Oldsmobile Cutlass calais problems

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The Oldsmobile Calais is a compact car that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1985 through 1991, superseding the Oldsmobile Omega and named after the city of Calais, France. Renamed the Cutlass Calais for 1988, and briefly available in 1987 as the limited edition GMO Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.

The first production model (VIN 1G3NT27UXFM200001), was a white Calais Supreme two-door with a gray velour interior. Equipped with an automatic transmission and the 92 horsepower, 151 CID pushrod four-cylinder engine (also known as GM's "Iron Duke" Tech-IV), this particular model was outfitted with nearly every available option, including wire wheel covers. While this front-wheel drive car is maintained by the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing, Michigan, it was one of more than 700 vehicles that made up the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s. The Calais Supreme was auctioned in April, 2021, and sold for $8,585.

In 1987, the Quad 4 engine was developed and became available in a special limited edition of the Calais called the "GMO Quad 4". Early television ads touting the new engine's abilities showed video of the Calais GMO Quad 4 racing around city streets (the submodel was dropped, however the Quad 4 engine continued to be available for several years afterward). Another, later special Cutlass Calais model was the 1990 to 1991 Quad-442. It used a high-output version of the four-cylinder coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This same High Output version was also available in the top-of-the-line Cutlass Calais International Series.

The International Series was available as both a 2-door or a 4-door and featured exclusive options for the Calais range including lower front and rear facias, lower rocker extensions, and quad-tipped sport exhaust. Changes inside include thickly bolstered sport seats which feature driver-side power controls and were available in cloth with leather accents or full leather. The International Series came standard with power locks and windows with driver's side auto-down, a multifunction Driver Information Center in the center console, full gauges, cruise control, and the uplevel FE3 sport suspension. The standard engine for the International was the new-for-1990 Quad 4 H.O. although the normal Quad 4 L.O. and automatic transmission were an option. Optional equipment on the International series included keyless entry and a Delco CD player.

Previously, the Cutlass Calais nameplate was used on top-line versions of the Cutlass Supreme coupé (differing from the Supreme only in minor trim details) from 1978 to 1984. There was also a Cadillac Calais model, sold from 1965 to 1976.

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Oldsmobile Cutlass calais model years

oldsmobile cutlass calais 1989 photo
Cutlass calais 1989
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Common Oldsmobile Cutlass calais problems

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, a compact and mid-size car produced between 1985 and 1991, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.

One of the most common issues is related to the instrument cluster. The speedometer may stop working entirely or give incorrect readings due to a faulty speed sensor or damaged speedometer cable.

Temperature gauge failure is another common problem, which can lead to engine damage or failure if the engine overheats. This issue is often caused by a faulty temperature sensor or damaged wiring connection.

In addition to these instrument cluster problems, the Cutlass Calais is known for engine issues. The 3.1 engine in particular tends to leak in a certain area, which is a relatively cheap fix.

The Cutlass Calais also has some electrical issues, such as problems with the auto climate control backlight bulbs.

These are just a few of the common problems reported by owners of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais. It's important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.

Oldsmobile Cutlass calais

Is the 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 year was the most popular Cutlass?

1983: Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme — 331,179 units sold

In 1983, the Cutlass Supreme again finds itself in a comfortably familiar spot as the best-selling car in the United States, wresting its throne back from the Ford Escort.

What is the rarest Oldsmobile Cutlass?

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Wyoming Centennial Edition Is Junkyard Treasure. One of the rarest of all special-edition Oldsmobiles, complete with manual transmission.

What year was the Cutlass Calais made?

Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
Also calledOldsmobile Calais (from 1985–1987)
Production1984-1991
Model years1985-1991
AssemblyLansing, Michigan

Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile Cutlass calais years

We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile Cutlass calais cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Oldsmobile Cutlass calais model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile Cutlass calais model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile Cutlass calais years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Oldsmobile Cutlass calais car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile Cutlass calais , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

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

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile Cutlass calais . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile Cutlass calais vehicles.

List of Oldsmobile Cutlass calais complaints

Oldsmobile Cutlass calais 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-18
  • Date Complaint: 2007-06-07
  • VIN: 1G3NL14U5KM
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CALAIS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, IT WILL RUN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE IT SHUTS OFF AND FAILS TO RESTART. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER AND HAD A TUNE UP, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL # 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. SHE CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, BUT THEY STATED THAT THEIR RECORDS DO NOT GO BACK THAT FAR AND WOULD NOT HELP HER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41,000.

Recalls Oldsmobile Cutlass calais

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Oldsmobile Cutlass calais.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Oldsmobile Cutlass calais 1989
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

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