1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- 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, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The part named most often is brakes, with 3 complaints (13% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and steering (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Brakes3 13%
- Engine cooling3 13%
- Steering3 13%
- Electrical system2 8.7%
- Seat belts2 8.7%
- Body and structure2 8.7%
- Tires2 8.7%
- Fuel system1 4.3%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Suspension (1).
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 1986 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 Cruiser FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cutlass Supreme RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cutlass Supreme RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Supreme RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
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).
- 86V093000Jul 14, 1986Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1986, Buick Regal 1986
Left handed driver's side shoulder belt anchor plate may be upside down in lock pillar so that the unthreaded slot of the plate aligned with the hole in the lock pillar. This resulted in the anchor bolt being driven into the slot instead of the threaded hole…
- 86V061000May 13, 1986Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunkCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1986, Buick Century 1986
An incorrectly indexed wiring harness may cause the center high mounted stop lamp to remain illuminated when the headlights or parking lamps are on. Fmvss 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment requires that this stop lamp be lighted only…
Recall details for the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 3 complaints (13% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass (Cutlass Cruiser, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.