I was at fault for losing control of the car. then on the way to the tow lot, the driver asked me if a tie rod had snapped. I said I didn't know but had just had one replaced. at the tow yard, he and a car dealer (both inspectors) checked - the work I had done looked fine but upon further investigation, the steering wheel shaft had separated from the steering wheel gear which they said should never happen - they should be bolted together. given my description of loss of control and the bizarre skid marks, they are quite sure this caused the accident. and now I'm thinking this may have had something to do with the first skid-out but I talked myself into thinking it was tires and rain and alignment, not steering. on the recommendation of the tow guys mentioned above, I left a phone message with nhtsa but havent heard. the tow lot owner needs to know if any parts should be saved before crushing it. this was a harrowing experience I would not want anyone else to experience. *ak
- Electrical system
My dig. Dash work half the time and not the rest. I can not see my speed, gas or mileage. also every now and then smoke come out from my steering column. *jb
- Unknown or other
Air bag split 1 1/2 inches. *mr the vinyl which covered the air bag split. *scc *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Door handles no longer work from the outside. Children trying to open them after they are broken get their fingers pinched .*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
My 1993 olds cutlass SL has had brake calipers replaced twice in a year in the rear with gm parts once in the front. All rotors replaced, twice in the front. The hop I take the car for service says the cutlass has problems with brake components on this car. I wasn't notified of any recall. Any…
My 1993 olds cutlass SL has had brake calipers replaced twice in a year in the rear with gm parts once in the front. All rotors replaced, twice in the front. The hop I take the car for service says the cutlass has problems with brake components on this car. I wasn't notified of any recall. Any information on this you could give to me would be great. I feel I should be able to recoup some of the cost from gm. the shop told me there was a class action lawsuit on the brake problems. Please let me know who to contact. Thanks.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
I attempted to brake for a turning car and was unable to slow down. My mechanic said that the rear brake calipers were seized.*ak
- Power train › Axle assembly · Wheels
While making a left turn rear right axle broke and the wheel fell off. All the lug s:nuts and studs that go into the drum were still in tack.*ak
- Seat belts › Front
Consumer stated that when putting on the seat belt it would tighten up enough for it to fit the consumer properly. Dealer will be notified ts
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Consumer called complaining about the engine and also stated that has gone to a private mecanic and had stated that armonic balance had to be change but was never done. Also stated that visited a dealer and also was told that the module on the ignition had to be replaced but it was never done. ts
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Vehicle was leaking and brakes didn't hold when they were applied. Contacted dealer. Right rear brake hose was leaking where it was next to the caliper. Recocked caliper, and bled master cylinder system.
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Vehicle IS emmitting noise from the front end, midas diagnosed it as being the front wheel bearings. having them replaced, the noise continues. *jg
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When brakes are applied smoke comes from rear driver side tire, causing extended stopping distance. please give any further details. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Brake drum on the four wheels IS rusting very badly. Rust seeps out from under the hub cap and goes all over the wheels.
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Door hinge tearing away from door skin. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
I have had a lot of problems with the rear disc brakes equipped on my cutlass supreme. There was a class action suit against gm for this reason. I believe gm should resolve, pay for and reimburse those of us who have had to deal with these cars. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Camshaft position sensor failed, causing loss of engine, power brakes and power steering. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer was turning into driveway while traveling 5MPH and vehicle started to roar up and speed up. It hit neighbor's vehicle. dealership was aware of problem. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
On both doors latch system IS not working, when turning key the lock pops up like door IS open. But, when pulling handle its still locked. *ak consumer also states that the bolt for the brake caliper backs out on a regular basis, causing wheels to lock up ruining one of consumer tires and rim.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Starter assembly
While driving home from racine, we crossed the rr tracks in sturtevant and the cutlass just died. We had lights but no ignition. We summoned police to call a towtruck to tow it to frank gentile oldsmobile. After three days they called to tell us the did a diagnostic test for $84 which determined my…
While driving home from racine, we crossed the rr tracks in sturtevant and the cutlass just died. We had lights but no ignition. We summoned police to call a towtruck to tow it to frank gentile oldsmobile. After three days they called to tell us the did a diagnostic test for $84 which determined my starter shorted out and blew a 60 amp fuse; I questioned why the starter had anything to do with it since the car was moving, but they assured me it was the starter that shorted therefore blowing the 60 amp fuse that shut down the ignition! that cost me $401. then on june 19, 2001 coming home from racine going over the same rr tracks in sturtevant ; the cutlass did the same thing; lost ignition and died. I had it towed back to frank gentile again. This time they had it for a week. Then thy called me and told me that upon further testing it showed my wires were fried along with the switches in my steering column and needed to be replaced along with the 60 amp fuse that blew again! This time I was getting a little suspicious because of them telling me it was the starter the first time. So I told them to do the repairs but give me the alleged defective parts. After looking at the wires and switches they took out , I questioned them that the wires didn't look fried to me; than they changed their story and said there was a short in them and assurred me that this was the problem; that cost me $671.88. yesterday while driving the cutlass into racine we went over a bump in the road and the cutlass died again for the third time! So we had to have it towed back to frank gentile again. This morning, 7/2/01 my wife and I went down to frank gentile and complained vigiorously. We told them that this was a safety hazord that this car keeps cutting out like that; and they ought to put someone on the problem that knows how to solve electrical shorts and not keep swapping parts at my expense that some backyard mechanic might do. This IS an ignition electrical failure!*ak
- Power train › Axle assembly · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
While driving 20 mph there was a loud noise, front right dropped, lost control of vehicle, but was able to stop safely. Dealer informed consumer that right lower ball joint had broken. This caused axle to break according to dealer. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
While looking over engine noticed gas line IS being worn by brake line. Please provide further information. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Corroded rear disk brakes
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
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 615100Voluntary emission campaign involving the evaporative emission canister purge solenoid valve replacement and, convertible only, prom replacement.
- 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.
- 603002Evaporative emission canister purge solenoid vlave replacement and convertible only, prom replacement.
- 602746Voluntary emission recall campaign - evaporative emission conister purge solenoid valve replacement and, convertible only, prom replacement.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 52580Difficult to depress accelerator pedal and/or accelerator cable separation (install accelerator cable and clip).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51353Excessive oil consumption (replace pcv harness).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
- 45881Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline.*sd
- 45820Unknown
- 45815Cold engine tick or rattle after start-up (replace piston/pin assembly).
- 45814Unknown
- 43032Unknown
- 39725Oil leak at the rocker cover.
- 39308Cold start rattle noise.
- 39299Harsh 1-2 upshifts.
- 39278Front window scraping noise when rolling glass down.
- 39083Exhaust manifold seal squeak.
- 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.
- 37943Crank no start/runs rough after extreme cold weather soak.
Every Oldsmobile Cutlass model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.