1989 Oldsmobile Ciera problems

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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.

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera

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Common 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera problems

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, produced in 1989, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. This article will discuss these issues in detail, focusing on the engine, electrical system, and transmission.

Engine Problems

One of the most common engine problems in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is related to the timing chain. The timing chain is a crucial component of the engine that synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. A failing timing chain can cause the engine to stall or misfire, especially when slowing down or stopping at red lights. While some owners may recommend replacing the timing chain as a preventive measure, there is no consensus on the recommended replacement interval in the owner's manual. It is essential to monitor the engine's performance and address any issues promptly to avoid further damage.

Another engine problem reported by owners is low fuel pressure, which can cause the engine to restart intermittently and idle at lower RPMs. This issue is often caused by a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump. Regular maintenance and inspection of these components can help prevent this problem.

Additionally, engine stutters and stalls are common complaints, particularly in specific model years such as 1993 and 1992. These issues may be related to the engine's design or manufacturing flaws, and they can significantly impact the vehicle's reliability and drivability.

Electrical System Problems

The electrical system in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has also been a source of frustration for some owners. Common electrical issues include the speedometer stopping after 40 miles, the transmission failing to go into and stay in third gear, and the check engine light coming on. These problems are often caused by damaged wiring or faulty sensors, particularly the transmission speed sensor or vehicle speed sensor wiring.

Transmission Problems

Transmission issues are another common problem in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Owners have reported difficulties with the transmission shifting properly, especially when the lockup in the transmission fails to disengage. This issue can cause the transmission to remain in a lower gear for an extended period, impacting fuel efficiency and overall performance. In some cases, replacing the transmission or disconnecting the lockup mechanism may be necessary to resolve the problem.

In summary, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, produced in 1989, has several common problems related to the engine, electrical system, and transmission. These issues can significantly impact the vehicle's reliability and drivability, and they require regular maintenance and inspection to prevent or address.

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera engine

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 the Cutlass Ciera have?

160 horsepower

How fast is the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? The 1995 Cutlass Ciera boasts 160 horsepower.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1989 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:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera

The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera vehicles.

2002-01-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DURING HIGH WINDS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LANDAU ROOF HAD BLOWN OFF, MANUFACTUER NOTIFIED. *TT
2002-01-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DURING HIGH WINDS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LANDAU ROOF HAD BLOWN OFF, MANUFACTUER NOTIFIED. *TT
2001-05-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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 .
1999-12-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51W3KT
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LINE RUSTED, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE IF THERE WAS A SOURCE OF IGNITION. *AK
1999-09-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-21
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE CROSSING A MAIN INTERSECTION CAR DIED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO MANUALLY GET OUT OF CAR. *AK
1998-08-25

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • VIN: 2G3AJS1R9K2
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: ALL 4 TIRES HAD DEEP CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS BY 30,000 MILES AND WERE REPLACED.
1998-03-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL COMES ON BY ITSELF, EVEN WHEN TURNED COMPLETELY OFF, DURING HUMID OR DAMP DRIVING CONDITIONS.
1997-12-29

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-11-25
  • VIN: 2G3AJ11NXK2
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: BODY IS CRAKCING AT THE B-PILLAR, NEAR THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT, CAUSING THE DOORS TO CLOSE HARD AND MAY COME OPEN IN A CRASH.
1997-11-04

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-11-03
  • VIN: 2G3AM51N8K2
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED, THE BRAKE LEVER MAY RELEASE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *SLC
1997-10-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51NZK3
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: COMPUTER FAILED.
1997-07-14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-09
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G3AM51N4KG
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE STUCK IN A POSITION AND LOST CONTROL. THE CAR HIT A CAR/LAMP POST AND A HOUSE. *AK CAR ALSO HIT 2ND CAR. CAR WENT THROUGH LIVING ROOM WINDOW. *YH
1997-06-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51N3KG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: HORN IS INOPERATIVE.
1996-11-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER AND LAP BELTS ARE INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1996-10-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-10-22
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51W7KG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: COMPUTER FAILED TWICE.
1996-06-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: 2G3AJ51N1K2
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PLASTIC CLIP ON REAR SEAT BELTS HAS DISINTEGRATED. *AK PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
1996-03-26

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2G3AM5IN6K2
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DURING REAR IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK FELL BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEAT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-02-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51W2KG
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: UPON DECELERATING LOCK UP VALVE CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO STAY ENGAGED. *AK
1996-02-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51W2KG
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: UPON DECELERATING LOCK UP VALVE CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO STAY ENGAGED. *AK
1996-01-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEATBELT RECALL REPAIRS DELAYED DUE TO SCHEDULING. *DSH
1995-12-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-15
  • VIN: 2G3AM11N2K2
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN ENGAGING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE, VEHICLE SURGES AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. TT
1995-11-29

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER/LAP BELT WHEN MOVED FORWARD FAILED TO RETRACT. OWNER STATES MUST OPEN DOOR POSSIBLY WHILE DRIVING FOR TENSION TO TIGHTEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
1995-11-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-25
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS BROKEN . TT
1995-11-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-27
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN SEAT BELT RECALL PARTS.
1995-10-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-13
  • VIN: 1G3AJ51W8KG
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER IS UNABLE TO UNLATCH SEAT BELT BUCKLE. TT
1995-10-23

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-23
  • VIN: 2G3AJ51N9K2
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: ALL FOUR RIMS BROKEN. *SD

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera.

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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera problems:

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - Common ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - Common ...
https://www.justanswer.com/car/0815a-1989-oldsmobile-cutless-ciera-dies-at.html

May 18, 2006 ... If it is stalling when the brakes are being applied then the most likely problem is a huge vacuum leak is occuring.Check the vacuum hose from ...

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Questions - Problems with my 93 cutlass ...
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Questions - Problems with my 93 cutlass ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c3177_ds626442

Dec 21, 2014 ... And the injectors on these cars are known to fail electronically. They're quite easy to change out, but make sure the ...

Q&A: 89 Olds Cutlass Ciera - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 89 Olds Cutlass Ciera - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/car/0hmri-89-olds-cutlass-ciera-when-put-gear.html

Nov 30, 2006 ... Greetings! I would check the fuel pressure regulator. It is located on the fuel rail. It is round, about a quarter size and has a vacuum line ...

1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass looking at today, any common issues to ...
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass looking at today, any common issues to ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Oldsmobile/comments/17vubse/1988_oldsmobile_cutlass_looking_at_today_any/

Nov 15, 2023 ... ... was introduced in '88, except the A-cars. They went one more year with LG3 until the 3300 came out in '89. Upvote 2. Downvote Reply reply

oldsmobile cutlass ciera timing chain — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
oldsmobile cutlass ciera timing chain — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/2089/oldsmobile/x/oldsmobile-cutlass-ciera-timing-chain

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 ...

Other years of Oldsmobile Ciera

oldsmobile ciera 1990 photo
Ciera 1990
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24

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1994 photo
Ciera 1994
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0

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1995 photo
Ciera 1995
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0

1

10

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
oldsmobile ciera 1996 photo
Ciera 1996
Oldsmobile

94

1

17

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

2

1

0

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

3

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1989 Oldsmobile Ciera photo