1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a series of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's entry-level model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate. The Cutlass was named after Vought F7U Cutlass, as well as the type of sword, which was common during the Age of Sail.
Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants. These included the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, the upscale Cutlass Supreme in 1966, the high-performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, and the Vista Cruiser station wagon.
By the 1980s, Oldsmobile was using the Cutlass as a sub-marque, with numerous vehicle lines bearing the name simultaneously. The compact Cutlass Calais, midsize Cutlass Ciera, Cutlass Cruiser station wagon, and flagship midsize Cutlass Supreme were among the models available during this time.
In the 1990s, Oldsmobile began moving away from its traditional model lines, with other legacy vehicle nameplates like the 98 and 88 being discontinued in 1996 and 1999, respectively. The Cutlass name was likewise retired in 1999 in favor of the all-new Oldsmobile Alero, ending nearly 40 years of continuous Cutlass production.
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Common 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass 1979 is known for several common problems based on owner complaints. One of the most frequently reported issues is with the intake manifold and PCV vacuum lines or hoses, which can leak. This problem can lead to a decrease in engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potentially serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another common problem with the Oldsmobile Cutlass 1979 is related to the engine. The car was available with several engine options, including a 4.3-liter V6 rated at 115 horsepower, a 4.3-liter Oldsmobile V8 with 105 horsepower (or 90 horsepower with diesel), and a 160-horse Chevrolet 305 V8.
The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass also had problems with the tachometer, which could fail or become inaccurate. This issue was common in models up to 1988 and could be resolved by soldering a pin in place.
In addition, the 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass was prone to rust, particularly in the rear frame rails behind the rear axle. If the rear bumper appeared to be sagging, it was likely that the rear rails were rotted, which could compromise the structural integrity of the car. This issue was more prevalent in cars that had spent a lot of time in areas where salt was used on the roads during winter months.
Lastly, the 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass had issues with the clock, which was not always available as a replacement part. This problem was especially common in the Hurst Olds models, where the clock was often missing or not working correctly.
Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.
How many 1979 Cutlass Supremes were made?
In 1978, the first year of the all-new model, 240,917 Supreme coupes and 117,880 Brougham coupes sold. But for some reason, in '79, despite only minor trim revisions, sales got a healthy bump to a spectacular 277,944 Supreme coupes. This Pastel Green example is one of 137,323 of those '79 Broughams.
How many 1979 Hurst Olds were made?
2,499
Production numbers
| 1968 | 515 |
|---|---|
| 1973 | 1,097 |
| 1974 | 1,851 |
| 1975 | 2,535 |
| 1979 | 2,499 |
How much is an Oldsmobile Cutlass worth?
A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Cutlass is $29,423.
Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.
What motor is in a 79 Cutlass?
Engine choices for the '79 Cutlass ranged from adequate to horrifying. This car has the base engine, a 4.3-liter V6 rated at 115 horsepower. There was a 4.3-liter Oldsmobile V8 as well (105 horsepower with gasoline power, 90 with diesel… but you didn't want the diesel).
Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?
Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.
How many 1979 Cutlass Supremes were made?
In 1978, the first year of the all-new model, 240,917 Supreme coupes and 117,880 Brougham coupes sold. But for some reason, in '79, despite only minor trim revisions, sales got a healthy bump to a spectacular 277,944 Supreme coupes. This Pastel Green example is one of 137,323 of those '79 Broughams.
1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Cutlass problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65-70 MPH, AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, VEHICLE STALLED. TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TW
1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
- Summary: EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
- Remedy: ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- Summary: REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
- Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: THE ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGERS CONTAIN A DEFECT WHICH CAUSES THE GLASS TO SHATTER WITHOUT IMPACT DURING OR SOME TIME AFTER USE OF THE DEFOGGER. VERTICAL ELECTRICAL STRIPS MAY DETERIORATE AND CAUSE HOT SPOTS THAT CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE REAR GLASS.
- Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PRESENCE OF A PARTICULAR WEATHERSTRIP. IF PRESENT, A LAYER OF A SPECIAL CONDUCTIVE EPOXY WILL BE ADDED TO THE VERTICAL BAR ON THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. THIS EPOXY IS A NEW CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL WHICH WILL NOT REACT WITH THE WEATHERSTRIP.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
- Summary: THE INVOVLED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS". INCORRECT HEAD RESTRAINTS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW HEAD RESTRAINTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: AN INCORRECT FLUID WAS USED AS AN ASSEMBLY AID (LUBRICATION) DURING INSTALLATION OF THE PISTON SEAL IN FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS WHICH WERE INSTALLED IN 10.5" X 1" DISC BRAKE ASSEMBLIES USED ON "A" SERIES CARS. THE INCORRECT FLUID ATTACKS THE PISTON SEAL AND CAUSES THEM TO SWELL AND DETERIORATE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPER PISTON SEALS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:
1979 W-30 questions - ClassicOldsmobile.com
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