Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
461510023171Abs pump running when not needed. *nj10/31/2007
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
0415200404/15/200410009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. gm voicemail express. *tt09/17/2004
0096601/01/200400966A10007816Anti-lock braking system (abs) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt07/12/2004
00966B01/01/200410007293Abs front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt06/09/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
05052300103/01/200510014985Revised brake system specifications. *tt05/13/2005
000523002B03/01/2003000523002A10001251Front disc brake pulsation. *tt04/25/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
21060206/21/2002637253Information regarding the brake align kit. *tt11/21/2002
05150205/15/2002636679Additional information on repeat brake pulsation after an initial brake repair. *tt11/12/2002
02052200104/01/2002634845Service manual update regarding revised brake specifications. *tt10/09/2002
01052200101/01/2001618073Vehicles may experience clunk, rattle noise from the underbody or front suspension. *jb04/03/2001
12120012/12/2000617782Some customers may comment on a brake pedal rattle or clunk. *tt03/27/2001
990523001A08/01/1999990523001607573Some owners may comment about a squealing type noise coming from the front brakes during a brake application. *tt09/29/1999
99052300102/01/1999604340Customers may complain a squealing noise coming from the front brakes. *tt04/26/1999
9873503202/01/1998600232Comments of metallic click noise from front brakes when applied at low speeds. *yc04/30/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
02260302/26/200310001848Brake pad replacement. *tt *jb07/23/2003
01052300504/01/2001735034619371Information pertaining to proper installation of front brake pads with wear indicator. *tt05/24/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
9883502310/01/1998602758Experiencing a squeak /squawk type noise when brake pedal depressed. *yc01/11/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
11/01/2000302/01/1998
 Abs light goes on and off, had to have brakes replaced at 19k miles(warped rotors) and again at 32k (reface rotors, new brake pads), something is very wrong when a less than 3 yr. old car is on it's third set of brakes. the abs harness had to be replaced too. dealer said brakes not under warrantee, but seems this is not an isolated problem from the comments i read on the internet.
404/01/1998
 No summary
09/03/1998102/01/1998
 Suspension making a squeaking loud sueaking noise from left fron end. (lower control arms replaced. ** vehicle front end suspension continues to have problems). steering problem generated noises from left front end which i mistook for suspension failure. (tape kit added to front stabilizer bar). brakes noises during the act of braking. (calibers grabbing pad making a clacking sound-stop squeal added to back of pads ** brakes continue to make noises). left and right hub cap assemply both failed-currently part on order for righ hub cap assembly). ** vehicle front suspension rough and unrealiable causing continues problems with vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
09/03/1998605/01/1998
 Brakes serviced 6 times. rotors turned three times, replaced twice, pads once. pulsations returned again.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06/01/20091200001
 98 olds cutlass. rear brake lines rusted through in vicinity of lr wheel . resulted in sudden total loss of braking due to loss of all brake fluid. no separate reservoir for front brake fluid. heard of similar event with same model style chevy malibu. no year known. *tr
20000105/11/1998
 The abs light came on intermittently. this problem occurred before the warranty expired. the consumer was told that the problem could not be diagnosed unless the light was on. the consumer is concerned that the brake will not work when attempting to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the consumer that they would have to pay for the repairs because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. *ak *ts *nlm
07/01/2003105/01/1998
 There was a loud squeaking noise which came from the drivers side wheel area when the brakes were applied. the consumer had to purchase new brake shoes and pads every 6-8 months. *ak *cb *nlm
30000106/11/1998
 The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *jb the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. the front disc/rear drums were replaced however the brake pedal still felt spongy and continued to go to the floor. *tt
03/25/200337950210/24/2002
 A week after i bought the car used in october 2002 there was noise from front left end of vehicle....there is another noise that comes from the steering when turning the wheels trying to park the car.....i took the car back to the dealer and they said they don't hear anything...also i had the car checked out the same day for the brakes...there was a squealing noise on the front left side and the car wouldn't brake properly...the dealer replaced the left brake pad..i haven't had any trouble with the brakes since...three weeks later i took the car back to the dealer for the steering noises and they said it would be costly for the labor to find out the problem and that it may not be covered by warranty...they said since it's only minor and is not causing any problems it would probably be better to keep driving it until something went wrong to where they would know where the problem was coming from....a couple months later..in march 2003, the engine coolant light came on continuously and the car was leaking engine coolant....after checking the car out, i had the water pump replaced....it has been a week now since i've had the water pump replaced and the engine coolant light hasn't came back on and the engine coolant hasn't leaked out yet..but now, when i turn the air conditioner on it, it goes out by itself and comes back on a couple minutes later...i haven't had the car checked out for that yet but this car is adding up to a headache and i haven't had it for 6 months yet..right now it's only at an estimated of 42,500 miles driven on it..... *nlm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
 Anti lock brake light comes on intermittently. owner must pull over, shut vehicle completely off, and restart to get it to go off. please describe details. *ak
04/01/2002
 Abs light comes on intermittently. brake pedal feels normal when braking, and braking distance is normal. dealer stated module needed to be replaced.*ak
01/04/20013
 While driving, abs light will illuminate on dashboard. dealer has been notified about light; however, has replaced brake sensor and the problem is still occurring.*ak consumer states that gas fumes and smoke fumes were being emitted from engine. *yd
12/05/2001301/01/1998
 Engine(ignition) quits while car is being driven. all power systems are lost, making steering and braking difficult. engine restarts when key is turned off and then turned on to restart. this is an electrical or computer problem that seems to be reset when the ignition switch is turned off and then on again. could be a very dangerous situation.
04/09/1999
 Due to defective brake rotors which had to be replaced 6 times, every 21,000 miles. brakes operated poorly, causing extended stopping distance, and may result in a crash. please provide further information. *ak
09/04/20000
 A/c turned off on its own. consumer has come close to having an accident, trying to push buttons to turn it back on. consumer felt this was unsafe. consumer noticed steam, pulled over ,and it was gushing coolant out. took to dealer , and they said water pump went out, and thermostat failed. consumer felt lucky this didn't cause a fire. also, abs flashed on and off sometimes.*ak
10/23/20002005/01/1998
 Abs brake warning light comes on periodically. dealer said it was fixed 5 times. when do i have abs brakes & when do i have regular brakes. how do i proceed in emergency stop?*ak
06/01/19991110/01/1997
 Anti-lock brakes intermittently fail. dealer can not determine problem. *ak
01/15/1999
 Ongoing problem with excessive wear of pads and rotors as of 8,000 miles. dealer replaced front pads, and turned the rotors. as of 15,10o miles replaced both front rotors. at 23,300 miles, turned front rotors and replaced front pads; at 34,300 miles replaced front pads and turned rotors, and as of 39,000 miles, problem has reoccurred. dealer notified.*ak
07/01/1998504/01/1998
 Extreme pulsation when braking - steering wheel and brake pedal are difficult to control. the dealer has tried replacing the brake pads, turning the rotors, and replacing the rotors and nothing has worked. after each of the 5 times we have this car serviced, the pulsation returns after 3,000 to 4,000 miles. we are entering arbitration proceedings with oldsmobile to demand a buy-back.*ak
401/01/1998
 I had to fix my brakes 3 times under warranty and once while not under. also, replaced brake calipers. not one time did the dealers check this without pay. *ak
05/08/1998605/01/1998
 The problem still exists after changing brakes and rotors 3 times. *ak
11/24/19983
 When brakes are applied, would be hesitating before grabbing. had rotors replaced once & then turned 3 times. rotors go bad & no control. mechanic can not locate problem. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
07/26/20010
 Four times since buying vehicle had brakes and brake rotors replaced. brake pedal felt soft, and the pedal went all the way down to the floor. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
04/15/1998102/14/1998
 Brakes continually make noise, unable to rectify.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
09/10/2000102/01/2000
 I had the car into the dealer three times prior to the warranty expiration with complaints about the brakes. my concern was that the brake light (abs) kept coming on and off. finally, the end of august they agreed to replace the rotors if i paid to replace the brake pads. this was done. the next week, i was driving down the highway and the brake light came on again. i immediately picked up the cell phone and called the dealer. i was told that it was probably a computer glitch and to bring it in at my convenience. i scheduled it to go in on friday, three days later. on wednesday night, i was driving, came to a stop sign and had no brakes. a tree stopped me! the dealership and oldsmobile would accept no responsibility, so i paid for the repairs myself. today, after i have had it on the road again for about three months, the abs light came on as soon as i started the car. am i safe in this car???? do i feel safe? no help. *ak
01/15/1999
 Ongoing problem with excessive wear of pads and rotors as of 8,000 miles. dealer replaced front pads, and turned the rotors. as of 15,10o miles replaced both front rotors. at 23,300 miles, turned front rotors and replaced front pads; at 34,300 miles replaced front pads and turned rotors, and as of 39,000 miles, problem has reoccurred. dealer notified.*ak
01/27/1999
 Consumer has had problem with vehicle since purchasing it on 12-17-1998. different brake pads & rotors have been changed to the extreme. vehicle has been making a grinding noise. also, tires have been changed. dealer said nothing was wrong. *ak
07/01/1998504/01/1998
 Extreme pulsation when braking - steering wheel and brake pedal are difficult to control. the dealer has tried replacing the brake pads, turning the rotors, and replacing the rotors and nothing has worked. after each of the 5 times we have this car serviced, the pulsation returns after 3,000 to 4,000 miles. we are entering arbitration proceedings with oldsmobile to demand a buy-back.*ak
12/01/1998306/01/1998
 I have e-mailed oldsmobile and they have referred me back to burne oldsmobile. it is a government owned vehicle that is used as an enforcement vehicle. the brakes have been replaced two times, the calipers once and now they are failing again. our group has a second oldsmobile cutlass that is experiencing the same problems with brake failure. there are no current recalls. the vehicle is covered until 36,000 miles, however; the more important issue is the constant wearing out of the front brakes as well as the calipers. please advise me of any corrective actions that can be taken. *ak
702/01/1998
 Seven incidents of disc brake failure. reported to dealer. fixed several times, but still fails. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
401/01/1998
 I had to fix my brakes 3 times under warranty and once while not under. also, replaced brake calipers. not one time did the dealers check this without pay. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
07/01/199860537805/05/1998
 Nar 05/21/2003 *mr water leak in trunk, missing absorber in rear door, suspension noise, 4 new tires replaced, new front brake pads and rotors, and coolant system leakage. *cb
07/26/20010
 Four times since buying vehicle had brakes and brake rotors replaced. brake pedal felt soft, and the pedal went all the way down to the floor. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
01/01/2000
 Every 6000-9000 miles rotors needed to be changed, if they were not, vehicle would almost go out of control while trying to stop. *ak
10/22/1997
 Took vehicle to have rotors turned over 1 year ago due to being warped. was informed by mechanic not to have rotors turned again due to use of poor materials contructing the rotors. this would cause rotors to become thin & useless. currently, every time brakes are applied, it would cause steering wheel to shake. *ak *slc
04/09/1999
 Due to defective brake rotors which had to be replaced 6 times, every 21,000 miles. brakes operated poorly, causing extended stopping distance, and may result in a crash. please provide further information. *ak
03/05/1999411/28/1998
 Steering pulsates when brake are applied. rotors have been resurfaced twice, and replaced once. dealer cannot find the cause. *ak
10/02/1999305/01/1998
 Rotors had to be resurfaced, continued to have problems. *ak
06/10/1999203/01/1999
 Front brake rotors have been turned twice and now again need to be turned. shop states that there is not enough material on the rotors to turn a 3rd time. no oem parts available. searching for info. on a tsb or recall? in addition i sent your office an email concerning this vehicle. thks. *ak
02/16/1999409/01/1998
 Rotors were constant problem every 980 to 3000 miles. had rotors turned down and replaced several times. *ak
10/01/1999208/01/1998
 We had the rotors resurfaced at approx. 19500 miles and within 5,000 miles the front end of the car began to shudder violently when the brakes are applied even slightly at higher speeds. *ak
05/08/1998605/01/1998
 The problem still exists after changing brakes and rotors 3 times. *ak
01/16/1999
 The brake rotors needed to be resurfaced. would slow down & brakes vibrated badly. they were also warped. would fail to catch when needed. took to dealer & brakes repaired. 8 months later, having same problems. took to different dealer & informed rotors should be replaced, not resurfaced. did not replaced due to lack of warranty. *ak
11/24/19983
 When brakes are applied, would be hesitating before grabbing. had rotors replaced once & then turned 3 times. rotors go bad & no control. mechanic can not locate problem. *ak
05/21/1999311/01/1998
 Have had the front rotors resurfaced twice and the rear rotors resurfaced once. car shudders at high speeds when braking.
08/31/1998108/01/1998
 We reported the problem as a loud pop when turning and striking a bump in the road. after three trips to the dealer and being told there was nothing wrong, they finally examined the rack and pinion and found a broken weld on the rack assembly. there is still some unusual noises in the front end but the dealor tells us everything is normal. at 8,000 miles the left front rotor was examined, and found to have deep scores in it while the right one was smooth. after three days in the shop, and there telling me this was normal wear they finally turned the rotors (not replacing them) this eleminated some noise and surging when stopping, but something is still not right. there is a ticking noise like when there is a rock in one of your tires, as well as unexplained poping when crossing rr tracks etc. *ak
03/30/1998410/01/1997
 Front brake rotors have warped on four occasions. brakes pulse or grab when applied. rotors replaced once and turned four times. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
07/21/1998102/14/1998
 Brake booster failed resulting in leakage.