1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile Ciera problems
The 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is known for a few common problems, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and interior.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are another common complaint among Cutlass Ciera owners. These problems can manifest as hesitation, stalling, or improper shifting. In some cases, the issue can be resolved by changing the transmission fluid. However, in more severe cases, the transmission may need to be replaced entirely. It's also worth noting that the transmission in the Cutlass Ciera is known to have issues with the lockup not disengaging, which can cause the car to remain in a low gear for extended periods.
- Interior Door Handle Issues: Some Cutlass Ciera owners have reported issues with the interior door handles, particularly in the back seats. These handles can become damaged or broken, making it difficult for passengers to exit the vehicle.
- Torque Converter Clutch Issues: The torque converter clutch in the Cutlass Ciera has also been a source of problems for some owners. This component can fail, causing the car to lose power or stall. Replacing the torque converter clutch solenoid and adding new transmission fluid can often resolve this issue.
- Starting Problems: Some Cutlass Ciera owners have reported issues with starting the vehicle. The most common reasons for this are a dead battery, a problem with the alternator, or a failed starter.
- Fuel Efficiency and Performance: While not a common complaint, some owners have noted that the Cutlass Ciera's fuel efficiency and performance are not as good as they would like. The car's top speed is limited to 104 mph due to a governor, and some owners have reported that the car's acceleration and fuel efficiency are not as good as they would like.
- Design and Style: Many owners have criticized the Cutlass Ciera's design and style, noting that the car's exterior and interior are dull and outdated. The car's lack of distinctive features and its similarity to other models in the Oldsmobile lineup have also been criticized.
- Reliability: The Cutlass Ciera has been criticized for its lack of reliability, particularly in comparison to newer models. Many owners have reported that various components in the car, including the engine, transmission, and interior features, are prone to failure.
In summary, the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is known for a few common problems, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and interior. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and some owners have reported that the car's lack of reliability and outdated design are significant drawbacks.
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 a 1986 Cutlass 442 have?
The only engine you could get in the 442 was a 307 cubic inch “high output” V8 rated at 180 horsepower.
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.
How much is a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $4,500 for a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser on Nov 4 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile Ciera? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Ciera is $8,400.
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 a 1986 Cutlass 442 have?
The only engine you could get in the 442 was a 307 cubic inch “high output” V8 rated at 180 horsepower.
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.
How much is a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $4,500 for a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser on Nov 4 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile Ciera? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Ciera is $8,400.
1986 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:
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Oldsmobile Ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Oldsmobile Ciera complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Oldsmobile Ciera.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-09
- VIN: 1G3AJ1932G0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN TRYING TO AVOID A CRASH BY SWERVING TO THE LEFT FRAME OF VEHICLE BROKE. DRIVER NOTICED FRAME WAS BROKEN WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN OVERHEATING. ENGINE FELL FORWARD AND CUT RADIATOR HOSE. MOTOR MOUNTS ARE THE ONLY ONES HOLDING UP THE ENGINE. A DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED BY THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY THE DEALERSHIP . PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-29
- VIN: 1G3AM19W7GG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING UNIT IS FAILING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SOMETIMES BE HARD TO TURN AT RANDOM OR CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A FEW MINUTE BEFORE STEERING RETURNED. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AT 66000 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3AJ3730GD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3AJ19X4GG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TRYING TO PARK THE STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT DURING TIME THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN IN TO PARKING OR OUT OF A STREET AND BEHIND AND BETWEEN CARS, CONSUMER STATES GREAT EFFORT IS NEEDED IN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: 1G3AM37RBGD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAM NOISY. *DSH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- VIN: 1G3AM37RBGD
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD CRACKED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-07-15
- VIN: 1G3AMZ7R8GD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING LOCKS UP BRIEFLY WHEN CAR IS BEGINNING TO MOVE. *DSH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-15
- VIN: 1G3AM19X8GD
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN USING HEATER, SMELL OF ANTI FREEZE/GAS LIKE ODOR ENTERS INTO INTERIOR COMPARTMENT; CAUSES FILM TO BUILD UP ON WINDSHIELD; IMPOSSIBLE TO DEFROST. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-31
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT THE STEERING FEELS STUCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD WEATHER STARTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-19
- VIN: 1G3AM19X5GD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN YOU TRY TO START IN THE MORNING. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: C11G3AM19W0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLES REAR BRAKING SYSTEM LOCK-UP WHEN HARD BRAKING OCCURS. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-09
- VIN: 1G3AJ27RIGD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-02
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR STALLING INTERMITTENTLY. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AW
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-14
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CYLINDER PRESSURE PROBLEMS, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479651) *SKD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-08-11
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING PROBLEMS. *AW
Additional sources
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