1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 11% of the 123 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.
“Total transmission failure at 55 MPH.transmission failed completely while in the midst of traffic at 55 MPH without any warning.there was no noises no slipping or any other indications.one minute everything was fine and all of a sudden the vehicle stops moving.in heavy traffic this can be very dangerous especially if your in the middle lane and your car suddenly fails without any warnings what so ever.”
NHTSA complaint #744313, filed 2001-04“While putting the vehicle into gear it had to be put between drive and neutral, the dealer stated this was due to a shift on the dashboard, when putting the vehicle in reverse the vehicle would race, the dealer stated that this was nothing to worry about.”
NHTSA complaint #557841, filed 2000-11“Original transmission failure at 52,000 miles. Dealer notified and had repairs done. Currently at 107,000 miles, transmisson failed again. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was no longer under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #863275, filed 2000-06“Dealership wouldn't even give me the name of the regional service manager to discuss the problem with. Dealership quoted close to $2000 to repair the vehicle and it would take 2 weeks. Had it fixed by a mom and pop for $950”
NHTSA complaint #712373, filed 1999-09“A second transmission has failed at 56,000 miles. There was a technical bulletin issued in feb. 1997, # 67-71-64. Oldsmobile did not make anyone aware of problem. Will not fix problem because over warranty period, though they knew of problems with the transmission existed. A transmission should last well over 150,000 miles and should not have to be replaced every 52,000 to 56,000 miles. They should be required to notify all owners of this problem so it can be fixed before warranty expires. …”
NHTSA complaint #723747, filed 2000-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 11% |
| 1995 | 18 | 12% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 14 | 10% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 13% |
| 1985 | 3 | 17% |
| 1984 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 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 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