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BrakesPart report

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brakes Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
16%of 123 total for the year
Median mileage
97,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 16% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The ABS check light remained on, which the owner's manual indicated that the brakes may not operate properly. Consumer contacted manufacturer. The brake lights failed and a wire within the steering column broke.”

NHTSA complaint #10113668, filed 2005-03, 125,000 miles

“We have replaced the front and rear brakes more than eight times and have replaced the rotors twice. We have talked with other Cutlass supreme owners and they have replaced their brakes just as much if not more frequently. This has resulted in costly repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #735911, filed 2000-11

“The contact stated while traveling 30 MPH in dry road conditions, the ABS light illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and stopping distance was increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who performed a diagnostic, but could not determine the problem. The brake pads were replaced, but the problem recurred 5 months later while traveling 30 MPH. The dealership was contacted, but never returned a call. …”

NHTSA complaint #10171983, filed 2006-10, 70,000 miles

“When the consumer applied the brakes, the ABS failed, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance. Also, consumer would like to add that the front seat recliner mechanims do not lock into position and can allow for seat occupants to be thrown forward into the steering column, dash, windshield during a crash. Mjj”

NHTSA complaint #10015987, filed 2003-04

“While attempting to make a normal stop consumer noticed a grinding sound coming from the brakes. Also, in order to stop, excessive force had to be applied to the brake pedal. In many cases, vehicle had experienced extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.”

NHTSA complaint #859228, filed 2000-03

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
19991823%
19984126%
19972526%
19962016%
19953724%
19943624%
19934835%
19925339%
19916031%
19905150%
19894742%
19883649%
1986313%
198516%
198416%

Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Air bags
22 complaints
Electrical system
15 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Vehicle speed control
9 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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