Power steering failed. My wife nearly hit a tree.
Oldsmobile Cutlass power steering loss problems
26 of the 1,326 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Cutlass describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 1991 model year.
- owner complaints
- 26
- worst model year
- 1991
- typical mileage
- 64,430
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 19993
- 19983
- 19974
- 19963
- 19953
- 19931
- 19921
- 19916
- 19902
Often reported together
Loss of power 6Stalling 3Brake failure 2Won't start 1Wipers 1Steering noise 1
What owners say
I currently have the following problems with my 1998 olds cutlass gl. My power steering is stiff and makes a "wailing" noise. My coolent system has a leak. My heat and air have completey stopped working. I have had problems (in the past that have been repaired_ with my power window locking up (drivers side). The sound system shorted out. The cd player quit working. I have replaced my wiper blades several times and they still do not clear the windshield completely. One time when my teens were using my car, they were on the interstate and the car went completely dead...not only were they terrified, it was a very dangerous situation for them to be in.
While driving 10 MPH consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Suddenly the vehicle lost power steering. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the cradle bolts and retainers needed to be replaced. *ak.....all steering was lost not just power steering. With no control, vehicle moved to the next lane. Driver had no steering, only could use brakes. Dealer bought it for $500.00 to gert vehicle off road.f this vehicle wa sgoing a thighway speed, the driver or another driver could have been killed.
While driving at 25 MPH coil spring broke. This resulted in the front driver's side tire going up into the fender, and the front wheels locking up. Steering became difficult, then, vehicle stopped abruptly. Upon inspection of the vehicle by the dealership they noticed that the rust developed on the edge of the coil spring.
Loss of power steering, grinding noise, leaking fluid.
Vehicle lost power steering while driving between 25-30 MPH. As a result, steering became difficult. The dealership replaced rack and pinion. *ak
Nar 1/29/2003. The consumer received a recall notice in march 2003 regarding the front frame /cradle bolt retainers. As per the recall letter they were replaced. On dec 12, 2002 before reaching a stop, there was a loud noise and the consumer felt a thump. When the consumer investigated, he found that the engine had fallen from the vehicle and there were no steering capabilities. Upon general inspection, the consumer was advised the rear frame/ cradle bolts and retainers had separated which caused the engine to drop and the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer he was told the recall for the cradle bolts did not apply to his vehicle only the front.
The rear engine cradle bushings rusted causing the engine to drop to the ground while driving resulting in loss of steering control. Nlm
Recall 97 v 058 000/rear cradle bolts: while in reverse cradle bolts have broken and caused loss of steering. Manufacturer was notified , and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN.feel free to provide any further information.
Recall 00 v 189 000/cradle bolts: while driving vehicle lost steering control. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Questions about the Oldsmobile Cutlass power steering loss
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1991 (6 complaints), 1997 (4 complaints) and 1995 (3 complaints).
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