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Oldsmobile Cutlass wipers problems

23 of the 1,326 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Cutlass describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
23
worst model year
1994
typical mileage
71,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Feb 1, 2020 · Visibility · GA

Windshield wiper does not work. Sometimes it will work when left signal light is on

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 180,000 miles · TX

My boyfriend and I have an oldsmobile cutlass supreme 1994 the other day we got in the car to drive and the wipers wasn't working unless we turned on the left turn signal. We need a recall replacement. Also we have an exception due before the end of the month.

Filed Dec 12, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 75,000 miles · NV

Turn signal switch/multi function switch that also controls the cruise control, wipers, and windshield washer. 1. I can't put the turn signal lever in the locked position when signaling a right or left turn, the signals won't work. I have to apply just enough pressure on the lever to make the signals blink. 2. My emergency flashers won't work at all and I had to remove the upper part of the switch on the steering column because if you accidentally bump it the turn signals and brake lights won't work. 3. My windshield wipers will not work on low unless I turn on the left turn signal. When the left signal is blinking the wipers work perfect on low. When I turn the wipers on fast they will not work unless the left turn signal is on and then they go up three inches and down three inches.

Filed Aug 24, 2010 · Visibility · 44,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle could possibly fall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 97v017000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring). The contact inquired with the dealer and was advised that the manufacturer was no longer honoring the recall because the recall was initiated in 1997. The contact stated that he was never informed of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 44,000 and the current mileage was 46,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2007 · Visibility · 154,000 miles · IL

1) the failure occurred under normal use of wipers in heavy rain. 2) during normal use, the passenger side wiper arm appeared to become dislodged and began moving erratically. After inspection of the wiper assembly it was discovered that the plastic housing that holds the wiper arm to the wiper motor was cracked and broken away from the linkage to the wiper motor. The consequences of this failure is that neither wiper arm operates and this causes hazardous driving conditions by reducing visibility during rain or frost. 3) after researching this apparent defect in the manufacturers original part, I discovered an open recall is already in effect for this particular year, make, and model (the federal safety agency campaign id# 01v068000). The description under this recall is identical to the problem I encountered and is for the same vehicle. I contacted the manufacturer, gm-oldsmobile, and the open recall was verified, but I was told my particular VIN# was not on their list. I was told that if gm happens to add other vehicles from the same year, make, and model to the list then I would be notified, but no repairs would be offered.

Filed Jan 4, 2007 · Visibility · 11 miles · MI

Tl*- the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently. He would have to jiggle the left turn signal for the windshield wipers to work. The contact had the windshield wipers repaired on august 17, 2004. The dealer said that the this vehicle was not a part of recall 97v017000 due to the VIN. The contact was also told by the manufacturer that the failure was due to the vehicles age and mileage. The contact's vehicle was having the same failure as described in the recall, and would like to be reimbursed. The contact has the repair order.

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Visibility · 15,000 miles · AL

Recall campaign#01v068000 windshield wiper linkage breakage will not cover my breakage because I am in a southern state, my VIN is not on their racall list.

Filed Mar 13, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · KY

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.

Filed Apr 30, 2004 · Visibility · 71,000 miles · NC

While driving at 30 MPH on a down pour, the windshield wipers stopped working. The wipers began to work out of synch and ended crossed up on the windshield. Had to replace the wiper transmission. No recall notice was received.

Filed May 9, 2003 · Electrical, Visibility · 71,000 miles · PA

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.

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported March 8, 2001 · 129,427 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and wyoming. If a buildup of snow or ice restricts the movement of the passenger side windshield wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipers will not operate.
Risk
Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 01V068000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiringReported February 11, 1997 · 349,331 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.
Risk
This can cause the windshield washer/wiper to work intermittently and could ultimately result in inoperative wipers. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.

Recall number 97V017000 · Recall details

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported April 1, 1992 · 37,030 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Moisture can enter the express-down electronic control module and cause a short circuit that causes window operation without operator control, and leaves the window in the down position.
Risk
The electronic control module will fail from overheatingand could result in a fire hazard inside the door panel.
Remedy
Replace the window express-down electronic control module.

Recall number 92V043000 · Recall details

Questions about the Oldsmobile Cutlass wipers

Which Oldsmobile Cutlass years have windshield wiper failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (10 complaints), 1998 (6 complaints) and 1997 (4 complaints).

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