1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems & reliability
139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 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.
7 complaints report injuries (8 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 45 | 32% |
| Electrical System | 21 | 15% |
| Power Train | 14 | 10% |
| Equipment | 10 | 7% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 6% |
| Structure | 9 | 6% |
| Seats | 8 | 6% |
| Suspension | 8 | 6% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 5% |
| Steering | 7 | 5% |
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
“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”
Equipment · filed Jan 17, 2018
“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…”
Equipment · filed Mar 20, 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…”
Power Train · filed Jun 8, 2006
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
Preliminary Evaluation PE94063 · opened Aug 12, 1994 · closed Dec 21, 1994
Technical service bulletins
29 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The 10 most recent:
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013
Owners 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…
990730030A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2001
Some 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. *tt
990730030 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1999
Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension. *tt
990309004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 1999
Evaporative emission canister purge solenoid vlave replacement and convertible only, prom replacement. *yc
98033 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 10, 1998
Voluntary emission campaign involving the evaporative emission canister purge solenoid valve replacement and, convertible only, prom replacement. *tt
98033 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 19, 1998
Voluntary emission recall campaign - evaporative emission conister purge solenoid valve replacement and, convertible only, prom replacement. *yc
98033 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 1998
Some 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…
876002A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 1998
Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up. *yc
98576124A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 1998
Comment that the abs light is on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history. *yc
970801735026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 1997
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 1993 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 1993 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.