1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Cutlass Supreme › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Newest first.
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 bearings to escape.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel IS moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
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. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. corrosion of the air bag inflator's internal wiring, which can occur over time, could cause the inadvertent deployment of the driver's air bag. this deployment could occur during vehicle start-up, while the vehicle IS parked or idling, or while in operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the consumer IS too close to an inflating air bag, serious injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the inflators on these air bags.
Owner complaints
47 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering › Rack and pinion
The consumer IS disabled which precludes her from driving 30-40 miles to the nearest oldsmobile dealer to have the vehicle repaired. the vehicle was included in a rack and pinion recall and the consumer wanted to take the vehicle the nearest chevrolet dealer to have it repaired. the consumer was informed by the chevrolet dealer's service dept that the repairs could not be done there. *ph *cb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving the temperature gauge went hot. consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic before the vehicle overheats. the dealership has serviced the vehicle 4 times for this issue, in which the thermostat, the water pump, the radiator and the intake gasket were replaced. however, the problem still exist. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Consumer took vehicle for a regular maintenance to independent shop, and mechanic determined that head gasket was leaking coolant, intake manifold was replaced at consumer's expense of $410.00. *ak *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The consumer heard a ticking noise from the engine. Upon inspection of the noise by the dealership they noticed that the intake manifold gasket was leaking coolant into the oil. this occurs because the manifold IS make of plastic. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Car problems with 1996 cutlass keeps stalling I have already replaced intake gasket put new battery in an had other repairs this car only has 96000 miles. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
This happened some time ago but I recently read of an investigation that you have undertaked and decided that this may be relevant. I also have seen service bulletins for this issue. While driving, the accelerator cable became detached from the accelerator and I lost all acceleration while…
This happened some time ago but I recently read of an investigation that you have undertaked and decided that this may be relevant. I also have seen service bulletins for this issue. While driving, the accelerator cable became detached from the accelerator and I lost all acceleration while traveling at 65 mph on a freeway in morning traffic. It seems that this should rise to the level of a recall. Fortunately, I was able to pull into the regular lane of traffic and then to the berm before the vehicle came to a complete stop and before I was rear ended by the vehicle behind me. Since there IS deceleration without brake lights, this IS a very hazardous situation. When I arrived at the dealership with the wrecker, the service department employee advised me that the cable was installed wtihout a clip and that the manufacturerer was aware of the potential defect but had not recalled the vehicles for this problem.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
While turning the steering wheel towards the right it locked up and caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. please provide any additional information. *nm the consumer was informed the problem was due to a defective rack and pinion as stated in the recall. *Jb
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
While making a left turn steering wheel locked up. driver had managed to pull over to side of road and stopped vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Mechanic could not locate cause of steering wheel locking up.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Steering IS almost impossible to turn during low speed left hand turns. Problem IS intermittent.
- Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay
Vehicle did not give any warning that the battery was discharging. This occurred while driving 55mph on interstate 95 in ma. The electrical system completely shut down as I exited the road. Second time this happened in 4 years. No icons came on to warn me. Frightening experience to have car stalled at exit with trucks egressing the road.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
When making turns and sometimes when you drive over a slight bump the heater fan will turn on by itself or if listening to the radio the station will change by itself. Also while driving the auto door locks will suddenly click.this vehicle has temperature and radio controls installed on steering…
When making turns and sometimes when you drive over a slight bump the heater fan will turn on by itself or if listening to the radio the station will change by itself. Also while driving the auto door locks will suddenly click.this vehicle has temperature and radio controls installed on steering wheel. When I brought the vehicle in to service the recall in regards to the air bag defect I informed the dealer of the problem thinking it may relate to the defective air bag wiring but I was told they had no idea what it was and were only required to fix the problem at hand which was the air bag inflater.
- Engine and engine cooling
We got a low coolant light on our dashboard, and found the coolant resevoir to be completely empty. this was less than 3K miles since the coolant system was serviced - drained, refilled, and new radiator hoses installed. after refilling, we found a small coolant leak on the ground under the…
We got a low coolant light on our dashboard, and found the coolant resevoir to be completely empty. this was less than 3K miles since the coolant system was serviced - drained, refilled, and new radiator hoses installed. after refilling, we found a small coolant leak on the ground under the engine (when parked on a dry surface indoors - normally the car IS in the driveway, where snow, ice, and rain may have masked a long-time small leak). on 3/3/03, our local midas repair shop found that the intake manifold gasket was failing, causing the leak. it was replaced (along with thermostat and some other gaskets, which were little additional expense), at a cost of over $900. note that this IS the vehicle primarily used by my (pregnant) wife and our 2 year old son, and that I myself work about 30 miles from home, so we were headed for incovenience at best, disaster at worst. note that the vehicle uses dexcool coolant, as required by the manufacturer for proper treatment of its aluminum radiator.*jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
The accelerator cable broke in half, which caused the gears to stick. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer states that after recall was done the airbag senor light came on and stayed on. dealership wants to charge to do a test to see why this IS happening. mr
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While starting up the vehicle there was a puff of smoke coming from the steering column. the vehicle restart on it own the dealership IS aware of the problem. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving at 30 to 40 mph, consumer's wife started to slow down when brake pedal went to the floor. consumer was informed the ABS modulator failed causing total failure of the brakes.*ak *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Consumer took vehicle to local dealer where a faulty module was replaced possibly relating to the radiator housing. consumer continues to receive recall o-00058s notices after the dealer said they did the recall work. manufacturer said that there IS no record of the work being done. manufacturer…
Consumer took vehicle to local dealer where a faulty module was replaced possibly relating to the radiator housing. consumer continues to receive recall o-00058s notices after the dealer said they did the recall work. manufacturer said that there IS no record of the work being done. manufacturer told consumer that they now show that recall work has been done and the matter IS closed, however, when consumer asked for a written statement of the recall work performed, they refused to send a letter and referred consumer back to the dealer who recently still sent reminder cards to bring the vehicle in for the recall work to be done. *tt
- Unknown or other
While driving at any speed engine light will stay on. Dealer notified.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Nhtsa# 00v171000 & mfr's# 00058/inadvertent air bag deployment: consumer states dealer (terry capital oldsmobile cadillac subaru; traverse city, mi; phone# 231/947-9090) informed that the recall repairs was done, but the manufacturer states that the recall was not done. Dealer refused to honor manufacturuer recall. *Ak *yh
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle stalled at any time/ any speed. Mechanic replaced wiring harness, wires were melted. Vehicle has not stalled since. Consumers concern was that same quality wires might fail in other locations of vehicle.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag deployed when consumer turned ignition on. she received neck and back injuries when this occurred. dealership has not examined vehicle. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer received recall notification (00v-171) regarding the air bag, however the manufacturer has not contacted the dealership regarding proper repair or parts. *mjs
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
During routine inspection mechanic found rear brake pads are not touching the drum, consumer wonders if ABS ever worked.*ak consumer states he expressed concerns to dealer prior to learning about pads regarding brakes and was told everything was normal. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Intermittently when brakes are applied pedal becomes spongy, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has been notified.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery failed and was removed by owner and placed in back of owners suburban to transport for exchange for new battery at wal-mart. apparently the battery leaked during transport and was not detected. upon removing battery to bring into store, owner was burned with battery acid. owner was…
Battery failed and was removed by owner and placed in back of owners suburban to transport for exchange for new battery at wal-mart. apparently the battery leaked during transport and was not detected. upon removing battery to bring into store, owner was burned with battery acid. owner was treated by flusing with water. vehicle was damaged due to acid. carpet in back of vehicle was dissolved, underflooring began to rust, and other personal belongings such as a baby blanket were dissolved by the acid.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS…
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion IS related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) IS the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Inadvertent air bag deployment
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.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 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.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 617767Campaign parts bulletin regarding inadvertent airbag deployment.
- 615074Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension scrunch / popping type noise coming from the front of vehicle that IS apparent during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 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.
- 609669A malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating on the vehicle's instrument panel after a long deceleration with the transmission typically in the overdrive position. Yd
- 608372Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 607522Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 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.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 53016Instructions and illustrations contained in exhaust moan service unit, p/n 10294800.
- 53009Conditions containing engine overheating and/or loss of engine coolant.
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52580Difficult to depress accelerator pedal and/or accelerator cable separation (install accelerator cable and clip).
- 52563Reduced engine performance, restricted fuel flow (clean fuel tank, replace in-line fuel filter and fuel pump strainer).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
Every Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.