Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1979 Cutlass Supreme.
The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme carries a surprisingly quiet reliability record for its era, with just 2 total owner complaints logged against it despite 8 recalls being issued—figures that, taken together, suggest the car's documented mechanical concerns were addressed more through manufacturer action than through sustained owner dissatisfaction. The single top complaint area falls under Engine & Engine Cooling, making it the focal point of whatever issues did surface. When placed against the model's broader complaint history, which spans 1990–1996 and peaks sharply at 252 complaints in 1994 before dropping to a low of 90 in 1995, this 1979 model year stands at the quiet beginning of a trajectory that would see the Cutlass Supreme nameplate accumulate far greater owner-reported problems in later years, meaning researchers should treat this particular year as a relatively stable data point rather than a predictor of the model's overall reliability trend.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 196.5 in |
| Overall width | 72 in |
| Overall height | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in |
| Curb weight | 3474 lb |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme recorded only two complaints in its model year—one each for engine/cooling and powertrain—and zero crash or fire reports, making it appear relatively trouble-free when new. However, the year-by-year federal record from 1990 to 1996 shows a sharp escalation in complaints (peaking at 252 in 1994) and recalls (eight each in 1990 and 1991), indicating that significant issues emerged as the vehicle aged. The target year sits at the start of this arc, where initial reliability gave way to a pattern of later-life problems, though the data does not specify root causes. Given this trajectory, the 1979 model is not a strong used buy, as its low early complaint count is overshadowed by the high volume of subsequent complaints and recalls that suggest durability concerns.
All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE. Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY…
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.