1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 139,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 4 complaints (22% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (4) and steering (3). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 139,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Vehicle speed control complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling4 22%
- Steering3 17%
- Suspension2 11%
- Tires2 11%
- Brakes1 5.6%
- Seat belts1 5.6%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme. The vehicle lost power while driving uphill. A few years earlier, the vehicle was taken to an auto garage for a diagnosis, but no failure was found. The failure continued and on april 13, 2008, the failure was identified as the oiler racker arm assembly. The assembly was missing a hole for the oil to flow through the engine. The manufacturer was notified; however, they will not offer any assistance due to the age of the vehicle. The speed and dealer information were unknown. The current mileage was 140,000 and failure mileage was 139,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224846, filed 2008-04, 139,000 milesVehicle speed control: “Vehicle expriencing problem with acceleration after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive. Vehicle went out of control, causing vehicle to crash into fence. Dealer was not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #828869, filed 1998-10Steering: “Vehicle is experiencing steering problems which may cause loss of vehicle control. Been to dealer. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #831741, filed 1998-12Transmission and drivetrain: “Consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission. Vehicle stalled while they were driving. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831211, filed 1998-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 139,000 and 139,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cutlass Ciera FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser Wagon FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Supreme RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
8 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V102000Jun 16, 1989Vehicle speed controlCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1984–1988, Buick Lesabre 1984–1988, Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1984–1988 +15 more
A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
- 84V154000Nov 27, 1984Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1985, Buick Regal 1985
The vehicles were assembled with front seat belt retractors which may not perform adequately during a collision.
- 84V124000Oct 10, 1984Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1985, Buick Regal 1985, Pontiac Grand AM 1985
The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie rod to loosen and detach itself from the adjuster.
Recall details for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP87021Cutlass supreme brake lockupClosed · Jul 1, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Other model years of the Oldsmobile Cutlass
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 80 | 64,190 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 155 | 60,537 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 96 | 79,462 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 123 | 115,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 156 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 148 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 139 | 120,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 136 | 118,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 193 | 88,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 103 | — | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 113 | 200,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 74 | 120,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 16 | — | 2 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 23 | — | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 18 | 139,000 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 16 | 31,179 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Oldsmobile Cutlass model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 4 complaints (22% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 4.
Has the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (Cutlass Ciera, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 139,000 miles and the middle half falls between 139,000 and 139,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.