1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 10%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 10% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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.
“Have had ignition switch just shut off driving down the road. Exactly as described in GM's recent recall on ignition switches on newer cars. Loses all electrical power and engine shuts off. Has happened numerous times while I have owned it for the last 10 or so years. When it happens I just quickly put it in neutral and restart immediately. This is a 1998 olds Cutlass. It is apparent that GM's problem with their ignition switch goes back a lot farther than they care to admit.”
NHTSA complaint #10576006, filed 2014-03, 70,000 miles“General motors recently recalled the 1997-2005 chevrolet malibu for the ignition switch problem. I own the sister vehicle which is a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. This vehicle is the identical layout of the chevrolet malibu which has been recalled. I sent a couple of e-mail messages to the GM customer assistance center and just received a phone call explaining to me that at this time they had no intention of doing a recall on the Oldsmobile Cutlass for the ignition switch. Even though I have not encountered a problem with my ignition switch as of yet, I deem it a safety issue which GM should fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10609708, filed 2014-07, 117,000 miles“Anti-theft controller disables the ignition periodically for no apparent reason. Requires the driver to wait 15 minutes before the system resets and allows the car to start.”
NHTSA complaint #10037540, filed 2003-09, 45,000 miles“Theft-light came on for no apparent reason. Had to wait ten minutes for system to reset before starting car. Had key-lock cylinder replaced twice, for a total of over $1400 in repairs. Now the light is on seemingly permanently. Always wonder if it will start or not. Can't get anyone besides a dealer to even look at it. The dealer has enough of my money for now...I have to deal with being inconvenienced regularly by this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10153655, filed 2006-03“I currently have the following problems with my 1998 olds Cutlass gl. My power steering is stiff and makes a wailing noise. My coolent system has a leak. My heat and air have completey stopped working. I have had problems (in the past that have been repaired_ with my power window locking up (drivers side). The sound system shorted out. The cd player quit working. I have replaced my wiper blades several times and they still do not clear the windshield completely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114007, filed 2005-03Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
Electrical 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 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
41 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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