1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 136 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (36% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle gear position indicator will show neutral but the transmission will be in reverse. There is a NHTSA recall, # 91v214000, regarding the automatic transmission, but the vehicle is not included due to the VIN. Also, the contact stated there is a NHTSA recall, # 95v173000, regarding the front seat belt anchorage. The vehicle has not had the problems associated with the recall and the VIN is not included. The manufacturer stated the VIN does not match this vehicle.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2006
“Dt: problem began a couple of weeks ago. There was smoke coming from steering column. Problem was noticed while in motion. It seemed to happen when it was hot outside. Vehicle was not overheating. Then, left and right turn signals went out as well as the horn. Upon inspection by the mechanic, it was reported that there was a bad switch in the steering column ,and the wires were frayed. Vehicle is now in the shop. Owner contacted gm, and provided her VIN, was told there were no recalls.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2005
“Oldsmobile cutlass supreme 1992 computer in dash malfunction. *bf the consumer was unable to see how fast she was traveling or how much gas she had. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake pads have been replaced more than once per year. Calipers have been replaced two or three times. Vehicle will not do an emergency stop. It takes a long distance to stop normally. The ABS does not work properly. Mechanics say this is common on this vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2004
“Starter and alternator going bad and just replaced battery im trying to find if starters or alternators have been recalled on an 1992 olds. Cutlass supreme sl. *cb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2004
“Smoke was pouring from vehicle when it was started up, melting the wires. Switchs in steering column were replaced 2 years ago due to the same problem. The dealer was notified. Please provide more inforamtion.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2002
“Smoke pours out steering column each time vehicle is started up. Problem has reoccurred after ignition switch was replaced 2 years ago. Dealer was notified.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2002
“Brakes not working properly, had to apply brakes hard to get vehicle to stop, and made a popping sound when this occur. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2001
“Rear leaf spring making a squeaking noise while traveling dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2001
“Both frontal upper ball joints ar molding out, and causing wheels to rub while driving;. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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."
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 OPTIONAL REMOTE ENTRY MODULE MAY HAVE A FAULT WHICH CAUSES RANDOM ACTUATION OF INTERIOR LAMPS, DOOR LOCKS, AND/OR TAILGATE RELEASE. THIS ACTUATION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REMOTE ENTRY MODULE WITH A NEWLY REVISED MODULE TO PREVENT RANDOM ACTUATION.
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.
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.
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cutlass 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 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
NHTSA has 136 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 118,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. 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.