1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 12%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 12% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving across town when I noticed my engine was overheating. I was right down the street from my mechanic, so I stopped there. What was left of my coolant emptied out onto the ground as a I watched. My coolant intake gaskethad given out. The repair guy told me after he fixed it that it had virtually disappeared at some places. He also called me at some point to inform me that my fuel line had given out and was leaking. Thankfully the shop was able to fix everything quickly, as I use my car for commuting to college and work.”
NHTSA complaint #10112314, filed 2005-02, 135,500 miles“Was driving the car noticed it was not warming up checked anti freeze and noticed it was low in radiator and in overflow container. Added anti freeze looked to see if had been leaking at hoses or was after adding anti freeze and it did not appear to have been leaking at any hoses or from radiator. Started car did not run right shut engine off pulled dipstick and found oil to be discolored. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104627, filed 2004-12, 130,000 miles“When driving at highway speed vehicle stalled. After stopping for a few minutes vehicle started up again. Dealer had the vehicle on a diagnostic machine, and even then nothing could be detected as to why this was happening. The problem occurred intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #10081425, filed 2004-08, 98,000 miles“Engin echeck engine light came on, and the dealer said the air pump had failed. Even though my car is technically out of the 3 year warranty period by a few months, it has not reached 36,000 miles yet (3 yrs/36,000 mile warranty). I am trying to find out if there are reported problems with the air pump on the 1996 Cutlass.”
NHTSA complaint #717049, filed 2000-01“Consumer states that vehicle cuts off on her at will. Has taken vehicle to 2 mechanics, and they could not find out the cause. Consumer gets scared when crossing an intersection, because she is afraid that vehicle will cut off and another vehicle may run into her. When vehicle cuts off the rpms go down to zero, and vehicle coasts along.”
NHTSA complaint #10034142, filed 2003-08Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine 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 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther 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 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