1985 Oldsmobile Ciera problems
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.
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Common 1985 Oldsmobile Ciera problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, several common problems have been reported:
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are relatively common in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Owners have reported problems with the battery, alternator, starter, and electrical wiring. These issues can lead to starting problems, charging system issues, and malfunctions in various electrical components.
- Transmission Problems: Some models of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera have experienced transmission issues such as slipping or jerking when shifting gears. Addressing these problems promptly is crucial to avoid costly repairs.
- Rust: Rust can be a significant problem in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, especially in areas where road salt is used. Rust can lead to body and frame damage if not addressed promptly.
- Fuel System Issues: Problems with the fuel system, particularly with the fuel pump and fuel injectors, have been reported by owners. These issues can result in starting problems and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Suspension Problems: The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has been known to have issues with the suspension, particularly with struts and shocks. These problems can lead to a bumpy ride and decreased handling, which can be unsafe if not resolved.
- Starting Issues: Some owners have reported that the vehicle sputters and shuts off when in drive or reverse. This could be related to idling issues or other underlying mechanical problems.
- Ignition Problems: There have been complaints about ignition issues where turning the key results in nothing happening except the dash lights coming on. This could be linked to faulty ignition switches or other electrical components.
These common problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
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
How fast is the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? The 1995 Cutlass Ciera boasts 160 horsepower.
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.
Is an 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.
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
How fast is the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? The 1995 Cutlass Ciera boasts 160 horsepower.
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.
Is an 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.
1985 Oldsmobile Ciera car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Ciera problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Oldsmobile Ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Oldsmobile Ciera complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Oldsmobile Ciera.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE FRONT END SUSPENSION CRADLE PULLED THROUGH AND PULLED THE ENTIRE STEERING OUT, AND THE DRIVER LOST STEERING WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3AJ51W9KG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-24
- VIN: 1G3AJ51W9KG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-20
- VIN: 1G3AM27E3FD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: UPON MAKING LEFT TURN, VEHICLE WEAVED, STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
- VIN: 1G3AM19R8FG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DEFECTIVE 'O' RINGS IN RACK/PINION CAUSE STEERING TO LOCK UP INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. *DSH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE LOCKING UP WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SKID AND NOT STOP. THE BRAKES ARE HYDRUALIC. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-23
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-22
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STIFF GAS PEDAL. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT SUDDENLY ACCELERATION, WITHOUT PRESSING GAS PEDAL, WHEN RPM'S GO UP RESULTING IN WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: 1G3AM19B2FD
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS. *DH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Oldsmobile Ciera problems:
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