Model year record

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme recalls & problems

The 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme has 2 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (10 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints47filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringDec 11, 2003

Rack and pinion

Recall 03V527000750,283 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsJul 3, 2000

Frontal

Recall 00V171000268,146 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THE CONSUMER IS TOO CLOSE TO AN INFLATING AIR BAG, SERIOUS INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATORS ON THESE AIR BAGS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cutlass Supreme

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Cutlass Supreme

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	10	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	10	0	0	1	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	9	0	0	0	77,950 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; 12v/24v/48v battery	8	0	1	1	54,000 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Steering wheel/handle bar	5	0	0	0	—
VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices › Exterior; Windshield	2	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door › Hinge and attachments; Body › Door	2	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission	2	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCables	2	1	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Mounting	1	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	1	1	0	0	—
SuspensionFront › Control arm	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
Apr 7, 2004 · 97,451 miles
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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
Apr 16, 2004 · 75,000 miles
Steering › Rack and pinion
THE CONSUMER IS DISABLED WHICH PRECLUDES HER FROM DRIVING 30-40 MILES TO THE NEAREST OLDSMOBILE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RACK AND PINION RECALL AND THE CONSUMER WANTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE THE NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE CHEVROLET DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT THAT THE REPAIRS COULD NOT BE DONE THERE. *PH *CB
Jan 1, 1901
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
Mar 29, 2004 · 60,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
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
Mar 20, 2004
Steering › Rack and pinion
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
Oct 15, 2003
Vehicle speed control › CablesCrash
THIS HAPPENED SOME TIME AGO BUT I RECENTLY READ OF AN INVESTIGATION THAT YOU HAVE UNDERTAKED AND DECIDED THAT THIS MAY BE RELEVANT. I ALSO HAVE SEEN SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THIS ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND I LOST ALL ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY IN MORNING TRAFFIC. IT SEEMS THAT THIS SHOULD RISE TO THE LEVEL OF A RECALL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE REGULAR LANE OF TRAFFIC AND THEN TO THE BERM BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND BEFORE I WAS REAR ENDED BY THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. SINCE THERE IS DECELERATION WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS, THIS IS A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE…
Oct 17, 1998 · 26,000 miles
Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
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
Sep 2, 2003 · 58,675 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREClosedLed to recall 03V527000
GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BEARING DAMAGE RATES IN MOST OF THE VEHICLE APPLICATIONS THAT USED THE GENERAL BEARING COMPANY (GBC) BEARING.ALL OF THE VEHICLES COVERED IN THE EXPANDED RECALL HAVE THE 133 LB SPRING FORCE.THE 96 LUMINA/MONTE CARLO AND 97-98 CENTURY W-BODY VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION UTILIZE A LOWER…
EA03019 · opened Sep 15, 2003 · closed Dec 18, 2003
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREClosed
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED…
RQ03001 · opened Jan 2, 2003 · closed Sep 15, 2003
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosedLed to recall 00V171000
There is no summary currently available
EA99026 · opened Aug 31, 1999 · closed Dec 28, 2001