1981 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 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass, produced between 1961 and 1999, was a popular car with numerous variants and a long production history. However, like any car, the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass had its share of common problems based on complaints from owners.
One common issue with the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass was the intake manifold and PCV vacuum lines/hoses, which could leak due to age and wear. This could lead to a decrease in engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another problem reported by owners was the 260 diesel engine, which was dropped due to its poor performance and fuel economy compared to the 5.7-liter diesel engine. The 260 diesel engine was considerably slower and no more economical than the 5.7-liter diesel, making it a less desirable option for many buyers.
Additionally, some owners reported problems with the alternator, power steering pump, and steering rack. These issues could lead to decreased performance and safety hazards if not addressed promptly.
The 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass also had issues with the fuel system, including the fuel tank sensor and method to drain the tank. These problems could lead to difficulty starting the car, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Finally, some owners reported problems with the ignition system, including the ignition module, switch for the brights in the column, and mixture control solenoid in the carburetor. These issues could lead to decreased performance, difficulty starting the car, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.
In summary, the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass had several common problems based on complaints from owners, including leaking intake manifold and PCV vacuum lines/hoses, poor performance and fuel economy with the 260 diesel engine, issues with the alternator, power steering pump, and steering rack, problems with the fuel system, and issues with the ignition system. These issues could lead to decreased performance, safety hazards, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.
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 is the mpg on a 1981 Cutlass?
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass MPG
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 23 fuel-ups and 8,662 miles of driving, the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.23 with a 0.77 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 0 outliers (0.00%) removed.
How much horsepower does a 1981 Cutlass have?
Specifications for Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Sedan 5.7 V8 Automatic, 107hp, 1981 3-speed.
What is the rarest Oldsmobile?
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Wyoming Centennial Edition Is Junkyard Treasure. One of the rarest of all special-edition Oldsmobiles, complete with manual transmission.
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.
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 much horsepower does a 1981 Cutlass have?
Specifications for Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Sedan 5.7 V8 Automatic, 107hp, 1981 3-speed.
Why was Oldsmobile discontinued?
The Aurora caused only a minor stir, however, and by 2000 GM announced plans to phase out the Oldsmobile brand due to dwindling sales. On April 29, 2004, after 106 years, the last Olds rolled off the assembly line.
1981 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
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE PLACES OR A PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME CITIZENS TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *LA CONSUMER NEEDS MAJOR ENGINE WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE. *PH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-20
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR FLOAT STUCK, CAUSING OVERFLOW OF GASOLINE INTO ENGINE. *SD
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER DOOR STICKS. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR FLOAT STUCK, CAUSING OVERFLOW OF GASOLINE INTO ENGINE. *SD
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH REAR WINDOWS STICK. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
- VIN: 1G3AM69A8BD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER DOOR STICKS. *SD
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
- Summary: "TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems and Complaints - 40 Issues
Top Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems · Intake Manifold and PCV Vacuum Lines/Hoses Can Leak Due to Age · Failed Fuel Pump Can Cause Engine to Stall · High ...
COAL/QOTD: 1981 Olds Cutlass Diesel - Did You Ever Own a Car ...
Mar 14, 2020 ... Those two cars were undoubtedly trying to kill me. But the one with probably the worst reputation – the Olds diesel – never gave me a problem or ...
Common problems with the early 90's GM 3.1 v6? | FEOA Forums
Sep 29, 2014 ... GM used a crappy gasket that wears and causes a coolant leak. You may find this on google as LIMG. I have a Cutlass Ciera with the V6 3100 and ...
200-4R transmission troubles. - ClassicOldsmobile.com
May 23, 2009 ... They said: all planetary gears and clutches + sun gear were toast. Also that this was a common problem with this type of tranny. Total bill at ...
Expert Q&A: Proficient Oil Solutions for 93 Olds Cutlass Supreme 3.4 ...
Nov 9, 2007 ... 93 Olds cutlass supreme: Have a profecient oil leak..running down… ... A common area for oil leaks on this engine is the oil pump drive cover, ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Cutlass
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