1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 9% of the 103 complaints for this model year.
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 digital dashboard in this car fails intermittantly. Sometimes it fails on startup, and sometimes while the car is moving. Upon failure the dashoard is black, with no way to determine the speed of this automobile. Sometimes the failure lasts for a few minutes, and somtimes for hours. On one trip I had no speedometer for 4 hours. I believe that fhe failure of the speedometer is a safety issue. I was informed by an employee of the local general motors dealer that failure of digital dashoards in GM cars happens often and is expensive to repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #707904, filed 1999-06“Consumer complained that dashboard components were not working properly. She could not tell how much fuel there was or how fast she was traveling/driving. Consumer took vehicle to a mechanic to look at the problem, and was told it was a wiring defect. Mechanic tried to put a brand new part in the dashboard, but the problem recurred. Consume rhad this problem for 3 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10089093, filed 2004-08“Lights on dashboard stay off for long periods of time, dealer stated cluster needed to be replaced. The ignition module failed three times. The three coils and the computer were replaced. The vehicle still fails to start due to crank shaft sensor failure.”
NHTSA complaint #883648, filed 2001-03“Have more to report on defects: 11/8/1997 towed again - lost power - car stopped took back for rechk of battery/alternator, then on 11/20/1997 - another alternator, ran tests on battery bolt, replaced batter, replaced alt & repaires wires & install connectors ($311.45), 12/2/98 stalled again lost power, ran tests, alternator replaced ($150.04), car stalled - lost power on 12/17/98 - ran tests, battery bad, battery replaced ($81.66). I've been told there has to be an electrical problem and car will stall again!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #705733, filed 1999-04Electrical 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 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass
51 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 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