Five problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
General motors recently recalled the 1997-2005 Chevrolet malibu for the ignition switch problem. I own the sister vehicle which is a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. This vehicle is the identical layout of the Chevrolet malibu which has been recalled. I sent a couple of e-mail messages to the gm customer assistance center and just received a phone call explaining to me that at this time they had no intention of doing a recall on the Oldsmobile Cutlass for the ignition switch. Even though I have not encountered a problem with my ignition switch as of yet, I deem it a safety issue which gm should fix. I do not know if anyone else has complained of similar issues as mine, but I wanted to inform you of my concerns. I do not know if this is the proper forum for this, so if not, please forward my concerns to the proper authorities. Thank you.
I work for a ignition interlock company. I have seen several vehicles enter the service center with problems with the ignition switch. The key has to be shaken several times in order to get the key to turn to start the vehicle. These ignitions are mounted to the right of the steering column. I have noticed it on almost every vehicle that has the ignition mounted to the right of the steering column not on the column. That is an Oldsmobile. I own the 1998 oldmobile Cutlass. Was there ever a recall as defect of this ignition and is the dealership responsible for replacement? if I ever had an emergency I would not be able to start my car right away as it at times takes up to five to ten minutes to get the key to turn.
Have had ignition switch just shut off driving down the road. Exactly as described in gm's recent recall on ignition switches on newer cars. Loses all electrical power and engine shuts off. Has happened numerous times while I have owned it for the last 10 or so years. When it happens I just quickly put it in neutral and restart immediatley. This is a 1998 olds Cutlass. It is apparrant that gm's problem with their ignition switch goes back a lot farther than they care to admit.
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.
Ignition switch lock assembly fails continually, causing ignition switch to lock up.