1987 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.
Social links
Common 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are common problems reported by owners of the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser:
- Head Bolt Failures in Diesel Engines: The original 350 cu in diesel engine by Oldsmobile had head bolt failures due to unchanged head bolt design, leading to catastrophic failures. This was exacerbated by the absence of a water separator, causing issues with low-quality diesel fuel and dissolved fuel pump seals when owners added anhydrous alcohol to deal with water in the fuel.
- Transmission Failures: Several Oldsmobile Custom Cruisers experienced transmission failures, leading to numerous complaints and lawsuits filed against General Motors.
- Engine Problems: The Oldsmobile diesel engines faced reliability issues, with many cars experiencing engine problems, leading to a decline in sales and a class-action lawsuit that forced General Motors to cover a significant portion of the costs for new engines.
- Design Issues with Faux Wood Paneling: Some owners found the design of the 1987 Custom Cruiser to be bloated and contrived, especially the faux wood paneling following the wheel arch curves, which appeared odd and dated to some. The design element was criticized for looking aftermarket or amateurish, particularly on wagons with lighter paint colors.
- Handling of Faux Wood Paneling: The handling of the faux wood paneling on the Custom Cruiser was a point of contention among owners, with opinions varying on its aesthetic appeal. Some felt that the wood grain following the wheel arches did not appear like OEM-quality design, especially on lighter-colored wagons.
These issues highlight some of the common complaints and problems associated with the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser as reported by owners.
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 is the rarest Oldsmobile?
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Wyoming Centennial Edition Is Junkyard Treasure. One of the rarest of all special-edition Oldsmobiles, complete with manual transmission.
When did Oldsmobile stop making engines?
April 29, 2004
On April 29, 2004, the last Oldsmobile comes off the assembly line at the Lansing Car Assembly plant in Michigan, signaling the end of the 106-year-old automotive brand, America's oldest.
How many 1987 olds 442 were made?
4,273 were produced for 1986, and 4,208 were made in 1987.
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 years did Oldsmobile make the Vista Cruiser?
The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is a station wagon manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile over three generations from 1964 to 1977.
What is the rarest Oldsmobile?
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Wyoming Centennial Edition Is Junkyard Treasure. One of the rarest of all special-edition Oldsmobiles, complete with manual transmission.
When did Oldsmobile stop making engines?
April 29, 2004
On April 29, 2004, the last Oldsmobile comes off the assembly line at the Lansing Car Assembly plant in Michigan, signaling the end of the 106-year-old automotive brand, America's oldest.
1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Custom cruiser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-21
- 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3BP81Y9H9
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE IN REVERSE.IN DRIVE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. TT
1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.
- Consequence: THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser problems:
1987 Olds Custom Cruiser 200R4 to TH350 | Impala Forums
Sep 14, 2012 ... If someone with a mild car has problems with that tranny the BUILDER is just incompetent. REALLY REALLY common for "professional" tranny ...
1990 Custom Cruiser Wagon - Broken Heater - ClassicOldsmobile ...
Nov 25, 2011 ... Operate the cable while watching the bellcrank and it will become obvious as to the problem. This was so common a failure that Four Seasons used ...
307 Overheating Question - Anyone with a 307 | Cadillac Owners ...
Jul 5, 2012 ... ... 1987 Brougham with a ... 1986 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Wagon, 307 V8 ... Common problems for cars this age regardless of maintenance or mileage.
1-2 Shudder Need help please! | Chevy Impala SS Forum
Nov 27, 2015 ... ... problem. Any help is appreciated. thanks! Tim B. 1995 Buick Roadmaster Wagon - Rodney :D 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser - Ollie - Parts car :(.
any problems i should know about 79 buick trannys?
... GM B-body lineup (Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser station wagon, Cadillac Brougham) coupled to either a Chevrolet 305 or an Oldsmobile 307 engine.
Other years of Oldsmobile Custom cruiser
Are you having problems with your 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser?
Leave your review of 1987 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser