Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH the smell of smoke could be detected. The vehicle was pulled off the side of the road. Within a few minutes the smoke went away and the vehicle was restarted. A few moments later the vehicle was on fire under the hood. Smoke filled the vehicle, the doors would not unlock, and the windows would not roll down. The occupant climbed to the back seat and tried to kick the windows out. Someone saw the vehicle on fire and extinguished the fire. Injuries were sustained, the vehicle was totaled. The vehicle has not been inspected. The manufacturer has not been contacted, updated 05/30/06.
Oldsmobile Cutlass fire or smoke problems
35 of the 1,326 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Cutlass describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 1992 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 1992
- typical mileage
- 73,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Intermittent smoke coming from behind steering wheel, headlights high-beam stuck on, turn signals did not work. Repeatedly moving headlight dimmer-lever seemed to temporarily correct problem. Now unable to get any high-beams, smoke comes and goes, turn-signals come and go, horn stopped working entirely.
Dt: problem began a couple of weeks ago. There was smoke coming from steering column. Problem was noticed while in motion. It seemed to happen when it was hot outside. Vehicle was not overheating. Then, left and right turn signals went out as well as the horn. Upon inspection by the mechanic, it was reported that there was a bad switch in the steering column ,and the wires were frayed. Vehicle is now in the shop. Owner contacted gm, and provided her VIN, was told there were no recalls.
While driving 55-60 MPH, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the steering wheel column. The consumer pulled vehicle over, and towed it to repair shop, technician couldn't duplicate the problem. *ak the turn signal switch shorted and burned the wire through the column to the fuse panel. *sc
My 1999 olds cutlass, had a leaking manifold intake gasket, which almost caused an accident in the liberty tunnel in pgh, due to overheating. There was no place to pull over. Several mechanics told me this is such a common problem with this gm engine, it should be under recall. Fortunately, I managed to get out of the tunnel and over the bridge before it caught fire, smoke was pouring out from under the hood. I had the problem fixed at my own expense of over $363.
While driving consumer smelled and then saw smoke coming from around the steering wheel. Consumer did not take the vehicle to be serviced, but since it did not happen again she left it alone.
While driving consumer smelled a burning smell within the cabin. Also, the coolant light flashed on/off. This was caused by the intake manifold leaking on both sides, and needed to be replaced, per dealership.
1) after purchasing the car I had it to the dealer at least 4 times for a body module malfunction. 2) ignition switch went bad could not start car, had to be towed, took two attempts to fix correctly 3) air-conditioning button quit working 4) smoke came from steering column 5) when using cigarette lighter, blows auxiliary power fuse 6) passenger side fog light keeps blowing about every three months 7) windows jump track and back windows gradually go down themselves. 8) windshield wipers break when in use, whole arm disconnects leaving them useless, occurred three times within six month.
There was smoke coming from the ignition switch inside of vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.
Front engine burst into flames and the drivers seat belt would not open right away, with excessive force the driver managed to get loose and climb to the rear ot the vehicle and force the rear door open from the inside, while other people tried to open it from the outside. Resulting in injuries to the driver.
Related recalls
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- The optional remote entry module may have a fault which causes random actuation of interior lamps, door locks, and/or tailgate release. This actuation may occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended.
- Risk
- If the tailgate release actuates, the tailgate will open.unrestrained passengers in the rear seat area could fall out of the vehiclewhile the car is in motion, and receive serious injuries.
- Remedy
- Replace the remote entry module with a newly revised module to prevent random actuation.
Recall number 92V066000 · Recall details
Questions about the Oldsmobile Cutlass fire or smoke
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1992 (9 complaints), 1991 (7 complaints) and 1993 (6 complaints).
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