1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser

1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser

The 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser is a full-size, front-wheel-drive station wagon that was available with three different engine options: a 3.3L V6, a 3.8L V6, and a 5.7L V8. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic for the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines, and a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic for the 5.7L V8.

The Cutlass Cruiser was known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V8 engine. However, it was criticized for its poor fuel economy, lackluster handling, and dated design.

Engine

• 3.3L V6 Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.8L V6 Engine
  • No Issues Found
• 5.7L V8 Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve covers
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace head gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.3L and 3.8L V6 Engines)
  • No Issues Found
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission (5.7L V8 Engine)
  • No Issues Found
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L V8 Engine)
  • Slipping Gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or hesitating when shifting gears
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Strut Mounts Worn
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from front suspension, loss of steering control
    • Solution: Replace strut mounts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf Springs Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear end of vehicle sagging, decreased load capacity
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace ignition coil
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Locks Freezing
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks won’t open or close when cold weather
  • Solution: Lubricate or replace door locks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Window Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into rear cargo area
  • Solution: Replace rear window seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracks appear over time
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Control Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system not working properly
  • Solution: Replace HVAC control unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser is a reliable and comfortable station wagon that has some potential issues that should be considered before purchasing. The most severe and costly issues are related to the engine, such as head gasket failure and valve cover gasket leaks. The transmission can also experience problems with slipping gears. Other issues, such as intake manifold gasket failures, suspension problems, and electrical issues, are less severe but can still be costly to fix.