Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 113 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Cutlass Supreme year — the 1995 model ranks #1 of 12 Cutlass Supreme years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 39 reports (35% of the total).
113
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
16
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 39 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 22 | 19% | — flat |
| Transmission | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR'S INTERNAL WIRING, WHICH CAN OCCUR OVER TIME, COULD CAUSE THE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG. THIS DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR DURING VEHICLE START-UP, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR IDLING, OR WHILE IN OPERATION.
Consequence
IF THE CONSUMER IS TOO CLOSE TO AN INFLATING AIR BAG, SERIOUS INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATORS ON THESE AIR BAGS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 00V171000 IN DEC 2000. AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS TO DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HE WAS TOLD PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE YET. ON BEBRUARY 15, 2001 CONSUMER'S SON HAD AN ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, STUNNED THE DRIVER, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE. THERE…”
“WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS TO RESPOND, AND VEHICLE ROLLS PART WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. I CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME ON ANOTHER OCCASION. THE SYSTEM FROM TIME TO TIME FAILS TO GIVE IMMEDIATE SENSE OF STOPPING..”
“WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE LOST POWER ON THE RIGHT SIDE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
“AIRBAG RECALL 00V171000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00058. PART HAS BEEN ON ORDER FOR 6 MONTHS. HORN ON VEHICLE DOESN'T WORK, AND DEALER WILL NOT WORK ON IT BECAUSE AIRBAG CAN DEPLOY IF TAMPERED WITH. CONSUMER IS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION, AND HAS AVOIDED 2 ACCIDENTS SINCE THIS PROBLEM. DEALER AND…”
“WAS COMING OFF A RAMP AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN A DEFECT IN ENGINE CAUSED LOSS OF POWER AND STEERING. CONSUMER WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, VEHICLE SPINNED AND HIT GUARDRAIL. *AK ”
NHTSA data argues against it: 113 complaints put the 1995 model at #1 of 12 Cutlass Supreme years. It is one of the Cutlass Supreme years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (39 complaints), brakes (22 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.