Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 193 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.4 times the median Cutlass year — the 1993 model ranks #5 of 28 Cutlass years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 59 reports (31% of the total).
193
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
1
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 59 | 31% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 25 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 15 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 10 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 8 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
5 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 BRAKE LINES CAN CONTACT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTING BRACKET OF THE FRAME SIDE RAIL. THE LINES CAN WEAR THROUGH RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF HALF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM.
Consequence
A LEAK IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF ONE HALF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM AND EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE LINE CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THE BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE INDENTATIONS WILL BE REPLACED.
Defect
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Consequence
THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE HOSES CAN CAUSEREDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND/OR UNEVEN BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
Defect
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINING MECHANISMS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT BACK MECHANISMS WILL NOT LATCH UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Consequence
THE SEATS MAY RECLINE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, RESULTINGIN A HAZARD TO SEAT OCCUPANTS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM WITH A MECHANISM THAT COMPLIES WITH FMVSS 207.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR A TURNING CAR AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS WERE SEIZED.*AK”
“AFTER DRIVING FOR A HALF AN HOUR, VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 25 MINUTES. SUDDENLY HORN BEGAN TO SOUND. WHEN CONSUMER WENT OUT TO SEE THE PROBLEM, NOTICED SMOKE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD, NEAR THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. THE SMOKE WAS DARK BLACK. FLAMES THEN ROSE INTO THE TOP OF THE INTERIOR. FIRE…”
“RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING RUSTED AND BROKE . MECHANICS SAID IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE LUBRICANT WAS WASHED OUT BECAUSE THE WATER ENTER THE UNIT. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL. SINCE SAME UNIT IS IN THE LEFT SIDE (ALTHOUGH THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BROKEN PART CHECK…”
“WHEN BRAKING, THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK FLIES FORWARD. IT HAS ALMOST SINCE THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 1992. I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW FAST I HAVE TO BE GOING BUT PROBABLY IS AROUND 40-50 MPH. AND PUT ON BRAKES IN EMERGENCY SITUATION.”
“CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE HIS FRIEND WAS DRIVING SHE HEARD A NOISE, GOT OUT, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BROKE. ALSO, ANOTHER CRACK STARTED ON THE A FRAME ON THE OTHER SIDE. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 193 complaints put the 1993 model at #5 of 28 Cutlass years. It is one of the Cutlass years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (59 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.