1983 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 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass, produced between 1961 and 1999, was a popular series of automobiles from General Motors' Oldsmobile division. The 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass, specifically, experienced several common problems based on complaints from owners.
One of the most prevalent issues with the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass was related to the fuel injectors. Many drivers reported problems with the fuel injectors failing or leaking, which led to a decrease in fuel efficiency and engine performance. In some instances, the fuel injectors needed to be replaced to resolve the issue.
Another problem that affected the 1983 Cutlass was with the ignition switch. Some drivers reported issues with the ignition switch failing, which could cause the car to stall or not start at all. In some cases, the entire ignition switch needed to be replaced to solve the issue.
Furthermore, drivers also reported problems with the transmission. Some drivers reported issues with the transmission slipping or failing, which could lead to a decrease in performance or even a complete breakdown of the transmission. In some cases, the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced to resolve the issue.
Additionally, some drivers faced issues with the air conditioning system. Some reported that the air conditioning system would not blow cold air, or that the air would only blow from certain vents. In some cases, the issue was with the compressor, and in others, it was with the evaporator or the control module.
In summary, the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass experienced several common problems related to the fuel injectors, ignition switch, transmission, and air conditioning system. However, with proper maintenance and repairs, many of these issues could be resolved.
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 1983 Cutlass?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 91 fuel-ups and 18,706 miles of driving, the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.90 with a 0.31 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 13 outliers (12.50%) removed.
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.
What year was the fastest Oldsmobile?
1970
Oldsmobile designed the 442 for one purpose: to outsell the Pontiac GTO. The 1970 model year is proclaimed to be the fastest Oldsmobile muscle car ever produced.
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.
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.
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.
What engine did the Cutlass have?
All Cutlass models came standard with front disc brakes The standard engine was a 180-horsepower (134 kW) 350 Rocket V8 (K VIN engine code), a 200-horsepower (149 kW) 350 Rocket V8 with dual exhaust (M code), a 250-horsepower (186 kW) 455 Rocket V8 (U code, or L75), and a 270-horsepower (201 kW) 455 V8, with a hotter ...
1983 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:
- Equipment problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3AR69Y3DR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING IT SUDDENDLY ACCELERATED AND HIT OWNER AND TWO PRARKED CARS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3AM47YXDM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3AM19E7DD
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK BENT FORWARD/LEFT ANCHORAGE LOOP BROKE. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3AM47A1DM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-05
- VIN: 1G3AM47A1DM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: FAN CLUTCH FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-05
- VIN: 1G3AM47A1DM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ALL LIGHTS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-08
- VIN: 1G3AM47A1DM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE OVERHEATED, CAUSING ENGINE TO SMOKE/INJURY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT). *AK
1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR BRAKE PIPE, WHICH CARRIES BRAKE FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKES, MAY DEVELOP A LEAK DUE TO EXTENDED CHAFING ON THE AIR CLEANER RESONATOR BRACKET.
- Remedy: IF UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FINDS THAT THERE IS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE PIPE WILL BE REFORMED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY THREE QUARTER INCH SPACE. ONLY THOSE PIPES SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:
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Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Problem with your Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser? Our list of 28 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser.
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