1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by seat belts (5) and steering (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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.
- Engine cooling5 31%
- Seat belts5 31%
- Steering3 19%
- Seats1 6.3%
- Body and structure1 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 6.3%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving at approximately 25 MPH lost control of the vehicle due to rear axle disconnecting from vehicle. There was no crash involved, and no one was injured. Dealership has not examined vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachtments.”
NHTSA complaint #894199, filed 2001-08Complaints 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 1987 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 | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cutlass Cruiser FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
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).
- 87V168000Oct 26, 1987Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shiftCovers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1987, Buick Regal 1987, Chevrolet Caprice 1987 +6 more
Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.
Recall details for the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 5 complaints (31% of the total), followed by seat belts with 5.
Has the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (Cutlass Cruiser, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 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.