1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 7% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact stated while driving 45 MPH the steering went out in the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled off the side of the road without incident. The vehicle was towed to independent repair shop and the rack and pinion was replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 03v527000, regarding the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 03/22/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10151667, filed 2006-03, 50,500 miles“Recall 97v058000, rear cradle bolts. The recall notice was received and dealer was contacted to remedy the problem. Dealer states various problems associated and caused by the rear cradle bolts, included right cv joint/ right front end alignment/ lower ball joints/weakstruts/ right and left tires in front/rear leaf spring broke from mount support. Also, transmission failed. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #826726, filed 1998-08“Consume rwas traveling about 60mph on highwayand without prior warning steering went out, and bolts that held steering column ,fell onto floor. Dealership was aware of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #895097, filed 2001-08Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 21 | 14% |
| 1997 | 20 | 21% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 1991 | 17 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 9 | 8% |
| 1988 | 5 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 19% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
36 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology