Oldsmobile Cutlass Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Oldsmobile Cutlass model year (1997–1999) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 124 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Problem score: 138
2 recalls · 94 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Problem score: 116
0 recalls · 58 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Problem score: 64
Best Oldsmobile Cutlass Years to Buy
Not enough data to identify standout safe years.
Found the right year? Verify that specific Cutlass with a free VIN report.
Oldsmobile Cutlass — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 | 58 | 3 | — | 64 | Caution |
| 1998 | 2 | 124 | 4 | — | 138 | Avoid |
| 1997 | 2 | 94 | 8 | — | 116 | Avoid |
All 3 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Cutlass models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Cutlass should I avoid?+
Avoid the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass if possible. It has 2 recalls, 124 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 138 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Cutlass to buy?+
Review the "Best Years" section above for the top-rated Cutlass model years.
Which Cutlass has the fewest problems?+
Use the year-by-year table on this page to find the Cutlass model years with the lowest problem scores.
More Oldsmobile Cutlass Research
Check a Specific Oldsmobile Cutlass VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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