1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 15%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 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 15% of the 113 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“While driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. The vehicle was towed to the consumer's residence. The light device flashed red/green before going dead on a steep hill and or dangerous curve. The steering locked and the brakes went out, then the vehicle went down a steep embankment through a fence.”
NHTSA complaint #10071781, filed 2004-06“Water is getting into the vehicle, and consumer can't find where the water is coming from. Also, when using the heat, the smell is real bad and is coming from the front passenger's side window. Vehicle is stalling, and driver has to put foot on the gas pedal in order for the vehicle not to cut off while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #833642, filed 1999-01“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 2000-10“Recall # 97v058000 GM/rear cradle bolts; vehicle serviced under recall in july of 1998. While driving about 3 MPH and coming out of a parking lot on the eve of thanksgiving, the engine fell out of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #831653, filed 1998-12Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 13 | 16% |
| 1998 | 32 | 21% |
| 1997 | 15 | 16% |
| 1996 | 15 | 12% |
| 1995 | 9 | 6% |
| 1994 | 17 | 11% |
| 1993 | 9 | 6% |
| 1992 | 18 | 13% |
| 1991 | 30 | 16% |
| 1990 | 7 | 7% |
| 1989 | 17 | 15% |
| 1988 | 8 | 11% |
| 1987 | 5 | 31% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 4 | 22% |
| 1984 | 4 | 25% |
| 1983 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
47 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 28, 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