Oldsmobile Custom cruiser problems
The Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is an automobile that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1971 until 1992. Marking the return of Oldsmobile to the full-size station wagon segment, the Custom Cruiser was initially slotted above the intermediate Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, ultimately above the later mid-size Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser.
For three generations, the Custom Cruiser shared the General Motors B platform with the Buick Estate, Pontiac Safari, and the Chevrolet Caprice (initially Chevrolet Kingswood) station wagons. Within Oldsmobile, the Custom Cruiser shared its trim with the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. During 1985 and 1986, all three GM mid-price divisions downsized their B-platform full-size sedans, leaving the Custom Cruiser with no sedan counterpart. After the discontinuation of the Cutlass Supreme Classic, the model line became the sole Oldsmobile sold with rear-wheel drive.
Following the 1992 model year, production of the Custom Cruiser was discontinued. Alongside an extensive redesign for 1991, Oldsmobile had already initiated station wagon alternatives, introducing both the Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan (1990) and Oldsmobile Bravada mid-size SUV (1991). In total, Oldsmobile produced 451,819 Custom Cruisers over 21 years. Following the discontinuation of the model line, GM ended full-size station wagon production after 1996, becoming the final American-brand manufacturer to do so at the time.
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Oldsmobile Custom cruiser model years
Common Oldsmobile Custom cruiser problems
The Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is a full-size station wagon produced by Oldsmobile from 1971 to 1992. Despite its popularity, the Custom Cruiser has had several common problems reported by owners. This article will discuss these issues in detail, focusing on the affected components and potential solutions.
- Air Bags: The Custom Cruiser has had issues with frontal air bags, including problems with the air bag modules and sensors. These issues can cause the air bags to deploy incorrectly or not at all in the event of a collision, which can be a significant safety concern.
- Electrical System: The Custom Cruiser has had several electrical issues, including problems with the wiring, fuses, and circuit breakers. These issues can cause various electrical components to malfunction, including the power windows, seats, and mirrors.
- Service Brakes: The Custom Cruiser has had several issues related to the service brakes, including problems with the anti-lock brakes, hydraulic system, and power assist. These issues can cause the brakes to malfunction or not work correctly, which can be a significant safety concern.
- Visibility: The Custom Cruiser has had issues related to visibility, including problems with the windshield wipers and washers. These issues can cause the wipers to malfunction or not work correctly, which can be a safety concern in poor weather conditions.
- Power Train: The Custom Cruiser has had issues related to the power train, including problems with the automatic transmission. These issues can cause the transmission to malfunction or not work correctly, which can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Dashboard Switches: The Custom Cruiser has had issues related to the dashboard switches, including problems with the clamshell switches. These issues can cause the switches to malfunction or not work correctly, which can affect the vehicle's functionality.
- Oil Leaks: The Custom Cruiser has had issues related to oil leaks, including leaks from the oil pan and engine. These issues can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all, which can be a significant safety concern.
- Tailgate Issues: The Custom Cruiser has had issues related to the tailgate, including problems with the tailgate lock and handle. These issues can cause the tailgate to malfunction or not work correctly, which can affect the vehicle's functionality.
In conclusion, the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser has had several common problems reported by owners, including issues related to seat belts, air bags, electrical system, service brakes, visibility, power train, dashboard switches, oil leaks, and tailgate issues. These issues can affect the vehicle's safety, performance, and functionality, and it is essential to address them promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
Are Oldsmobile cars reliable?
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 Intrigue comes in at 4.25.
What was the last year of the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser?
1992
Following the 1992 model year, production of the Custom Cruiser was discontinued. Alongside an extensive redesign for 1991, Oldsmobile had already initiated station wagon alternatives, introducing both the Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan (1990) and Oldsmobile Bravada mid-size SUV (1991).
What caused Oldsmobile failure?
Oldsmobile, one of the oldest American car brands, faced challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Similar to Plymouth and Pontiac, Oldsmobile suffered from a lack of brand identity and differentiation (as you might see, there is an area-curing mistake in every example so far).
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.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile Custom cruiser years
We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile Custom cruiser cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Oldsmobile Custom cruiser model years:
- Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1986
- Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1994
- Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1987
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile Custom cruiser model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile Custom cruiser years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile Custom cruiser , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Oldsmobile Custom cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Custom cruiser model years
A total of 3 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 Custom cruiser model years
There were a total of 4 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 Custom cruiser model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Custom cruiser model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 45 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile Custom cruiser . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile Custom cruiser vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-28
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-28
- VIN: 1G3BP83E2MW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1991 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM CRUISER (STATION WAGON). FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS, VEHICLE HAS BEEN "SWIGGLY" WHEN COMING TO A STOP. NOT SO BAD YESTERDAY, NOTICEABLY WORSE TODAY. A STUCK FRONT CALIPER WAS SUSPECTED. HOWEVER, ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK TODAY VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE WHILE DECELERATING FROM APPROX. 50 MPH. VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED FOR A FLAT TIRE, ETC. NO OBVIOUS PROBLEM WAS FOUND. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RE-ENTER TRAFFIC, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET WAS RIPPED FROM THE REAR AXLE HOUSING CAUSING THE TIRE TO HIT THE FRONT OF THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING BODY DAMAGE. WHEN FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACCELERATOR, THE TIRE THEN SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING MORE BODY DAMAGE, AND BRINGING THE CAR TO A SCREECHING HALT, LUCKILY STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO PULLED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND IS NOW WEDGED TIGHT. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE BRACKET THAT RIPPED LOOSE HAD BEEN ATTACHED TO THE AXLE TUBE WITH TWO SHORT WELDS, AS IS DONE DURING FIXTURING, AND NEVER FULLY WELDED. THE OTHER SIDE BRACKET IS FULLY WELDED. IF THIS WOULD HAD HAPPENED AT SPEED, THE CONSEQUENCES PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AS THE CAR WOULD HAVE GONE INTO AN UNCONTROLLED SKID INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC. *NM
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-12
- VIN: 1G3BP35Y1G9
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 1986 OLDSMOBILE POWER MASTER RAN CONTINUOUSLY AND LEAKED BRAKE FLUID.*MR A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOUND A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND REPAIRED IT AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER (1996). NOW THE VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF THE LAST PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND ON THREE OCCASIONS THEY DENIED HIM REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL. *NM THE ELECTRIC POWER BRAKE BOOSTER LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. *JB
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2004-02-03
- VIN: 1G3BP83E9NW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: FUSE PANEL INDICATES A 30AMP FUSE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER. # 7 SLOT IS INDICATED IN THE MANUAL AND FUSE COVER BUT THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SLOT. WHERE IS THE FUSE?. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-29
- Date Complaint: 2003-10-29
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PASSENGER'S BRAKE LINE BRACKET I BROKE. THE DEALER DOESN'T CARRY THE PARTS ANYMORE. THE CONSUMER POSED A QUESTION: SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ITEM, WAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE TO FORCE THE MANUFACTURER TO SUPPLY CONSUMER WITH PARTS?*AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-17
- VIN: 1G3AJ85N6P6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HINGE FAILURE - DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE UPPER DOOR HINGES BREAK AWAY FROM THE BODY DUE TO POOR AND/OR INSUFFICIENT WELDING. ADDITIONALLY, THE HINGE PLATE THAT MOUNTS TO THE BODY HAS A CRACK ACROSS THE CENTER OF BOTH HINGES. *NLM
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-27
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-31
- VIN: 1G3BP8374NW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: ACCORDING TO THE DEALER WHICH DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS NOT COMMONLY SEEN.
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2000-01-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CT83E2MW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AS SOON AS CONSUMER WENT TO TURN IGINTION, GREAT AMOUNT OF SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM ENGINE. WITHIN SECONDS VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED BY FLAMES. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-09-23
- VIN: 1G3BP81Y8KR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR AWHILE, ITS VERY HARD TO RESTART IT. WHEN IT IS STARTED WOULD HAVE A FAST IDLE. WOULD NOT KICK DOWN EVEN AFTER ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN PRESSED. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-21
- Date Complaint: 1999-06-23
- VIN:
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CONSUME STATE'S WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN OR COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE CONSUMER HAS AWARE THE MANUFACTURE.
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-12
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-19
- VIN: 1G3BP83E9MW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FEMALE PART ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT IS BROKEN. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT BUCKLE. THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-02-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3BP83E3NW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING A PANIC STOP, PASSENGER'S SIDE, REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED, AND THE PASSENGER WAS THRUST INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT,. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THE RETRACTOR CASING HAD FALLEN APART. OLDSMOBILE ADVISED ME SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE WAS MY RESPONSIBILTY. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED OF TSB 91C09 AND 91C09A, DATED 11/92 CONCERNING THIS VEHICLE ( I HAVE NO SPECIFICS). INSPECTION OF THE OTHER BELTS SHOW THEY ARE FAILING AS WELL. THE OWNERS MANUAL HAS NO INSTRUCTIONS ON MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION SCHEDULES, OR USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS EITHER. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-12
- Date Complaint: 1998-11-16
- VIN: 1G38P35Y1G9
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, HAD TO KEEP ON PUMPING BEFORE STOPPING VEHICLE. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-13
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-07
- VIN: 1G3BP83E3MW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DASHBOARD REFLECTS IN THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING, THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-11
- VIN: 1G3BP837XNW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT STRAPS CATCH IN SEAT BACK HINGE, DAMAGING SEAT BELTS. QCAW
Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-15
- Date Complaint: 1998-06-18
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN FRONTAL IMPACT CRASH AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Latest 5 recalls Oldsmobile Custom cruiser
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Oldsmobile Custom cruiser.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Report Received Date: 1997-11-24
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULATOR CAN CORRODE AND LEAK FLUID FROM THE FRONT BRAKE CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE ABS MODULATOR.
- Model: Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1991
- Report Received Date: 1992-07-01
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE EXPOSED STEELSUB-PLATE CAN CUT THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING RESULTING IN INCREASED POSSIBILITYAND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THE AFFECTED SEAT OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
- Model: Oldsmobile Custom cruiser 1992
- Report Received Date: 1991-10-29
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
- Consequence: IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED, ANDTHE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN AND CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OFTHE DRIVER AND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Latest positive Oldsmobile Custom cruiser car reviews
Are you having problems with your Oldsmobile Custom cruiser?
Bryce Crist 2024-10-22
Vehicle year: 1991
This is our second 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. We loved the first one so much that we decided to buy another one. It's not just a great looking car, it's also very practical. With an impressive highway gas mileage of 25 mpg, it's a great choice for long trips. Plus, it has plenty of space to fit almost anything you need to transport.
Lamont Von 2024-05-08
Vehicle year: 1991
I bought this car after having my third child. I'm not a fan of vans or SUVs, so this car was the perfect choice for me. It's functional, comfortable, and gets decent gas mileage (23 mpg hwy). The only downside is that the transmission starts slipping at around 100,000 miles, but regular maintenance and a good additive can solve the problem. Overall, this is the ideal family vehicle and the ultimate road trip machine. It never fails to draw compliments.
Louisa Durgan 2024-05-08
Vehicle year: 1991
I bought this station wagon brand new in November 1991 and I absolutely love it! With over 200,000 miles on it, it's still in beautiful condition. People comment on how nice it looks all the time and they can't believe how old it is! Although it's mostly trouble-free, I fix any issues that arise because I can't bear to part with this car. One of my favourite features is the automatic warning that lets you know if you leave your turn signals on and drive for more than a mile - it starts dinging at you! I wish every car had this feature!