1989 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Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.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 1989 Oldsmobile Calais problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, several common problems have been reported:
- Shaking on the Road and Whistling Noises: Some owners have reported their cars shaking on the road and hearing whistling noises, which could be signs of transmission problems.
- Fuel Economy Decrease: Prolonged transmission issues in the 1989 Cutlass Calais can lead to a decrease in fuel economy, affecting the overall performance of the vehicle.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid leaks are a common issue in the Cutlass Calais, which can result from various factors like worn seals, damaged transmission pan, or faulty transmission cooler lines.
- Decreased Performance and Overheating: Driving the Cutlass Calais with a transmission fluid leak is strongly discouraged as it can lead to decreased performance, overheating, and potential transmission failure.
To address these issues, routine inspection and maintenance of the transmission system are crucial. Checking and changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, as recommended by Oldsmobile, can help prevent major transmission problems. Additionally, addressing any leaks promptly and seeking professional diagnostics and repairs from a trusted auto care center like Firestone Complete Auto Care can ensure the longevity and performance of the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais.
What cars did Oldsmobile make in 1989?
Oldsmobile's 1989 lineup was crazy weird
- Toronado Trofeo. 1989 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo GM. ...
- Cutlass Calais. Marketplace. ...
- Cutlass Supreme. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme GM. ...
- Custom Cruiser. 1989 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser GM.
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 is the rarest Oldsmobile?
Of all the 442 variants, one of the rarest and most legendary is the W-32. Recently we've seen a rare one of 4,475 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 with the LS6 engine, but this 1969 Oldsmobile 442 is one of 297 cars built with the W-32 package. What makes the W-32 so special? It starts with the Olds 400 cubic inch Ram Air V8.
What cars did Oldsmobile make in 1989?
Oldsmobile's 1989 lineup was crazy weird
- Toronado Trofeo. 1989 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo GM. ...
- Cutlass Calais. Marketplace. ...
- Cutlass Supreme. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme GM. ...
- Custom Cruiser. 1989 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser GM.
Who makes Calais cars?
From 1984, Holden began branding the flagship model as Holden Calais, with the Commodore Berlina introduced in 1984 gaining independent Holden Berlina nomenclature in 1988.
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 |
1989 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
- Seats problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile Calais vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Oldsmobile Calais
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile Calais. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Oldsmobile Calais vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-15
- VIN: 1G3NL14U7KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A STREET APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, ROUGH IDLE/ VEHICLE RAN HOT, AND TURNED OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-20
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3AJ51W7KG
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
- Summary: REAR ENDED WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT BY SUB COMPACT SPEEDING AT APROX. 30 MPH. BOTH FRONT SEATS FOLDED BACK TO REAR SEATS (NON RECLINING TYPE) REAR DOORS JAMMED .MED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT AT 30 MPH REAR LEFT STRUT BROKE LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNTING AND BUSTED THROUGH THE TRUNK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 25-30MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HAD NO WARNING. NOTICED FLAMES AROUND FLOORBOARD & COMING FROM THE TRUNK. PULLED OVER & LEFT VEHICLE. THE FUEL TANK EXPLODED. RECALL FOR FUEL LINE #92V150000. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3NF54D7KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SEATBACK LATCH FAILED, ALLOWING SEATBACK TO COME FORWARD TOWARD WINDSHIELD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3NK14D6KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-14
- VIN: 1G3NC14U4KM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRONT SEATS DO NOT LOCK IN POSITION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-16
- VIN: 1G3NF14D0KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE OIL. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 601595)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AT 22,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED PURCHASE CAR NEW . TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSTANT VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REPLACED FRONT STRUTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED RADIATOR/WATER PUMP DUE TO SMOKE ENTERING INTERIOR OF VEHICLE, ALSO REPLACED ENGINE BELTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS TWICE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: REPLACED POWER STEERING BELTS TWICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED MUFFLER/EXHAUST PIPE TWICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED RADIATOR/WATER PUMP DUE TO SMOKE ENTERING INTERIOR OF VEHICLE, ALSO REPLACED ENGINE BELTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS TWICE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSTANT VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: REPLACED POWER STEERING BELTS TWICE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: REPLACED FRONT TIRES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED MUFFLER/EXHAUST PIPE TWICE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1G3NF54DXKM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REPLACED FRONT STRUTS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-11
- VIN: 1G3NL54U0KM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-01
- VIN: 1G3NL54U0KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED SIX TIMES.
1989 Oldsmobile Calais recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Oldsmobile Calais.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile Calais problems:
Q&A: 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Acceleration in 2nd Gear
Nov 3, 2010 ... I have a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL that is having possible transmission problems ... But this was a very common problem when the idle ...
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Jun 23, 2001 ... According to Batco and some Internet sites, this is a very common problem with GM automatic transmission engines, but once the TCC solenoid ...
Common Causes of Quad 2.3L Surge at Low RPMs in 89 Cutlass ...
Sep 22, 2012 ... The surging is due to a problem in the idle control. Most of the time this can be cleared up by cleaning the throttle body and idle air passages ...
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Aug 1, 2000 ... Home › Oldsmobile › Oldsmobile Cutlass ... Failure of alternators seems to be an all too common problem with GM cars. ... My 1990 Cutlass Calais ( ...
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Mar 7, 2009 ... Is this a common problem? Thanks ... 1978 to 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais ( All Four Doors ) ... 1987 to 1989 Pontiac Safari ( All Four Doors, ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Calais
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