1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass: 6 recalls, 193 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #92V003000 · 1992 · 347,866 vehicles
What's wrong: The front door shoulder belt guide loops May be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208.
Why it matters: The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident.
The fix: Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #92V043000 · 1992 · 37,030 vehicles
What's wrong: Moisture can enter the express-down electronic control module and cause a short circuit that causes window operation without operator control, and leaves the window in the down position.
Why it matters: The electronic control module will fail from overheatingand could result in a fire hazard inside the door panel.
The fix: Replace the window express-down electronic control module.
Seats Vehicle recall #92V124000 · 1992 · 319,181 vehicles
What's wrong: The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.
Why it matters: The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material.
The fix: Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V173000 · 1995 · 2,216,325 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that May not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. The safety belt May not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V058000 · 1997 · 676,535 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both bolts pull through, the rear cradle would not longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft can separate from the steering gear.
Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #00V189000 · 2000 · 713,435 vehicles
What's wrong: A condition where one or both front engine cradle bolts can pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainers.
Why it matters: If both bolts pull through, the front of the cradle would no longer be supported at the mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft could separate from the steering gear.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (59): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (15), brake failure / soft pedal (10).
- Engine & cooling (30): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8).
- Seat belts (26): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are fire / smoke (10), electrical failure (9).
The 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass has 193 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 10 Cutlass model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 133). Complaints peaked in 1995 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 88,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (103 complaints, 6 recalls), 1992 (136 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 31 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems?
Owners have filed 193 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (59), engine & cooling (30), seat belts (26).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.