Comments: 1-15, 16-20
The driver side door handle broke twice. It is poorly designed and a common problem for this car.
The blinkers are malfunctioning. The right blinker must be manually blinked or it just stays on. Another common problem with this car.
I was told the brake rotors were worn out almost every time I had my brake pads replaced. They are flimsy and wear quickly.
At 100,000 miles the catalytic converter went out.
At 105,000 miles I had a valve leak in the engine that was very costly to fix.
At 110,000 miles the thermostat malfunctioned and it blew a head gasket.
At 115,000 miles I had to replace the spark plugs, which unfortunately are very difficult to access and consequently expensive to replace.
The car has had the service engine light on since, but after so many costly repairs I have decided to simply run the car until it dies. It has been running for about 6 months.
Despite all the problems I really enjoy this vehicle.
It is very roomy and comfortable, easily fitting 4 adults.
The ride is very smooth.
The V6 gives a lot of power that many newer cars are lacking.
This car gets excellent gas mileage.
Sadly, a lot of these problems could have been fixed easily and cheaply with more knowledge and timely maintenance. The plugs should have been replaced much earlier than 110,000. Did you change the coolant, the oil, the tranny fluid regularly? The brake rotors should have been replaced with a better aftermarket alternative, the thermostat is a cheap item that should have failed in the open position. Of course you would have to pull over immediately and shut off the engine when overheating to prevent head gasket failure. Learn to take a look at your gauges and lights while driving... it could save many expensive repairs. I have had those door handles on 3 different GM cars and have never had a problem, none went less than 150,000 miles.
Also, cars should have a flashing light and a buzzer to get the driver's attention when coolant temperature rises really high as it isn't easy to keep an eye on the temp gauge all the time.
Wax type thermostats often do fail in the closed position whereas the old bellows type fail safe in the open position.
Of course, the car companies are happy if we are always fixing up cars because it's more money for them.
On two occasions in my 36 years of driving about 720,000 miles I've had to stop the car because of overheating caused by a faulty thermostat.
Let the car cool off for 1/2 hr then remove the thermostat, replace t'stat housing, top up with distilled water and continue until t'stat can be replaced.
I always carry a couple of gallons of water.
It is OK to drive without a t'stat to get you home.
Car will run too cool & new t'stat should be installed at first convenient opportunity.
Thermostat is a 10 dollar part that can cause you to destroy your engine totally if you ignore the warning signs.
I have a 97 cutlass supreme and its at 117,000 miles on it, and I have had very few problems with it. I had the water pump go out on me at 90,000 miles and now my Mass Air Flow censor is out of it. I bet the problem you are having with your Service Engine light is either your Mass Asir flow censor (that's what mine is) or maybe you have a O2 censor out of it. If you have have problems with it sputtering or dying when it idols I bet its the O2 censor.
I bought my 96 cutlass with 10,000 miles on it. It now has 210,000 miles on it and it has been the best car in the world. I have the 3100 engine though which is much less troublesome than the 3.4 dual ohc that came in these. I had to replace the water pump and power steering pump at 170,000 miles. Oh, I had to replace the O2 sensor around 110,000 miles. I have to replace the pads on the back breaks regularly as they are not one of GM's best designs. The problem lies in the calipers as they are a screw design rather than a piston. When the brakes are pushed, the piston inside screws out rather than pushes out and then does not go all the way back in allowing the back brakes to rub all the time which equals mediocre gas mileage. If the back breaks were designed like the front, this car would probably do about 35 mpg on the highway. I do all my own maintenance, which saves a lot of money. Spark plugs are not expensive for this car, so if you paid a lot, you got ripped off. A complete tuneup should be done before or around 100,000 on this car. Also, the coolant should be flushed and a new thermostat put in every two years. Brakes should be bled about every two years as well, as brake fluid brakes down just like motor oil and can cause corrosion and expensive brake repairs. Power steering fluid should be changed regularly also, as it brakes down too. Changing your power steering fluid will not only make your pump last longer, but it will keep the new car feel in the steering wheel. Lastly, your engine should be degreased and power washed regularly. This keeps hot spots from forming on the engine, which can cause a blown head gasket, cracked engine block, or detonation. These oldsmobile cutlass supremes are without a doubt one of GM's best made vehicles, along with the bonneville and cousins of the bonneville (buick park avenue, olds eighty eight). If you want to buy an excellent car, buy one of these. Stay away from the supercharged versions of the 3800 however, as you may have problems with them; the supercharger alone is $2500 to replace. Hopefully this will help everyone.
I have a 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme 3.1 V6. When I bought the car it has 84,000 miles, but was regularly maintained by an elderly couple who were the original owners. I have continued to take care of the car with regular checkups, oil changes and so on. I absolutley love this car and it has been great for me. Dependable and pleasurable. Looks great and runs terrific. Being the 2 door model with the sport package is a real head turner. Especially being the year it is... looks much newer than it is. The only problem I am having right now is I just realized that the running lights must have been disabled or something since the book states it has them, but they do not seem to work. No biggie, but bothers me since I like everything to be just so. Only major repairs have been an alternator and fuel pump at about 100,000 miles and then the water pump at about 120,000. I now have 160,000 miles and still running like new. Ill keep it till it dies or falls apart. These new cars, at the prices, just aren't worth it to me. I'm a girl and even I can do most of the work. Motor is very easy to work on an I have done all repairs except the fuel pump, cause I don't have a lift.
I have a 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme 3.1 V6. When I bought the car it has 84,000 miles, but was regularly maintained by an elderly couple who were the original owners. I have continued to take care of the car with regular checkups, oil changes and so on. I absolutley love this car and it has been great for me. Dependable and pleasurable. Looks great and runs terrific. Being the 2 door model with the sport package is a real head turner. Especially being the year it is... looks much newer than it is. The only problem I am having right now is I just realized that the running lights must have been disabled or something since the book states it has them, but they do not seem to work. No biggie, but bothers me since I like everything to be just so. Only major repairs have been an alternator and fuel pump at about 100,000 miles and then the water pump at about 120,000. I now have 160,000 miles and still running like new. Ill keep it till it dies or falls apart. These new cars, at the prices, just aren't worth it to me. I'm a girl and even I can do most of the work. Motor is very easy to work on an I have done all repairs except the fuel pump, cause I don't have a lift.
I have a 1996 olds cutlass supreme 3.1 v6. I purchased the car when it had 234,ooo miles on it. it looked very clean and it was very well taken care of by an older couple. the interior was excellent. the first thing that I noticed while test driving the car was the excellent and smooth handling that it had. it got to 238,000 miles and then the motor went out, which I was expecting. I also had to buy an altinator, a fuel pump, an air compressor, and new struts and motor mounts for the front and back, which all together ran me about 5,000 bucks, but I still love the car and wouldn't give it up. it runs excellent and haven't had any other problems. I know you think that is quite a bit of work, but keep in mind that it had 234,000 miles on it when I bought it. I'm still lookin ta put about 5 more grand into it and I think it is definately worth every penny. I don't need ta put that much into it its just surtain accesories that I want to do. I love this car to death and it would take a lot for me to ever get rid of it. it was my first car and ya never know it might even be my last.
I also have a 1996 olds cutlas supreme 3.1, bought used from a lady with 50k, I now have 95000.i do all the mantinence myself.
Flushing the coolant system is easy to do. Because the petcock
is very easy to get to. I changed the plugs at 85000 miles. The 3 in the front were easy,the 3 in the back were tough.
I had to put the car up on ramps climb underneath and basicly twist my arm in a position that I dident like very much. and since I couldent realy see to much, you basicly have to do it by brail. back 3 took about one and a half hours.
Front brakes are great, back beaks brakes are horrible
I have replaced front pads once, and back pads twice,
and now I do beleive my back calipers are shot. that rotating piston is horrible. the tool that you have to use to back the piston back in slips off half the time, it s just a very bad design. And yes my back brakes squeek all the time
that's why I will be replacing calipers in a couple of weeks
hopefully that will stop it. I do have a broken window lift on the drivers side. but that doesent bother me I just open the door at drive thrus.
But the engine is very strong and a very comfortable ride.
I purchased my,1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme LS,4dr, on 9/07/01
with 51,030 miles. It is serviced at 5,000 miles intervals.
I wish I could state that it has not been a problem.
The car was factory recalled at 55,190 to replace the
air bag module on the drivers side. at 64,342,the fuel pump
was replaced, with filter and strainer, it was costly, as the
pump is located in the fuel tank.
Around mileage,65,210 it was necessary to replace the right
side electrical mirror, faulty wiring. At 69,831 had to get
a new alternator. At 72,136,complete brake job, including,4
rotors, and pads. Replaced the crank sensor at 89087 miles.
The engine began leaking water, found that the intake
manifold gasket was faulty, at 89,140. G.M. had knowledge
of this problem before 1996,but refused to accept the
responsibility of doing any thing, stated it was a normal
wear and tear function, cost me $550.
Another factory recall on 3/9/04,to replace the lower
pinion gear. At 91,180,all the struts began to leak, and I
replaced them. Rear brake pads and rotors replaced,107,000.
The power steering unit replaced at 111,689.The a/c unit
had to be recharged. Now a little oil is noted on the floor
of the garage, mechanic stated it is leaking from the oil
pump drive shaft cover, an "O" ring needs replacing.This
"Merry Oldsmobile",now has only 125,349 miles on the odometer.
I have a 1994 cutlass supreme and have no idea how the back brake system comes apart! it is a nightmare so far. could someone give me inside secret, sort of a step by step how to do?? I have tryed all search engines and have came up with nothing!! leave here or email me at jgragg7177@yahoo.com thank you!
Good to read all the comments posted about 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme SL 3100cc.
I bought the one I have in 1999 with 34K miles on it for $5600. It is now worth around $1600, with 96k miles. That is eight years of good driving for $4k depreciation, or $500 per year.
Now, add in maybe $300 per year for maintenance and you have $800 per year cost. Not bad for a good ride. The maintenance has been all the normal replacement stuff, call them consumables, since we do use them up.
Here's the real kicker: I keep up with gas mileage by the drop, using an Excel sheet to log in every detail, every time I fillup or do maintenance. About 18 months ago, the "Service Engine Soon" light came on.
I learned that the culprit was the EGR (exhaust gas recycle valve). I was told that if the car was still running well, don't worry about the EGR, replace it whenever I felt like it. Well! I haven't replaced it to today, altho it is very simple to do. Here's why..
My gas mileage went from 19 MPG in town (Jax, FL) and 27 road while the EGR was working, to 24 town and 32 road after it crapped out! This is now my consistent gas mileage. Heck, I ain't replacing that stinkin' valve!
The mileage didn't jump up all at once, took months of gradually getting better with each fill up. The gas mileage is either getting slightly better now with each fill, or is staying about the same, 24 in town, 32 on the road. My driving is 90% in town.
I have heard many theories as to why the mileage is so much better now. "Better driving habits?" are the one most proposed. But it isn't true. I have driven exactly the same way for the last 20 years at least.. and that isn't slow!
Go figure.
Otherwise, this car still looks good, drives well, and what more could a person want? (I may regret that brag, any day now, but so far.. great!)
By the way, I use 87 octane gas from many sources, keep my tires pumped up to a "high normal" pressure, and service the rascal regularly. I also give it a pat and say, "That'll do, pal" everyday. If old guys with Oldsmobiles talk to their cars, maybe they know something.
Good to read all of your remarks, and I look forward to reading more.
BT.
Bought my 1996 Cutlass 3.4 in 1999...Has been a lemon ever since. All the same problems listed in previous posts. Pulleys, spark plugs and wires, alternators (on my second one), oil leaks, power steering leaks, countless brake pad and rotor replacements, transmission rebuild, etc. I regret keeping it for so long. Should have been sent to the bone yard a long time ago.
I just bought my 1996 cutlass supreme at 82,000 miles for some 3,400 dollars. They replaced my brakes and a tire before I bought it. Needless to say my Mimi paid by check and I traded in a no worth car, an 89 dodge shadow. I have had this car for a little over the month. I have driven for hours on end in it, and it is wonderful. The gas consumption depends on the stops it makes at red lights and what not, but on highway for an hour a way it isn't that bad. Not for a V6 engine.
I hope that it will stay wonderful like this, but who knows. It was well taken care of though and rides so smooth. I had a old cutlass siera a 91, it was a wonderful car until a girl ran into the passenger back door. It was no longer in good running condition and had to get rid of it.
I am thinking about working on it though making it sporty any suggestions. E-mail me at beautifulbigred4u@yahoo.com.
I have a 1997 Olds Cutlass Supreme with 197,800 miles now and is leaking power steering pump badly now. We got this car used at 100,000 miles after selling our 1995 cutlass (190,000) to our daughter. I have put in new alternator, new pulley tensioner, intake manifold gasket and will need one again due to dexcool coolant according to our mechanic. He recommended old style green coolant as the orange dexcool coolant eats away the gaskets. I'm not sure of power steering pump as of now as it looks like the hose from pump down to bottom of car is leaking. will find out soon. I was reading this google page on this type of car and noticed that some of you had hard time reaching the back 3 spark plugs. I did struggle the first time, but later learned from a friend that you can buy an engine tilter tool, take the dogbone (2) off on front of engine and put tilter tool on and use socket wrench to crank and tilt the motor forward giving you room for your hand to access the back spark plugs. A lot easier! Transmission acts funny once in a while, no take off effect from stop sign slippage?? still original tranny.. Hoping to keep it unitl it dies, but my lady wants a newer Impala..??? Hope that engine tilter tool hint helps.
I have had my 1996 Cutlass since 1997 I have put rear breaks on twice, replaced the turn signal switch,alternator twice, thermostat, engine rebuilt due to gasket leak, replace air compressor twice ready to have a third put on and the fans will not operate properly and is in the shop for the fourth time for fans not running and car over heats. now you now why we are buying foreign cars my Honda has 189000 miles and very few problems-31 mpg.