NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 84 owner complaints for the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Most complaints involve electrical system (17) and tires (17). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.”
“CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SNAPPED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHEN THE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED, IT CUT AND FLATTENED THE TIRE. THE CONSUMER PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T HELP, ALL THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID WAS 3 YEARS/36,000 MILES NO CONCERN AT ALL. *PH”
“WHILE DRIVING ABS WARNING ALARM CHIME CAME ON, AND THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE CONTINUOUSLY REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE WEAR. THIS WAS AS A RESULT OF ABS MODULE SENSOR FAILURE.*AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutlass Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Cutlass Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.1 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (17), tires (17), service brakes, hydraulic (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).