1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 8% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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“The contact owns a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The vehicle was leaking power steering fluid and the steering was difficult to turn. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and paid to have it repaired. Once he left the mechanic, the failure recurred. He is planning to return to the state certified mechanic. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10230794, filed 2008-06, 200,000 miles“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“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 1998-12Steering: 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 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
47 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSeat belts
11 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 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