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BrakesPart report

1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brakes Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
26%of 96 total for the year
Median mileage
68,800miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 26% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“Abs light comes on at random times, usually during a turn, but no adverse conditions occur. When diagnosed, it was stated that the speed sensor was bad. I have had both front speed sensors replaced about 3-4 times under warranty, and since the warranty has run out, I just deal with the light. I just brought it in for this problem about 6 weeks ago, and again the computer diagnostics said that it was a speed sensor. This problem has existed since I bought the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10023375, filed 2003-06, 600 miles

“Since I purchased the vehicle in 1997, there have been numerous problems. The front brakes have been replaced 3 times, once while still under warranty. The air conditioning unit failed, an $800 repair. The motor on the driver side window malfunctioned, a $400 repair. Today, while driving home the battery light came on, I was within a mile of home, so I just kept going. As I was turning into my driveway, all of the controls on the dashboard failed, speed limit, gas gauge, etc. I also apparently had no lights because the car behind me almost ran into me when the turn signals didn't work.”

NHTSA complaint #10033265, filed 2003-08, 137,000 miles

“After driving vehicle for a month had applied brakes and a grinding noise was heard. Noise proceeded to get worse. Took vehicle back. Brake pads were changed. A month later , needed a new set of brakes. Problem happened every two weeks. Mechanic indicated no knowledge of cause of problem. Brakes kept messing up & were under warranty, but not being properly repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #875785, filed 2000-11

“Abs light comes on very frequently when hitting a bump in the road or making a turn. Has done so since the car was purchased and has been in numerous times about problem, having several parts relating to ABS and brakes replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10170889, filed 2006-10

“All four brake rotors have rusty pitted surfaces. The right rear is almost totally pock marked with pits and causes the car to pulsate and shake severely when the brakes are applied. The anti-lock brake system has been repaired previously three times for faulty sensors or wiring.”

NHTSA complaint #724373, filed 2000-06

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 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Steering
20 complaints
Electrical system
15 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Suspension
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 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