1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems & reliability
113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (10 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 42 | 37% |
| Electrical System | 20 | 18% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 15% |
| Seat Belts | 11 | 10% |
| Steering | 9 | 8% |
| Structure | 9 | 8% |
| Suspension | 7 | 6% |
| Parking Brake | 5 | 4% |
| Tires | 5 | 4% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“1989 cutlass calias. Consumer writes in regards to while traveling the steering wheel locked up and vehicle had no brakes. *smd the consumer stated her husband was not able to control the vehicle, and hit a median. The consumer wasn't driving very fast. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle. *jb”
Electrical System · filed Apr 15, 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 1989 oldsmobile cutlass. The vehicle was leaking power steering fluid and the steering was difficult to turn. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and paid to have it repaired. Once he left the mechanic, the failure recurred. He is planning to return to the state certified mechanic. The vin…”
Steering · filed Jun 12, 2008
“While driving 20 mph the vehicle stalled. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. The vehicle was towed to the consumer's residence. *ak the light device flashed red/green before going dead on a steep hill and or dangerous curve. The steering locked and the brakes went out, then the vehicle…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Apr 28, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
Engineering Analysis EA00011 · opened Apr 10, 2000 · closed Jan 12, 2001 · led to recall 00V189000
- CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
Recall Query RQ97017 · opened Oct 2, 1997 · open · led to recall 97V058000
- CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
Preliminary Evaluation PE94063 · opened Aug 12, 1994 · closed Dec 21, 1994
- FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
Preliminary Evaluation PE90088 · opened Jun 11, 1990 · closed Oct 31, 1990 · led to recall 90V185000
Technical service bulletins
3 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Rear strut related thumping/squeaking noise. *tw
133405 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 1995
Abs warning light is on. *tw
435012A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 1995
Abs wire harness for the right front wheel may rub on the brake line causing the abs warning light to come on. *tw
435012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1994
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.