1980 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 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass, produced between 1961 and 1999, is known for its durability and performance. However, like any vehicle, the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass has its share of common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners and mechanics:
- Electrical Issues: Electrical issues, including problems with the wiring harnesses, can cause problems with the car's lights and electrical components. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and may require the help of a professional mechanic.
- Suspension Issues: Suspension issues, such as problems with the shocks and struts, wheel alignment, and sway bar links and bushings, can affect the car's handling and ride quality. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the suspension components.
- Fuel System Issues: Fuel system issues, such as problems with the carburetor and distributor, can affect the car's performance and fuel economy. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the fuel system components.
- Brake Issues: Brake issues, such as problems with the brake pads and rotors, brake fluid leaks, and brake line problems, can affect the car's braking performance and safety. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the brake components.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission issues, such as slipping gears, transmission fluid leaks, and shifting problems, can affect the car's performance and drivability. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the transmission components.
- Engine Issues: Engine issues, such as engine misfire, overheating, engine oil leaks, engine stalling, timing belt issues, and fuel system problems, can affect the car's performance and reliability. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the engine components.
- Body and Interior Problems: Body and interior problems, such as rust issues, power window problems, door lock problems, and heating and air conditioning problems, can affect the car's appearance and comfort. These issues can be caused by wear and tear or by damage to the car's body and interior components.
In addition to these common problems, the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass may also experience issues with the steering system and the electrical system, as reported by owners and mechanics. Proper maintenance and care can help prevent many of these issues and ensure the car continues to provide reliable and enjoyable transportation for years to come.
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 came in a 1980 Cutlass?
Specifications for Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Sedan 5.0 V8 Automatic, 150hp, 1980.
What cars did Oldsmobile make in 1980?
Select a 1980 Oldsmobile Model
- 1980 98.
- 1980 Custom Cruiser.
- 1980 Cutlass.
- 1980 Cutlass Brougham.
- 1980 Cutlass Calais.
- 1980 Cutlass Cruiser.
- 1980 Cutlass Supreme.
- 1980 Delta 88.
Was the Cutlass a muscle car?
Built only in 1970 and 1971, the Cutlass Supreme SX offered muscle car power, without air-induction hoods and body stripes.
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 came in a 1980 Cutlass?
Specifications for Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Sedan 5.0 V8 Automatic, 150hp, 1980.
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.
What engine did the Cutlass have?
For 1973–74, the 350 Rocket V8 with four-barrel carburetor and 180 horsepower (130 kW) was the standard Cutlass Supreme engine with a 250-horsepower 455 Rocket offered as an option.
1980 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:
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: N/A
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ABOUT A 1.5 TO 2 YEARS AGO I PURCHASE A FIRESTONE 721 PASSENGER CAR TIRE. I ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR RIDING RUFF. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRE AND TOLD THEM THAT MY TIRE WERE OUT OF BALANCE AND THAT THEY NEEDED REBALANCING. THEY SAID THAT MY RIMS WERE BENT, THEY REPLACED THEM AND IT STILL DIDN'T STOP THE VIBRATION. NEXT, THEY SAID MY REAR AXLE WAS BENT AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATION. I DIDN'T HAVE THE FUNDS AT THE TIME TO REPLACE MY REAR ALXE I WOULD HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THE ROUGH RIDE. SHORTLY THERE AFTER, ON A TRIP TN THE VIBRATION GOT ALOT WORSE, UNTIL I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED SOMEONE HITTING THE SIDE OF MY CAR WITH A BASEBALL BAT I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND FOUND THAT THE NEW 721 THAT I BOUGHT THREADS CAME OFF AND HIT THE SIDE OF MY CAR KNOCKING THE TRIM OFF OF IT. I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY TO MEMPHIS ON THE DONUT, ALSO, I NOTICE AS SOON AS I PUT THE SPARE ON AND WAS ON THE HIGHWAY THE VIBRATION I HAD PUT UP WITH FOR THE LAST YEAR COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED. IN MEMPHIS THEY GAVE ME ANOTHER 721 FIRESTONE TIRE THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE NOW, THAT WAS OVER A YEAR AGO. IN THE LAST WEEK, I HAVE NOTICED ANOTHER VIBRATION CROPPING UP IN MY CAR. I HAVE 3 NEW MICHELINS AND THE 721 THAT I GOT IN MEMPHIS ON MY CAR. WHEN I GET UP TO ABOUT 55MILES/HR THE VIBRATION GETS ALOT WORSE. I AFRAID THE 721'S BELTS ARE ABOUT TO SPLIT AGAIN. ALTOUGH THE 721 HAS OVER 60 TO 70 PERCENT OF IT'S THREAD LEFT. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IN MY CASE?( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195R14 )
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-07-15
- VIN: 99999999999
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THIS IS TO BOB YOUNG: AFTER READING THE WALL ST JOURNAL ARTICLE I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I LEARNED FIRST HAND ANOTHER CAUSE OF RUNAWAY VEHICLES: ELECTRONIC CARBURETOR DIDNT LIKE FUEL RICHNESS SO ACCELERATED EVERYTIME I TRIED TO STOP AT A SIGN. LA VEGAS DEALER ADJUSTED IT TO IGNORE PROBLEM. TOOK 2 TIMES TO FIX. MORE INFO IF BOB YOUNG WANTS TO EMAIL ME... ALEX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX53L1N1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 10 TO 15 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK
1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1980 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:
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Other years of Oldsmobile Cutlass
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