Defect
"TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1981 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.
8
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other Cutlass years?
What are the most common 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 25% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
Does the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
Remedy
BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE PLACES OR A PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME CITIZENS TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *LA CONSUMER NEEDS MAJOR ENGINE WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE. *PH”
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass — common questions
Is the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.