1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2004
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2004
“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”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2003
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“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”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2003
“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”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2002
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2002
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATORS ON THESE AIR BAGS.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cutlass Supreme by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The most complained-about area is air bags (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 67,500 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.