1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4% of the 155 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.
“Daytime running lights are supposed to turn on headlights at dark, my car does that unless the temperature goes below 40 degrees, then the lights won't turn on until the interior warms up. The daytime running lights are on, but no headlights, taillights, or side lights. This problem is not unique to my car. I have seen it happen on pontiac grand ams and buicks also.”
NHTSA complaint #717505, filed 2000-01“Moisture would accumulate in the headlights whenever there is heavy dew while going through car wash or when raining. Would stay inside headlights for several days. Would have headlights on to dry them out. Taken to dealer & informed TSB on problem, but it is not a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #837149, filed 1999-06“While driving a loud clicking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined that the turn signal unit needed to be replaced. The flasher unit under the dash would click even when the flasher wasn't turned on. When the turn signal was turned off, the clicking would continue under the dash, sometimes at a rapid speed and sometimes at a slower rate). The garage stated that the signal switch seeps power to the flasher.”
NHTSA complaint #10071831, filed 2004-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 6 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 4% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 2 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
41 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 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 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