1990 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Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.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 1990 Oldsmobile Calais problems
Common problems with the 1990 Oldsmobile Calais include issues with the starter, brake lines, and electrical components. The starter is a common problem, with some owners reporting replacement within the first few days of ownership. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as wear and tear or manufacturing defects. Brake lines are another issue, with some owners reporting failure within the first week of ownership. This could be due to corrosion, wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. Electrical components, such as the cable connected to the alternator, can also be problematic. Some owners have reported the cable breaking off while troubleshooting battery problems, which can lead to further issues with the electrical system. Water leaks are also a common problem, with some owners reporting wet and musty-smelling carpet on the driver's side after rain. This could be due to issues with the seals or drainage system in the vehicle. Engine issues have also been reported, with some owners reporting stalling and overheating. These issues could be due to a variety of factors, such as wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or maintenance issues. Head gasket issues have also been reported, particularly in the Quad 442 models. Starting problems have also been reported, with some owners reporting difficulty starting the engine after it has been warm for a period of time. Heater issues have also been reported, with some owners reporting that the heater is not working. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater core. In summary, the 1990 Oldsmobile Calais has several common problems, including issues with the starter, brake lines, electrical components, water leaks, engine issues, head gasket issues, starting problems, and heater issues. These issues could be due to a variety of factors, such as wear and tear, manufacturing defects, maintenance issues, or ignition components prone to heat-related failure.
What engine is in a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
Used 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 3.1 L |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 135 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
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 best Oldsmobile engine ever made?
The 7.0 L (6,967 cc; 425.2 cu in) big-block was the first tall-deck "big block," produced from 1965 through 1967. It is arguably the best engine Olds made in the muscle car era, although it never made it into a "muscle car". It used a 4.126 in (104.8 mm) bore and 3.975 in (101.0 mm) stroke.
What engine is in a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
Used 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 3.1 L |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 135 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
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 |
1990 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Oldsmobile Calais vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Oldsmobile Calais complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Oldsmobile Calais.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT54NXLM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE IT TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED WITHOUT APPLICATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING TREE AND FENCE. DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE.*AKAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, THE DRIVER ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES, BROKEN RIBS, CRACKED COLLAR BONE, SPINE INJURY AND HEADACHES. *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT54NXLM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)*YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3NT54NXLM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)*YH *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK RUSTED OUT DUE TO LEAKAGE.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: 1G3NF54D1LM
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS OF THE CAR HAVE DEVELOPED RUST AT THE SEAM WHERE THEY MEET THE TRUNK FLOOR. THIS RUST HAS CAUSED HOLES TO FORM, AND THEREFORE WEAKENING THE ENTIRE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR END. THE HOLES ALSO LEAK WATER INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER. THE SEAMS HAVE ALSO TORN INTO THE FRONT PART OF THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND NOW LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. SEVERAL BODY SHOPS HAVE TOLD ME THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO TEAR OUT ALL OF THE OLD STEEL AND PUT NEW STEEL IN. THIS WILL COST AROUND $2500.00. THEY HAVE ALSO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OLDMOBILE CALAIS LIKE THIS AND THE REASON FOR THIS RUST IS A MANUFACTUERS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE TRUNK AND SHOCK TOWERS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G1WL52M2V9
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-14
- VIN: 1G3NL14U7LM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TWO SMALL WINDOWS ON EACH SIDE OF VEHICLE, LOCATED IN REAR, CAUSE LEAKAGE WITHIN THE OVERHEAD UPHOLSTERY AND INTO THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THAT THE WINDOWS WERE NOT SEALED AT THE FACTORY. OWNER WISHES TO BE COMPENSATED FOR COST OF REPAIRS. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-16
- VIN: 1G3NF54D4LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE OIL. (SECOND VEHICLE ON 508114)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3NL54U7LM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CHANGE AT 7,000 MILES, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND FAILED . *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-15
- VIN: 1G3NL54U3LM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ARE ATTACHED TO DOORS, CAUSING INABILITY TO HOLD DRIVER/PASSENGER SECURE IF DOOR OPENS DURING ACCIDENT. *SKD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-30
- VIN: 1G3NE54D8LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL PAN MADE OF ALUMINUM, CAUSING AN OBJECT FROM STREET TO KNOCK A HOLE IN OIL PAN, LEAKING OIL ONTO ENGINE, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AW
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN REAR ENDED, DRIVERS SEAT BOLT SEVERED ALLOWING SEAT TO FLIP BACKWARDS. DRIVER RECEIVED LOWER LEG INJURIES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-21
- VIN: 1G3NL54U9LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AT 47,000 MILES THE WHOLE ENGINE BLEW. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-17
- VIN: 1G3NL54U9LM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES PULSATE WHEN STOPPING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-23
- VIN: 1G3NL54U9LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED NOISY MUFFLER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-07
- VIN: 1G3NL54U9LM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: REPLACED POWER STEERING BELT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-07
- VIN: 1G3NL54U9LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ALTERNATOR BELT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-11-21
- VIN: 1G3NF54U2LM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWICE DUE TO EXHAUST SYSTEM BEING IN TOO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALTERNATOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-11-23
- VIN: 1G3NF54U2LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED COOLING FAN MOTOR TWICE. *AK
1990 Oldsmobile Calais recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Oldsmobile Calais.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES TO FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL COULD LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Oldsmobile Calais problems:
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais starting problems - Maintenance ...
Mar 4, 2014 ... I have an a new radiator put in, spark plugs, new battery and a timing chain. However, after driving it somewhere (Driving at least 10mins ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1990 Cutlass Calais Starting Issues
Mar 16, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems — Car Forums at ...
Aug 1, 2000 ... 95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems ... Failure of alternators seems to be an all too common problem with GM cars. ... My 1990 Cutlass Calais ( ...
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 ...
oldsmobile cutlass ciera timing chain — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Jun 23, 2001 ... ... common estimate was $500. According to Batco and some Internet sites, this is a very common problem with GM automatic transmission engines ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Calais
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