Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 182 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.9 times the median Cutlass year — the 1992 model ranks #6 of 28 Cutlass years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 70 reports (39% of the total).
182
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
2
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 70 | 38% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 24 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 21 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 15 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 10 | 5% | — flat |
| Transmission | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Defect
THE OPTIONAL REMOTE ENTRY MODULE MAY HAVE A FAULT WHICH CAUSES RANDOM ACTUATION OF INTERIOR LAMPS, DOOR LOCKS, AND/OR TAILGATE RELEASE. THIS ACTUATION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED.
Consequence
IF THE TAILGATE RELEASE ACTUATES, THE TAILGATE WILL OPEN.UNRESTRAINED PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT AREA COULD FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLEWHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND RECEIVE SERIOUS INJURIES.
Remedy
REPLACE THE REMOTE ENTRY MODULE WITH A NEWLY REVISED MODULE TO PREVENT RANDOM ACTUATION.
Defect
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence
IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS PREVENTS EMERGENCY STOPS; STOPS ARE CONTROLLED BUT REQUIRE EXCESSIVE DISTANCE; LIKE STEPPING ON A WALL FOR RESPONSE; HAVE COMPLAINED TO DEALER SINCE CAR WAS NEW ; DEALER SAYS IS NATURE OF THIS KIND OF ABS AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING, OPERATOR NOTED ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASHED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND WENT OUT. OPERATOR IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, STOPPED VEHICLE. OPENED HOOD. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM LEFT FRONT SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT, MIDWAY BETWEEN…”
“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN VEHICLE STALLED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A COLLISION. DRIVER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *AK”
“DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE DURING A HEAD-ON COLLISION, SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK IN POSTION , AND DID NOT HOLD DRIVER IN SEAT, CAUSING HEAD INJUIRES. *AK”
“AFTER STARTING CAR IN THE MORNING IT IDLES AT 2-3 TACHOMETER AND WILL REV UP TO 3.5 AND WILL NOT DROP TO 1 OR LESS. WHEN IT IS PUT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE YOU MUST DROP TO NEUTRAL OR THE BRAKES WILL NOT STOP THE MOVEMENT. AFTER GOING 2-5 MILES THE ENGINE WILL SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKES…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 182 complaints put the 1992 model at #6 of 28 Cutlass years. It is one of the Cutlass years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (70 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), engine (21 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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 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.