1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 139 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% 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 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2017
“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”Owner report · Equipment · Mar 2013
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2004
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2003
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2002
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2002
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2001
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE LINE CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THE BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE INDENTATIONS WILL BE REPLACED.
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 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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM WITH A MECHANISM THAT COMPLIES WITH FMVSS 207.
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
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 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
NHTSA has 139 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass have open recalls?
5 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.