1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser

Introduction

The 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser is a full-size station wagon offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 3.8L V6 with 155 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. A 4.3L V6 with 185 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque is also available, as is a 5.0L V8 with 170 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic (4T60) and a 5-speed manual.

The Cutlass Cruiser is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. However, it is also known for its high fuel consumption, poor handling, and somewhat dated design.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak from the intake manifold, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, engine noise
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak from the cylinder head, overheating, engine knocking
  • Solution: Replace the head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.3L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve covers
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, engine misfire, decreased fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, loss of power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and gears
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: #92V157000

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4T60)

• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, difficulty shifting, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: #93V117000, #97V070000

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, rough ride, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery not charging, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Starter solenoid clicking, engine won’t start
  • Solution: Replace the starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hood latch doesn’t engage properly, hood opens unexpectedly
  • Solution: Replace the hood latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window won’t go up or down, window falls down when opened
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat doesn’t move forward or backward electrically
  • Solution: Replace the seat motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Warning Lights Inaccurate or Malfunctioning
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard don’t illuminate or stay on when they shouldn’t
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard light system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser is a large, comfortable, and powerful vehicle with a spacious interior. However, it is also known for its high fuel consumption, poor handling, and somewhat dated design. The vehicle is also prone to a number of mechanical issues, some of which can be expensive to repair. Overall, the Cutlass Cruiser is a reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues before making a purchase decision.