Oldsmobile Ciera problems

oldsmobile logo

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed for model years 1982-1996 by the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors — over a single generation. Body styles included a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and the 4-door wagon.

The Cutlass Ciera shared the front-wheel drive A platform with the Buick Century, Pontiac 6000 and Chevrolet Celebrity. As part of their legacy, together the A-bodies became widely popular as well as synonymous with GM's most transparent examples of badge engineering, highlighted almost indistinguishably on the August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune magazine as examples of genericized uniformity, embarrassing the company and ultimately prompting GM to recommit to design leadership.

Background

The Cutlass Ciera and its A-Body platform twins, featured MacPherson strut front suspension, body-color urethane bumpers, flush-mounted glass, front-wheel drive, and on many models, fuel injection.

The Cutlass Ciera shared the Cutlass nameplate with the smaller Cutlass Calais and the upscale Cutlass Supreme. Oldsmobile had previously used the Celebrity brand in the 1960s, but GM chose to give that name to Chevrolet. With the Ciera, Oldsmobile established Cutlass as sub-brand for its line of mainstream sedans and coupes.

Initially, the Cutlass Ciera and its platform mates were marketed as premium mid-sized cars, above the X-Body, from which they were derived, and the N-Body Calais, which would follow for 1985.

The Ciera and Cruiser replaced the rear-wheel drive G-Body Cutlass models, but strong sales kept the higher trim Cutlass Supreme in production until the 1988 model year when it was replaced by the W-Body models. As such, these front-wheel drive sedans carried the A-Body designation, previously reserved for their rear-wheel drive showroom companions. In order to keep both lines in production, General Motors rechristened the rear-wheel drive mid-sized platform as the G-Body beginning with the 1982 model year.

When the W-Body coupes were introduced for 1988, Oldsmobile reduced the number of options and configurations available. During the model years that followed, luxury and performance options such as FE3 suspension, auto calculator, bucket seats, leather seating areas, sunroofs, and full instrumentation were gradually eliminated.

Originally for 1990, the Cutlass Ciera, as with the rest of the A-body range, was intended to be phased out in favor of the more modern W-body midsized sedans. However, the Ciera, as well as its sister the Buick Century, continued to remain popular nearing the end of their initial runs. Thus, it was decided that the older Cutlass Ciera and Century would instead continue production alongside their proposed replacements, the Cutlass Supreme and Regal respectively, as lower priced alternatives.

After 1990, special editions of the Cutlass Ciera were dropped from the American market and by the end of 1991, the coupe was discontinued. Although reduced to two trim levels and two body styles, sedan and wagon, the Cieras remained the brand's best-selling line for 1996.

photo of Oldsmobile Ciera car production

Social links

Oldsmobile Ciera model years

oldsmobile ciera 1996 photo
Ciera 1996
Oldsmobile

94

1

17

3.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1995 photo
Ciera 1995
Oldsmobile

0

1

9

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1994 photo
Ciera 1994
Oldsmobile

0

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1990 photo
Ciera 1990
Oldsmobile

24

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1989 photo
Ciera 1989
Oldsmobile

37

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1988 photo
Ciera 1988
Oldsmobile

31

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1987 photo
Ciera 1987
Oldsmobile

25

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1986 photo
Ciera 1986
Oldsmobile

18

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1985 photo
Ciera 1985
Oldsmobile

10

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1984 photo
Ciera 1984
Oldsmobile

3

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1983 photo
Ciera 1983
Oldsmobile

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Oldsmobile Ciera problems

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera owners have reported various problems, ranging from mechanical to electrical issues. Here are some of the most common problems based on complaints from owners:

  • Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is another common issue with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. This problem is particularly prevalent in the 4T60-E transmission, which can fail due to inadequate maintenance or wear and tear.
  • Coolant Leaks: Coolant leaks are a common problem with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Leaks can occur in various parts of the cooling system, including hoses, the radiator, and the water pump.
  • Electrical Faults: Electrical faults are a common problem with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. These faults can manifest in various ways, including malfunctioning door locks, radio problems, and interior lights going out.
  • Tire and Rotor Issues: Driving on rough roads can cause tire and rotor issues in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. These issues can include excessive wear and tear, requiring frequent replacement.
  • Speedometer Inaccuracies: Some Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera owners have reported inaccuracies in their speedometers. These inaccuracies can result in the car displaying a higher or lower speed than the actual speed.
  • Gas Pump Failure: Gas pump failure is a common problem with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. This issue can cause the car to fail to start, requiring replacement of the gas pump.
  • Rough Idle: The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera's 3.1L V6 engine can develop a rough idle over time. This issue is often caused by worn-out spark plugs or other engine components.
  • Fuel Efficiency: While the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is known for its good gas mileage, some owners have reported issues with fuel efficiency. These issues can be caused by various factors, including engine problems and maintenance issues.
  • Lack of Cup Holders: One of the more unusual complaints about the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is the lack of cup holders. While not a major issue, it can be an inconvenience for some owners.

In summary, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has several common problems, including engine overheating, transmission failure, coolant leaks, electrical faults, tire and rotor issues, speedometer inaccuracies, gas pump failure, rough idle, fuel efficiency issues, and a lack of cup holders. These issues can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, and manufacturing defects.

Oldsmobile Ciera

What was the last Oldsmobile Ciera?

Production of the Ciera ended on August 30, 1996. It was replaced in the U.S. by the N-body 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, also built at the Oklahoma City assembly plant. As a result, the 1996 Cruiser wagon was the final Oldsmobile station wagon model produced.

How much horsepower does the Cutlass Ciera have?

160 horsepower

All 1992 Cutlass Ciera trim variations have 160 horsepower.

How much horsepower does a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera have?

All 1993 Cutlass Ciera trim variations have 160 horsepower.

Is the Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile Ciera years

We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile Ciera cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Oldsmobile Ciera model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile Ciera model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile Ciera years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Oldsmobile Ciera car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile Ciera , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Hydraulic problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Oldsmobile Ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ciera model years

A total of 26 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ciera model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ciera model years

There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 244 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile Ciera . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile Ciera vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-01-30
  • Date Complaint: 2004-01-30
  • VIN: 1G3AJ85M4T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HEAD GASKET LEAKED. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT WHEN HE WENT INTO GARAGE THERE WAS WATER ON THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE CHECKED OUT BY MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A HEAD GASKET LEAK. CONSUMER WAS QUOTED A PRICE TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED. CONSUMER FELT THAT OLDSMOBILE SHOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE SINCE THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-12-15
  • Date Complaint: 2004-01-15
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M3T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK INTO OIL
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-12-14
  • Date Complaint: 2003-06-22
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M3T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK ON GM 3.1 L V6. *NLM
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-12-01
  • Date Complaint: 2003-04-28
  • VIN: 1G3AJ85M4T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING IN DECEMBER OF 2002. WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-11-17
  • Date Complaint: 2002-11-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55MXT6
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE CAR WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE STOPPED AND THE SEAT AND SHOULDER BELTS DID NOT HOLD US IN PLACE. DT
Oldsmobile Ciera 1990
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2002-08-20
  • VIN: 2G3AM54N6L2
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: BEGAN NOTICING STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED INTO DESIRED ANGLE. FURTHER NOTICED ENTIRE WHEEL WOULD HAVE SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT. AT THIS STAGE IT HAS ABOUT 1-INCH PLAY IN ALL DIRECTIONS, FEEL UNSAFE WHEN STEERING. REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS CAR; REPAIR INVOLVES REMOVING MOST UPPER COMPONENTS AND TIGHTENING 2 BOLTS AT BASE OF COLUMN AT DASHBOARD. BECAUSE OF COMPLEXITY OF DISASSEMBLY, REPAIR REQUIRES 2 TO 3 HOURS @ $75/HOUR NYC RATES. I FEEL THIS TYPE OF DEFECT SHOULD HAVE SOME RECOURSE THROUGH MANUFACTURER SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVEABILITY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT CORRECTED.*AK
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-09
  • Date Complaint: 2002-06-17
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M4T6
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT FOR 2 MINUTES AND START BACK UP, AND STALL BACK OUT AGAIN WITHOUT ANY WARNING.CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, CANNOT FIND PROBLEM.*AK
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-24
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-25
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M9T6
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE YIELDING ONTO HIGHWAY, STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, AFTER RELEASING PEDAL, ACCELERATED AT 80MPH. THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, HAD TO GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. *AK *TT
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-19
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING DEALERSHIP HAS SERVICED THE VEHICLE LIGHT ANF FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. NLM
Oldsmobile Ciera 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
  • Date Complaint: 2002-01-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DURING HIGH WINDS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LANDAU ROOF HAD BLOWN OFF, MANUFACTUER NOTIFIED. *TT
Oldsmobile Ciera 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
  • Date Complaint: 2002-01-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DURING HIGH WINDS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LANDAU ROOF HAD BLOWN OFF, MANUFACTUER NOTIFIED. *TT
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-18
  • Date Complaint: 2001-06-01
  • VIN: 1G3AJ5546T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND NOTICED COOLANT WAS GETTING LOW. CHECKED UNDER HOOD, AND FLUID WAS ON ENGINE. HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING FROM RIGHT SIDE. *AK
Oldsmobile Ciera 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-23
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-23
  • VIN: 2G3AJ51R7K2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES LOCK WHEN WET, EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKES AND MASTER CYCLINDER INSTALLED , DOING IT SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW AND BOUGHT BY MY MOTHER WITH 3 MILES ON IT. ONE BRAKE OR ANOTHER WILL LOCK AFTER A RAIN STORM. AFTER CONTINUAL PUMPING THEY WILL DRY AND STOP LOCKING TILL THEY GET WET AGAIN. HAVE HAD ALL NEW PARTS PUT ON OVER YEARS OF WORK ON IT AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IT IS .
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-03
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-11
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M5T6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH VEHICLE HYDROPLANED INTO A DITCH AND IMPACTED A TREE HEAD-ON. DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WAS SENDING AN INVESTIGATOR TO EXAMINE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR POOR PERFORMANCE OF AIR BAG. DRIVER EXPERIENCED LIGHT INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-16
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-08
  • VIN: 1G3AJ55M9T6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM

Latest 5 recalls Oldsmobile Ciera

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 14 recalls for different components of the Oldsmobile Ciera.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Oldsmobile Ciera 1996
  • Report Received Date: 1995-09-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
  • Model: Oldsmobile Ciera 1994
  • Report Received Date: 1995-09-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
  • Model: Oldsmobile Ciera 1989
  • Report Received Date: 1995-09-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
  • Model: Oldsmobile Ciera 1990
  • Report Received Date: 1995-09-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
  • Model: Oldsmobile Ciera 1995
  • Report Received Date: 1995-09-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.

Latest negative Oldsmobile Ciera car reviews

  1. Brant Mante 2024-11-25

    Vehicle year: 1996

    What a thoughtful gift from my in-laws to give me a car! Although it may not have been the most attractive car, it has certainly served me well over the years. While it may not have been the smoothest ride, I have many fond memories of driving it. I have had to do some maintenance work on it, such as rebuilding the top end of the motor and replacing a sensor in the transmission, but it has been worth it to keep this car running. Despite some issues with the AC and power windows, I am grateful for the time I have spent with this car.

  2. Tad Cronin 2024-11-17

    Vehicle year: 1995

    My 1995 Oldsmobile Ciera has been a reliable car for me. I acquired it with 36,000 miles on it, and three years later, with 63,000 miles, it is still going strong. It has only required normal maintenance, and while I have experienced some minor electrical problems, such as power window motors wearing out, it has been a great car overall. Although it may not be considered a 'cool' car for a teenager or college student to have, it has served me well. The roomy trunk and back seat have allowed me to move my possessions from home to dorm room and back again many times without my parents having to bring anything else in their car. While the quality of the radio/sound system is not impressive, its gas mileage is usually in the mid-to-upper 20s, and I occasionally get 30 mpg.

  3. Seamus Rowe 2024-10-20

    Vehicle year: 1995

    We purchased our Cutlass Cruiser wagon 4 years ago with 76K miles and it has been a reliable used car for us. During a highway trip from our home to Nashville last summer, the car ran smoothly at 70-75 mph and we were pleasantly surprised to get about 29 MPG for the trip. The AC worked great too! Unfortunately, the transmission went out at 84K, but we were able to replace it at a local shop with one from a wrecked Ciera with only 40K miles on it. The cost was around $1,200.

  4. Bell Kemmer 2024-09-23

    Vehicle year: 1995

    I've owned this 1995 red car for six years in Michigan. It's a mini-limo with a formal rear quarter post, and it's been a cool car for attempted seduction. It's roomy enough for our garage band and some stuff. Unfortunately, its body shows rust spots around the wheel wells and where trim pieces attach. I had to replace the engine when the crankcase lost all its oil (my fault). It doesn't always turn left from a stop like it used to, and the transmission has some problems. One of the window motors no longer works, and the console lid is split because I use it to lever myself out of a very low-slung seat. My biggest complaint is that there's no place to put toll coins, which end up all over the floor and scares people when I dive for them.

  5. Kris Adams 2024-09-11

    Vehicle year: 1996

    I understand that this car may not be the most exciting, but it has proven to be incredibly reliable. Even after 167,000 miles, it still runs smoothly and doesn't burn any oil. While it may have some rust, it's the perfect work car and we even choose to take it instead of our van to keep the miles off our nicer vehicle. Although I don't get the gas mileage that others claim, I'm grateful for its dependability. I hope to upgrade in the future, but for now, I'm content with this trusty car.

Latest positive Oldsmobile Ciera car reviews

  1. Roman Tillman 2024-08-28

    Vehicle year: 1996

    Great

  2. Elvis Kuphal 2024-08-18

    Vehicle year: 1996

    Proper maintenance keeps the old ones running. I have never experienced breakdowns on the road. I have had 173,000 miles and it is still running well.

  3. Adalberto Heidenreich 2024-08-05

    Vehicle year: 1996

    Congratulations on your new car! It sounds like you've had a pretty smooth ride so far, with just a couple of minor repairs needed. The 3.1 V6 engine and 4-speed auto transmission sound like a great combination, and it's impressive that you're getting 25-27 MPG. It's understandable that you would prefer a firmer suspension for better handling on windy roads, but overall it sounds like you're enjoying your midsize car. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

  4. Lawson O'Reilly 2024-07-20

    Vehicle year: 1996

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 1996 Olds Ciera Wagon that I purchased back in June 2007 from Suffolk County auction. I have always been a fan of station wagons, and when my 1989 Celebrity wagon died, I knew I had to get a new one. This car has been amazing! After a quick battery replacement and oil and fluid change, it has been running smoothly without any issues. It only cost me $410, which is a great deal for such a reliable vehicle. Although it may not be the most stylish car on the road, I have my 2000 Intrigue and 1968 Chevy Biscayne for that. I mainly use it as a van and for work, and it has never let me down. I absolutely love this car and would definitely buy another one!

  5. Trenton Cremin 2024-06-28

    Vehicle year: 1996

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share some information about my car with you. It's been with me for a while and has 97,000 miles on it, but it's still running great! The only issue I had was with the transmission, but it was fixed under warranty when the car had only 7,000 miles on it. I've only had to change the belts, and the front brakes have been done twice while the rear brakes have been done once. The original battery is almost eight years old and still going strong! On the highway, it gets an impressive 31 MPG, and around town, it gets about 19 MPG. Even though it was never the trendiest car, it has proven to be an excellent value for me so far. Thanks for listening!

Are you having problems with your Oldsmobile Ciera?

Add car complaint
Oldsmobile Ciera photo