1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 12%of 193 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,600miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 12% of the 193 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I recently purchased a 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme. I had to take it back to the dealership 2 times already because it will cut off will driving, putting myself and others at risk of serious injury or death. No one seems to know what is wrong with the car. Upon further investigating using consumer automobile review sites on the web. I find that there are multiple similar complaints about this particular model or ones very similar produced by GM/Oldsmobile. Keep in mind that this vehicle only has 39,700 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10056325, filed 2004-02, 39,600 miles“This is the second electrical fire I have experienced in this vehicle this year. The first was the center console, melting down (which has been reported to you ,and the dealer has been made aware. Today, as I was sitting in the vehicle, copious amounts of choking acrid smoke billowed from under the driver's seat. What happened was the upholstery support system for the drivers seat has been breaking down untieng the wire harness which shorted out the power seat motor, catching the drivers seat on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #703558, filed 1999-02“When using air conditioning, alternator goes out and kills the battery. Had 4 alternators and batteries replaced. Took to dealer who indicated engine was too big for alternator also causing engine to stall, engine cooling fan replaced, power steering pressure hose failed and replaced, rearview mirror fell off, ceiling fabric coming unglued and dashboard vent cover coming off.”
NHTSA complaint #8007026, filed 2002-04“While driving vehicle just stopped, and all power was lost. As soon as vehicle was taken out of drive and put into park, it would start again. This has been an ongoing problem since june of this year. Dealership was not able to determine what was cauisng this problem. Cleaning the fuel system and replacing spark plugs did not correct the problem..”
NHTSA complaint #874708, filed 2000-11“Electronic dashboard flickers off for minutes at a time. This affects the display of the speedometer, gas gauge and mileage. Smoke come out of the steering column 2 years ago, and I had the signals and high beam switch repaired already.”
NHTSA complaint #733902, filed 2000-10Electrical 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 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass
60 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 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