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1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass LS Diesel

All Oldsmobile Cutlass trims (1978–1981) → All Oldsmobile Cutlass generations →
1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass – front Unverified
Photo: 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sedan in Silver Metallic, Front Left, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the A/G-body (1978–1981); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sedan in Silver Metallic, Front Left, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon 3-door, front 5.19.19 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sedan in Silver Metallic, Rear Left, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible (6036926702) by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass LS Diesel is a V8 with rear-wheel drive.

Spec Value
Vehicle
PowertrainDiesel
Engine
Engine Type350 cu in (5.7 L) diesel V8
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Fuel Economy
Recommended FuelDiesel
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase108 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Oldsmobile CUTLASS. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 23, 1981 · WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

"TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign 81V036000

Feb 25, 1981 · SUSPENSION:REAR

THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.

Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign 81V025000

3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1981 Oldsmobile CUTLASS

Owner Complaints

3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1981 Oldsmobile CUTLASS (1 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Fuel System1
Gasoline1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 6, 2004 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE PLACES OR A PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME CITIZENS TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *LA CONSUMER NEEDS MAJOR ENGINE WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE. *PH”
May 15, 1996 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH”
Jan 22, 1996 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“CARBURETOR FLOAT STUCK, CAUSING OVERFLOW OF GASOLINE INTO ENGINE. *SD”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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