1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass from North America - Comments

The horn had to be replaced three times. The current horn usually functions normally, but sometimes it does not work in extremely cold weather.

The tires do not wear evenly. They have to be replaced much sooner than the rated tread life.

The brake rotors and pads have to be replaced once a year. They constantly squeak and squeal.

The fan does not work unless you put the dial on "3" or higher. "1" and "2" do not work at all.

The driver's seat is loose and lurches forward when the car comes to an abrupt stop.

The paint on the front bumper is peeling off.

FM radio reception is terrible. FM stations can only be received if the car is within 5-10 miles of the station's transmitter.

The ABS warning light occasionally comes on for no apparent reason.

The radiator intake gasket failed at 80,000 miles.

The 3.1 V6 should have better power and acceleration, considering how much fuel it uses.

The headlight assemblies are loose and do not aim at the road.

The power mirror on the passenger's side of the car does not work.

This car seemed like an excellent value when I first purchased it. However, it has had way too many problems for such a new vehicle. I often wish that I kept my old Nissan Sentra instead of trading it in toward the Cutlass.

The Cutlass does have some nice features:

It is very comfortable and has attractive styling.

The CD player and cassette deck work well and sound great.

The trunk is huge, and has a pass-through to the back seat.

The guages are easy to read, and the controls are ergonomic and comfortable to use.

I own a 98 cutlass with 35,000 miles, other than a few electrical problems, no mechanical. The car runs smoothly with a very nice 33-35 miles per gallon. The electrical problems I have are similar, a small FM stereo radius. I have the vent problem with 1 and 2 not working, however it happened during my ownership, so 1 and 2 DO work to begin with. One suggestion could be fuses, one for each setting, I tried looking at them, but they are pretty complicated, or tough to get out. One other electrical problem is my theft system light comes on once in a while. That has just started also. Other than that, no complaints, unless maybe brakes are starting to pulsate, but sometimes brakes can be the drivers driving.

Small FM radio radius can be traced to the antenna connection in the right footwell. Peel the carpeting back and plug the wires back together. For some reason GM made the connection here, instead of higher up and behind the glovebox. I also read an review indicating this as one of the "trouble spots" on the car. It advises that because of the way the antenna wire is routed, passengers can accidentally disconnect the antenna cable with there foot. I added a 6 disc CD changer in the truck that works off of FM frequency and had to splice into the antenna. Then I taped it together with electrical tape.

Sorry to hear the reviewer is saddled with this lemon, but was at least glad to know that someone else was having the same experience. I've had the same problems with my horn as well as the fan speed switch. The ABS light intermittently appears for no good reason (as stated in another review). Oldsmobile must have a valve somewhere in the engine compartment that sprays fuel directly on the pavement because the engine size (and poor mileage) doesn't translate to power. I inherited my car and I'm dumping it as soon as possible.

I just wanted to say that brake pads are something that needs to be replaced no matter what you drive. They are common upkeep of cars. If you drive a lot, you stop and go frequently and your brake pads wear. If you change your brake pads soon enough you will not warp your rotors which can become costly.

This car is the poster child for why GM failed, I have a 99 GLS. The owners are now paying for it with dismal trade in and retail values. My car is mint, but the best offer I got was from a dealer who offered me $3600 for trade in, I jumped. He's my experience:

-The fan not working at 1-2 settings is a problem almost every owner has, and GM has done NOTHING.

-The coolant leaks in almost every car. Mine started leaking at around 30k miles.

-The Oil is burning, as the car, no matter how well your coolant is maintained burns HOT.

-The brakes shook at about 12000 miles, and I rotors cut and new ones put in, 10k miles later, same thing.

-The engine light! Oh My God, does this just go on and off at will? Its almost as possessed as the AC light.

-AC leaks, its happened twice already, $200 to test and $400 to fix.

-The window on the drivers side sometimes just stops working. This is especially good news when you have no AC (See above) and its 90+ degrees out.

-I will say this, the stereo works great, its good to have blasting in order to drown out he humming sound from the Transmission.

-And yes that battery/alternator light when it rains. I can't figure this one out.

I am glad to hear that I am not the only person who has had these same problems with my vehicle.

I received my car from my Grandmother who is fanatical about upkeep. With only 30,000 miles on my car, I have also encountered many of the same problems, along with a few unique annoyances.

The most major annoyance has been a high-pitched whistle when I go over highway bridges. It is so loud, I have to roll up my windows and turn on the radio.

The brakes also squeak and squeal. I have already had my pads replaced and I couldn't believe the mechanic when he said that my rotors were worn and would need to be replaced at 25,000 miles.

Along with the annoying squeaks and whistles, is the loud air conditioner fan that turns off on low settings.

Again, I have owned several used cars. I didn't have major repairs until 80-90,000 miles. The next problem was the alternator light. I replaced the alternator and battery. Now I am curious to know if it was just the light and not the alternator -- well, $350 later...

Another light appeared. My radiator fluid light went on, next my engine light. I checked my radiator. Sure enough, it was low on antifreeze. I brought my vehicle in and the mechanic told me I may need an intake gasket replaced at $600. In addition, he said that my tires needed replaced and my serpentine belt was bad.

At this moment, I thought the mechanic was trying to pull a fast one. But now that I have read this survey. I am relieved to know that it wasn't my mechanic. I have a lemon. I have had more problems with this car than any other than I have owned.

Well, I guess I will be stocking up on the Dextrol antifreeze for the winter and spending my Christmas money on new tires, rotors, brake pads, and a new serpentine belt.

Well, honk fellow '99 Cutlass owners, if you hear my whistling, squealing, leaking, car coming your way!

Good luck.