1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 18%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 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 18% of the 113 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1989 Cutlass calias. Consumer writes in regards to while traveling the steering wheel locked up and vehicle had no brakes. The consumer stated her husband was not able to control the vehicle, and hit a median. The consumer wasn't driving very fast. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10579755, filed 2014-04“Consumer was traveling 25mph on a side street and saw smoke coming from steering column. Brake lights and turn signals went out. Was able to pull over to shoulders. Popped hood, and saw fire coming from underneath. Consumer states steering column is the component that failed.”
NHTSA complaint #890505, filed 2001-06“Approximately three years ago, electronic dashboard began flashing, sometimes going totally black, which made it impossible to see speed, amount of gas, mileage, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #557370, filed 2000-11“While driving along ta road the dashboard will go out completely, causing loss of speedometer/fuel indicator, and odometer.contacted dealer and manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #848570, filed 1999-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 18 | 23% |
| 1998 | 16 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 16% |
| 1996 | 15 | 12% |
| 1995 | 18 | 12% |
| 1994 | 19 | 13% |
| 1993 | 21 | 15% |
| 1992 | 22 | 16% |
| 1991 | 23 | 12% |
| 1990 | 9 | 9% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 6 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1984 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
47 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 29, 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