98 olds cutlass. Rear brake lines rusted through in vicinity of lr wheel . Resulted in sudden total loss of braking due to loss of all brake fluid. No separate reservoir for front brake fluid. Heard of similar event with same model style chevy malibu. No year known.
Oldsmobile Cutlass brake failure problems
59 of the 1,326 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Cutlass describe brake failure, most of them for the 1990 model year.
- owner complaints
- 59
- worst model year
- 1990
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 11Power steering loss 2Grinding brakes 2Won't start 1Sudden acceleration 1
What owners say
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 MPH in dry road conditions, the ABS light illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and stopping distance was increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who performed a diagnostic, but could not determine the problem. The brake pads were replaced, but the problem recurred 5 months later while traveling 30 MPH. The dealership was contacted, but never returned a call. The contact expressed concern that the ABS system was defective, and could a pose serious risk if the problem recurred in heavy traffic.
When the consumer applied the brakes the pedal went to the floor. The rear of the vehicle had no brakes at all.
The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *jb the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The front disc/rear drums were replaced however the brake pedal still felt spongy and continued to go to the floor.
Premature rear brake failure seems common for this and the comparable body styles of gm. Gm service managers say this is a common problem. Acquired car with 34k, failure occurred at 60k again at 100k and again at 120k. Gm doesn't seem to care because they claim it is normal for the particular car.
Rear brakes failed to operate;. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
I had the car into the dealer three times prior to the warranty expiration with complaints about the brakes. My concern was that the brake light (ABS) kept coming on and off. Finally, the end of august they agreed to replace the rotors if I paid to replace the brake pads. This was done. The next week, I was driving down the highway and the brake light came on again. I immediately picked up the cell phone and called the dealer. I was told that it was probably a computer glitch and to bring it in at my convenience. I scheduled it to go in on friday, three days later. On wednesday night, I was driving, came to a stop sign and had no brakes. A tree stopped me! The dealership and oldsmobile would accept no responsibility, so I paid for the repairs myself. Today, after I have had it on the road again for about three months, the ABS light came on as soon as I started the car. Am I safe in this car???? Do I feel safe? No help.
Car lights slowly went out on drive home. Antilock brakes went out, power steering went out and finally all the lights went out and vehicle would not start. Replaced battery-horn wouldn't work and light continued to come on. Took car to the dealership-reset computer-now day running lamps don't come on when start the car on-they only come on when the car is in drive. The airbag senor is also out. This all occurred at 37000 miles.
Rear wheel brake hose was chafed. There were no brakes. Same as recall 95v061000.
Ongoing problem with brakes locking up from the rear wheels. This happened on two occasions; once while applying brakes in a sudden/emergency situation, and another time while applying brakes in a normal situation. Also, brake pedal went to the floor while applying brake to slow vehicle down for appraoching oncoming stopping vehicle. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and problem is still occurring. Feel free to provide further details.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The rear wheel brake hose(s) can contact the rear suspension components causing the brake hose(s) to wear through.
- Risk
- This condition can cause loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of the vehicle braking system increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for proper brake hose position and replace those hoses in an incorrect position with new hoses and correctly routed.
Recall number 95V061000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The brake lines can contact the transmission mounting bracket of the frame side rail. The lines can wear through resulting in loss of brake fluid, and eventual loss of half the vehicle braking system.
- Risk
- A leak in the hydraulic brake line will cause a loss of one half the vehicle braking system and extended braking distances which can result in an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for proper brake line clearance and reposition the brake lines. Brake lines found to have indentations will be replaced.
Recall number 94V211000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
- Risk
- The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
- Remedy
- Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.
Recall number 93V121000 · Recall details
Questions about the Oldsmobile Cutlass brake failure
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1990 (12 complaints), 1992 (9 complaints) and 1993 (8 complaints).
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