VehicleVerdict

1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths, per the complaint records themselves.

29

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Cutlass Supreme years?

Cutlass Supreme NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted113 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 25 complaints1989: 29 complaints1990: 42 complaints1994: 59 complaints1995: 113 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 62 complaints
Cutlass Supreme NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cutlass Supreme years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure931%
Brakes621%
Steering414%
Engine414%
Suspension27%
Other13%
Fuel System13%
Transmission13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

00V189000Body & StructureJuly 11, 2000 · 713,435 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL OFF CONSUMER 1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. *TS THE CRADLE FELL DROPPING THE ENGINE DUE TO CONDENSATION FORMING BETWEEN THE RUBBER MOUNTING SUPPORTS AND THE METAL FRAMEWORK. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 20, 2005

“STRUT MOUNT & PLATE BROKE. BRAKES, CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS, AND STRUTS WERE DESTROYED BY THIS OCCURRENCE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. MECHANIC MANUAL SAID THAT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE DAILY TO MAKE THE CALIPERS FUNCTIONAL WAS A NECESSITY, OWNER UNAWARE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 30, 1998

“WHILE SLEEPING IN VEHICLE IN AN OPEN AIR PARKING LOT WITH HEATER AND MOTOR ON CONSUMER DIED OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISIONING, MOTOR CONTINUED RUNNING UNTIL CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED RESULTING IN FIRE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1996 · fire

“STEERING: RECEIVED NOTICE FROM MANUFACTURE FOR CRADLE BOLTS ON 7-72-97. CALLED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 7-18-97. DEALER CALLED ON 7-17-97 AND SAID THEY DIDINOT HAVE ANY PARTS AND CALL AND MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 27, 1997

“CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN FRONT CRADLE BOLTS FELL OFF, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FALL ONTO DRIVETRAIN, DISLODGING STEERING. TOTALLY DISABLED, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER SAID CRADLE BOLTS HAD RUSTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme — common questions

Is the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Cutlass Supreme problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (9 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cutlass Supreme years to avoid are 1995, 1997, 1994, 1996, 1990. The cleanest record among Cutlass Supreme years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.