Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 1987 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
22
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 32% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 14% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 5% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Consequence
SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Defect
MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.
Consequence
THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FEMALE BUCKLE BASE SEPARATED THEREBY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCK MALE PORTION OF SHOULDER LAP BELT INTO FEMALE BUCKLE BASE. TT”
“A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL HAS SLIPPED OUT, CAUSING GAS PEDAL TO GET STUCK. CONSUMER HAD TO QUICKLY SHUT OFF VEHICLE, BUT ENDED UP HITTING GUARDRAIL. *AK THE ROD SLIPPED OUT OF SERVO BAIL AND LODGED ON INTAKE MANIFOLD. *YH”
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO REAR AXLE DISCONNECTING FROM VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHTMENTS.*AK”
The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints), steering (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.