1985 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 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, introduced in 1966, was a popular model in the 1980s and 1990s. However, like any car, it had its fair share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, based on complaints from owners.
- Fuel injector issues: One of the most common problems with this generation was with the fuel injectors. Many drivers reported issues with the fuel injectors failing or leaking, which could lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and engine performance. In some cases, the fuel injectors needed to be replaced to solve the issue.
- Ignition switch problems: 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.
- Transmission problems: Drivers also reported problems with the transmission. Some 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 solve the issue.
- Air conditioning system problems: Some drivers faced issues with the air conditioning system, with some reporting 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.
These issues are not uncommon for cars of this age, and with proper maintenance and repairs, many of these issues could be resolved. It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of all 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme models.
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 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.
How much is an Oldsmobile Cutlass worth?
A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Cutlass is $29,423.
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.
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 engine is in a 1985 Cutlass?
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe and sedan were stock with a 3.8-liter V6, 2 barrel engine, while a 5-liter (305 CID) V8 engine was available at extra cost. The transmission is a 3-speed automatic with torque converter clutch. Where the rear is a multi link.
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.
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.
1985 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-13
- VIN: 1G3GR69AXFR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING UPHILL. A FEW YEARS EARLIER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO GARAGE FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND ON APRIL 13, 2008, THE FAILURE WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE OILER RACKER ARM ASSEMBLY. THE ASSEMBLY WAS MISSING A HOLE FOR THE OIL TO FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEED AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. UPDATED 5/6/08 *CN UPDATED 05/06/08 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-11
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS DISABLED AND PARKED, DUE TO SUSPECTED ENGINE TROUBLE, THE ABANDONED VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*JB(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT#10-90-485)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-11
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS DISABLED AND PARKED, DUE TO SUSPECTED ENGINE TROUBLE, THE ABANDONED VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*JB(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT#10-90-485)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE DIED, THE CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE OVER AND FLAMES BEGAN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-25
- VIN: 1G3AJ3531FD
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60-65MPH IN A 1985 STATION WAGON OLDSMOBILE, CUTLASS CIERA. DRIVER'S REAR TIRE SEPARATED. CONSUMER SAID IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PULLED APART WITH A KNIFE. TIRE WERE PURCHASED 2-18-98 WITH 10-12,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.TIRE SIZE IS 195/75R14. THE MODEL TIRE IS A PREMIER 4.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THREE PLACES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-09-30
- VIN: 1G3GR69A0FR
- Components: SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: BOTH PASSENGER'S SID EAND DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY, CRUISE CONTROL SURGES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR UNEXPECTEDLY SPEEDS UP/ACCELERATES. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-26
- VIN: 163AM1933F6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. BEEN TO DEALER. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-09
- VIN: 1G3W812M7SD
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3GR69A4FR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPRIENCING PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-15
- VIN: 2G3AJ353XF9
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE.*AK *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: REAR TIRES LOCKED UP, VEHICLE FISHTAILED, LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-01
- VIN: 1G3GM47YXFP
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE PULLS WHEN BRAKES APPLIED DUE TO MISALIGNMENT.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION BOLTS RUSTED, ALLOWING THEM TO PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING..
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN SHIFTING THE GEAR INTO REVERSE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE, TOOK TO DEALER REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION 200-C METRIC . *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3GM69A2FR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT ANOTHER CAR, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE ACCELERATOR . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
- VIN: 1G3GR69Y0SR
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AT RIGHT REAR WHEEL IS LOOSE. CAUSING IT TO RUB ON FRAME CHASSIS. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-03
- VIN: 1G3GM47A3FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, ONLY 45K. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-03
- VIN: 1G3GM47A3FH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ENGINE HEAD GASKETS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-02
- VIN: 1G3GM47A3FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER. *AK
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WHICH MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY DURING A COLLISION.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE TIE RODS ARE PART OF THE STEERING LINKAGE AND TRANSMIT TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS. THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE TIE RODS TO THEIR ADJUSTERS MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TIE ROD TO LOOSEN AND DETACH ITSELF FROM THE ADJUSTER.
- Remedy: THE TIE ROD END BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:
Q&A: 1985 Cutlass Supreme - Specs, Problems & More
Apr 5, 2009 ... I have a 1985 cutlass supreme with a V8 307 5.0 liter engine and a TH-250 transmission. Recently, when I shift the car - Answered by a ...
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Dec 9, 2014 ... ... Oldsmobiles and contact corrosion and resulting electrical problems are all too common. Fortunately, as the 1980s progressed, GM switched ...
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Mar 4, 2006 ... You are not going to find this vacuum leak by looking you have to test for it and it only occurs when engine is cold . This common problem with ...
5.0 307 olds engine expierences - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Apr 19, 2011 ... ... problems with what is hooked to the engine than the engine ... 1971 oldsmobile cutlass with a 307 engine trying to find the year the engine was ...
1985 Cutlass Ciera will not start - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
Jan 11, 2013 ... 1985 Cutlass Ciera ... During cranking you should have at least 9.6 volts – more common ... Would a blown fusible link cause this sort of problem?
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