1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 42%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 42% of the 113 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This vehicle constantly hesitates, misfires,and today it backfired for the first time. When you turn off the car you can smell a the fuel out of the exhaust . This problem is not intermittent it is constant and I feel it is a problem with the emissions on this car . I went to an oldmobile dealership to ask about recalls . They said there were none, however , in a consumer reports book I am reading it uses the same car as mine for an example of a vehicle with a exhaust emissions recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #706326, filed 1999-05“When traveling and upon attempting to make a normal stop, a great amount of force is applied to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to stop, also, front calipers work , and rear calipers are inoperative ,causing excessive wear of the brake pads. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts a number of times. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #854999, filed 2000-01“The rear brakes of the car do not work. Tt consumer states calipers seize and cause smoke and odor, rotors rust, because of faulty rear brakes there is much stress to the front brakes, consumer has to clean and lubricate slides every 3 to 6 months and replace slides, rotors, pads, and calipers frequently in order to keep rear brakes working.”
NHTSA complaint #975679, filed 1995-11“Ltr fm sebastian scollo (ct) request assistance in his attempts to be reimbursed for brake repairs on his 1989 GM Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme. Consumer is asking to be reimbursed for brake repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10037984, filed 2003-09“Engine just turns off while driving...several times at high speeds...looses steering, brakes...several near collisions. Dealers & repair shops can never duplicate or identify a problem”
NHTSA complaint #734213, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 90V185000Oct 16, 1990Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp…Covers: Oldsmobile Cutlass 1989–1990, Pontiac Grand Prix 1989–1990, Buick Regal 1989–1990 +1 more
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 18 | 23% |
| 1998 | 41 | 26% |
| 1997 | 25 | 26% |
| 1996 | 20 | 16% |
| 1995 | 37 | 24% |
| 1994 | 36 | 24% |
| 1993 | 48 | 35% |
| 1992 | 53 | 39% |
| 1991 | 60 | 31% |
| 1990 | 51 | 50% |
| 1989 | 47 | 42% |
| 1988 | 36 | 49% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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