MotorDeets

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass: 0 recalls, 123 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
123owner complaints
11mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.

Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags22
Brakes (hydraulic)20
Electrical15
Engine & cooling15
Transmission & drivetrain13
Speed control / throttle9
Steering8
Seat belts7

What owners describe

The 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass has 123 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 10 Cutlass model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 133). Complaints peaked in 2000 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (156 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (96 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.1 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular
3.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive152418Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems?

Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (22), brakes (hydraulic) (20), electrical (15).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cutlass years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999