Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 117 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Cutlass year — the 1999 model ranks #11 of 28 Cutlass years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (26), brakes (22), and tires & wheels (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
117
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 26 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 22 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 18 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 14 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 12 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT…”
“FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES DUE TO VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. ABS LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL RECENTLY ILLUMINATED, AND VIBRATION HAS REOCCURRED. DEALERSHIP WAS CURRENTLY EXAMINING VEHICLE AGAIN TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL…”
“PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE WAS VIBRATING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER, AND NOTICED THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM RIM. FIRESTONE AFFINITY T2 26695GXBM10757-3, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK DOT#W2MWAAA318 SIZE P21560R15. *SLC ”
“THE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWED: TRANSMISSION, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ENGINE FAN, SHOCKS, MOTOR MOUNTS HAD BROKEN, BRAKES, FOG LIGHT NEVER WORKED, CABLE AND HINGES ON THE DRIVER/PASSENGER SIDE SEATS WERE BREAKING, THE ARM REST WAS HOLLOW, THE VEHICLE CONTINUOSLY RAN HOT, EVEN AFTER THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH COIL SPRING BROKE. THIS RESULTED IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE GOING UP INTO THE FENDER, AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKING UP. STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, THEN, VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY NOTICED THAT THE RUST DEVELOPED ON THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 117 complaints put the 1999 model at #11 of 28 Cutlass years. It is one of the Cutlass years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (26 complaints), brakes (22 complaints), tires & wheels (18 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.