VehicleVerdict

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1977 compare to other Cutlass years?

Cutlass NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted266 complaints1967: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 3 complaints1977: 4 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 8 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 24 complaints1985: 22 complaints1986: 31 complaints1987: 22 complaints1988: 107 complaints1989: 164 complaints1990: 151 complaints1991: 266 complaints1992: 182 complaints1993: 193 complaints1994: 200 complaints1995: 199 complaints1996: 160 complaints1997: 161 complaints1998: 223 complaints1999: 117 complaints
Cutlass NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cutlass years to avoid →

What are the most common 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels250%
Steering125%
Transmission125%

Does the 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass have recalls?

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

78V138000TransmissionJune 13, 1978 · 265,068 units

Defect

THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS MAY CONTAIN A FLAW IN THE METAL. THIS FLAW COULD ALLOW THE SHAFT TO BREAK AND THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH REAR AXLE SHAFTS, IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE.

76V132000SteeringSeptember 7, 1976 · 55,564 units

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT ROD IN STEERING COLUMN FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIP INTO DRIVE FROM NEUTRAL AND LUNGE FORWARD/LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 1, 1995 · crash

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass — common questions

Is the 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cutlass years to avoid are 1991, 1998, 1994, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1989, 1997, 1996, 1990, 1999, 1988. The cleanest record among Cutlass years belongs to 1978.

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.