1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Avoid this car

Faults:

The horn had to be replaced three times. The current horn usually functions normally, but sometimes it does not work in extremely cold weather.

The tires do not wear evenly. They have to be replaced much sooner than the rated tread life.

The brake rotors and pads have to be replaced once a year. They constantly squeak and squeal.

The fan does not work unless you put the dial on "3" or higher. "1" and "2" do not work at all.

The driver's seat is loose and lurches forward when the car comes to an abrupt stop.

The paint on the front bumper is peeling off.

FM radio reception is terrible. FM stations can only be received if the car is within 5-10 miles of the station's transmitter.

The ABS warning light occasionally comes on for no apparent reason.

The radiator intake gasket failed at 80,000 miles.

The 3.1 V6 should have better power and acceleration, considering how much fuel it uses.

The headlight assemblies are loose and do not aim at the road.

The power mirror on the passenger's side of the car does not work.

General Comments:

This car seemed like an excellent value when I first purchased it. However, it has had way too many problems for such a new vehicle. I often wish that I kept my old Nissan Sentra instead of trading it in toward the Cutlass.

The Cutlass does have some nice features:

It is very comfortable and has attractive styling.

The CD player and cassette deck work well and sound great.

The trunk is huge, and has a pass-through to the back seat.

The guages are easy to read, and the controls are ergonomic and comfortable to use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2003

9th Oct 2003, 14:25

I own a 98 cutlass with 35,000 miles, other than a few electrical problems, no mechanical. The car runs smoothly with a very nice 33-35 miles per gallon. The electrical problems I have are similar, a small FM stereo radius. I have the vent problem with 1 and 2 not working, however it happened during my ownership, so 1 and 2 DO work to begin with. One suggestion could be fuses, one for each setting, I tried looking at them, but they are pretty complicated, or tough to get out. One other electrical problem is my theft system light comes on once in a while. That has just started also. Other than that, no complaints, unless maybe brakes are starting to pulsate, but sometimes brakes can be the drivers driving.

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1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass V6 from North America

Summary:

A fixer upper

Faults:

Disappointed.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The coolant leaks, the car hisses, a paint peeled after one week even around the mirrors, console sticks, car stalls, and the leather is wearing quickly. I have replaced the intake manifold, alternator, thermostat, water pump, coolant relay switch, serpentine belt (still makes noise), Brakes and Rotors (within 2 months). My cousin has an Alero and she is experiencing some of the same problems. When you call the dealership they just try to sell you another one or say they thought I knew about the problems before I bought the car. These problems are common in Oldsmobile's. I will not buy another one. My car is still leaking coolant so I have parked it for the last month and catch rides where I need to go. No one has been able to fix the car not even the dealers. On a positive note the car is roomy.

General Comments:

If you have money to burn by and oldsmobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th June, 2003

10th Jul 2003, 19:35

I've have had the same problems with my Oldsmobile! We had new gaskets put on from coolant leaking. We now got the car back and there is a huge knocking noise when we put the car in reverse and drive. Also, when the car is driving and shifting gears it knocks. The shop said they put the car on the computer and no bad codes came back from the transmission or the engine!! Plus it doesn't do it for them, it is sort of erratic! Please help!!!

27th Apr 2009, 02:34

I have owned a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass for 3 years now. I have absolutely hated the car since I bought it. It had 74,000 miles on it when I purchased it. It now has 90,000.

I had to return the car back to the dealership after only 4 days of owning it to have the intake manifold gaskets replaced, because it was leaking antifreeze. Luckily, it was under warranty.

I have also replaced the brakes (3 times), calipers, rotors, front driver and passenger wheel barrings, serpentine belt, alternator, battery, turning signal switch, starter, ABS quit working, but never had it replaced. There is more on the list that I can't think of.

I just had the brakes replaced last year, and they need replaced again.

I ended up having to buy another vehicle, because the frame was rusted out, and the garage wouldn't pass it. I still owed $3,000 on the car. I had a friend weld it and we took it to another garage to have it inspected, and luckily we did.

I now drive a Chevy Blazer. All I can say is that my third vehicle will not be a GM vehicle.

1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass V6 from North America

Summary:

Disappointed in mechanical problems

Faults:

The coolant light came on and I added Dex-Cool coolant. After one day the coolant light came on again. It seems the intake gasket went bad and my coolant went into my engine and exhaust system. The lifters, O-ring, bearings, etc., now have to be replaced to the cost of about $2000. According to the temp gauge, I've never run hot, but I questioned a month after buying the car why the temp needle stayed at about the 3/4 point on the gauge. I was told this is normal. After researching this vehicle and the problem I've encountered, it seems to be rather common in GMC vehicles.

General Comments:

A gas guzzler.

Comfortable and roomy for a family of four.

Huge trunk.

Frequent replacement of brake pads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th October, 2002

25th Feb 2003, 11:11

I have an '96 olds. mobile cut. supreme and I have had this car for about 2 years. My car is great on gas. I am able to drive up to my college, in upstate New York, (5hours away from my hometown) and only use a little more than half the tank of gas. My car has been very reliable and I would recommend anyone purchasing this car. Its unfortunate that you are having a bit of car trouble, but I got my car used and nothing has been wrong with it yet. Oh, this car is terrific in snowy and icey conditions as well. -Jenn B.

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