1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 3% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.
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.
“Transmission slips after vehicle has warmed up. After driving the vehicle for approximately 45 min. Or so, if one stops the vehicle shift to park then shift to drive again the vehicle would not move right away. One can hear the engine accelerate, then the vehicle would move slowly until the transmission finally engages, sometimes in a abruptly manner. This problem has been occurring in my vehicle since the day I got it. I complained to the dealership about it and they said there was nothing wrong with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135309, filed 2005-09, 36,000 miles“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 2005-03“Both front wheel bearing failed within a two-day period. Checked with mechanic who informed us that wheel bearing failure is very common on olds Cutlass & chevy malibu for 1997/1998 -- nearly always happening within 4000 miles after warranty expiration. Be advised, this was my mother's car and is currently a part of her estate. We were in the process of trying to sell the car when the failures occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #739504, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10023942Oct 1, 2007Information on 4t40-e (mn4) and 4t45-e (mn5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh…
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission 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 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 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTires
6 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