1987 Oldsmobile Calais problems
The Oldsmobile Calais is a compact car that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1985 through 1991, superseding the Oldsmobile Omega and named after the city of Calais, France. Renamed the Cutlass Calais for 1988, and briefly available in 1987 as the limited edition GMO Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.
The first production model (VIN 1G3NT27UXFM200001), was a white Calais Supreme two-door with a gray velour interior. Equipped with an automatic transmission and the 92 horsepower, 151 CID pushrod four-cylinder engine (also known as GM's "Iron Duke" Tech-IV), this particular model was outfitted with nearly every available option, including wire wheel covers. While this front-wheel drive car is maintained by the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing, Michigan, it was one of more than 700 vehicles that made up the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s. The Calais Supreme was auctioned in April, 2021, and sold for $8,585.
In 1987, the Quad 4 engine was developed and became available in a special limited edition of the Calais called the "GMO Quad 4". Early television ads touting the new engine's abilities showed video of the Calais GMO Quad 4 racing around city streets (the submodel was dropped, however the Quad 4 engine continued to be available for several years afterward). Another, later special Cutlass Calais model was the 1990 to 1991 Quad-442. It used a high-output version of the four-cylinder coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This same High Output version was also available in the top-of-the-line Cutlass Calais International Series.
The International Series was available as both a 2-door or a 4-door and featured exclusive options for the Calais range including lower front and rear facias, lower rocker extensions, and quad-tipped sport exhaust. Changes inside include thickly bolstered sport seats which feature driver-side power controls and were available in cloth with leather accents or full leather. The International Series came standard with power locks and windows with driver's side auto-down, a multifunction Driver Information Center in the center console, full gauges, cruise control, and the uplevel FE3 sport suspension. The standard engine for the International was the new-for-1990 Quad 4 H.O. although the normal Quad 4 L.O. and automatic transmission were an option. Optional equipment on the International series included keyless entry and a Delco CD player.
Previously, the Cutlass Calais nameplate was used on top-line versions of the Cutlass Supreme coupé (differing from the Supreme only in minor trim details) from 1978 to 1984. There was also a Cadillac Calais model, sold from 1965 to 1976.
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Common 1987 Oldsmobile Calais problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1987 Oldsmobile Calais Supreme, several common problems were reported:
- Design Flaws in Console Storage Box: The design of the console storage box in the 1987 Calais was highlighted as problematic, with reports of it not functioning as intended and potentially causing inconvenience to users.
- Inconsistent Interior Design: The interior design of the Calais was criticized for its lack of coherence, with elements like the parking brake lever interfering with the armrest, indicating poor design planning and execution.
- Quality Control Issues: Complaints included concerns about the overall build quality of the Calais, suggesting that it fell short in terms of attention to detail and overall construction standards.
- Market Positioning and Brand Perception: Owners expressed dissatisfaction with the positioning of the Calais within the Oldsmobile lineup, questioning its appeal and relevance compared to other models in the market, which impacted the car's desirability and market success.
These reported problems with the 1987 Oldsmobile Calais Supreme shed light on various issues that owners faced, ranging from design flaws to quality control concerns, ultimately influencing the overall ownership experience of this particular model.
How much is an Oldsmobile Calais?
The average Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais costs about $41,045.73. The average price has increased by 35.3% since last year. The 4 for sale on CarGurus range from $7,995 to $59,900 in price.
What year was the Cutlass Calais made?
| Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Oldsmobile Calais (from 1985–1987) |
| Production | 1984-1991 |
| Model years | 1985-1991 |
| Assembly | Lansing, Michigan |
What is the rarest Oldsmobile?
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Wyoming Centennial Edition Is Junkyard Treasure. One of the rarest of all special-edition Oldsmobiles, complete with manual transmission.
Was Oldsmobile considered a luxury car?
Was Oldsmobile a luxury brand? Yes. But it's complicated, and “yes” is far from an absolute answer. The General Motors hierarchy of brands changed a lot over the past 120 years or so; it can be hard to keep them all straight.
How much is an Oldsmobile Calais?
The average Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais costs about $41,045.73. The average price has increased by 35.3% since last year. The 4 for sale on CarGurus range from $7,995 to $59,900 in price.
Who made the Calais car?
Oldsmobile
The Calais was the Oldsmobile version of the N-Body (see: Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark/Somerset), and it became the Cutlass Calais starting in the 1988 model year and continuing through its final model year of 1991.
What year was the Cutlass Calais made?
| Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Oldsmobile Calais (from 1985–1987) |
| Production | 1984-1991 |
| Model years | 1985-1991 |
| Assembly | Lansing, Michigan |
Was Oldsmobile considered a luxury car?
Was Oldsmobile a luxury brand? Yes. But it's complicated, and “yes” is far from an absolute answer. The General Motors hierarchy of brands changed a lot over the past 120 years or so; it can be hard to keep them all straight.
1987 Oldsmobile Calais car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Calais problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Oldsmobile Calais vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Oldsmobile Calais complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Oldsmobile Calais.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: 1G3NF14U5HM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL PUMP/BALANCER ASSEMBLY ON 2.5L 151CI. TECH 4 (NOT SURE ON SPECIFIC YEARS) CAN CRACK FROM NORMAL WEAR, AND DESTROY CRANK SHAFT AND ENGINE. THE BALANCER ASSM. AND OIL PUMP ARE LOCATED IN OIL PAN. A SIMPLE REPLACEMENT OF OIL PUMP ASSM. WHEN LIFTER NOISE IS PRESENT, OR WHEN METAL FILINGS ARE FOUND IN OIL, WILL SAVE YOU FROM REPLACING ENGINE. THIS ASSEMBLY WILL EVENTUALLY STOP PUMPING OIL AND RUIN ENGINE. SAVE YOURSELF TIME AND MONEY AND DO-IT-YOURSELF. BUT DON'T DRIVE THE CAR WITH THESE PROBLEMS! THIS PUMP WILL RUN YOU $275 AT DEALERSHIP, BUT THIS BEATS A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE SEEN THIS TO BE THE MAIN CAUSE OF FAILURE IN HIGH MILEAGE ENGINES OF THIS KIND. GM DOESN'T COVER OR CLAIM TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT11L3HM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT11L3HM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT11L3HM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-17
- VIN: AG3NT51LXHM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING GEAR REPLACED DUE TO TEETH SHEARING, CAUSING NO POWER STEERING/BRAKES/ENGINE. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-09
- VIN: UNK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-01
- VIN: UNK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO GOODYEAR TIRES BLEW OUT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-01
- VIN: UNK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMSHAFT GEAR WORE OUT TWICE, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AK
1987 Oldsmobile Calais recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Oldsmobile Calais.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE FUEL FEED OR FUEL RETURN HOSE AT THE ENGINE MAY RUB AGAINST A SHIFT LEVER ON THE 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE.
- Consequence: IN TIME A HOLE COULD BE RUBBED THROUGH THE HOSE AND FUELLEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS COULD REUSLT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Oldsmobile Calais problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1987 Oldsmobile Calais | JustAnswer
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