1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems

General information about Oldsmobile-Cutlass ciera
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 Cutlass ciera problems

Common Problems with the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera:

Towing Capacity:
- Exceeding the towing capacity of the Cutlass Ciera can strain the transmission system, leading to potential damage. It is essential to consult the owner's manual to determine the safe towing limit for the vehicle.

Transmission Fluid Leaks:
- Leaks in the transmission system can occur due to worn-out parts, damaged seals, or loose components. These leaks can impact performance and lead to transmission failure if not addressed promptly.

Regular Maintenance:
- Routine checks and exchanges of transmission fluid, typically recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, are vital for optimal transmission performance. Timely maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure smooth operation.

Avoiding Brake Riding:
- Continuous pressure on the brake pedal, especially in hilly terrain, can strain the transmission system. Engine braking should be utilized when possible to prevent unnecessary wear on the transmission.

Professional Repairs:
- When experiencing transmission issues, seeking professional diagnostics and repairs from reputable auto care centers like Firestone Complete Auto Care is recommended to address problems effectively and maintain the vehicle's performance.

These common problems with the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt attention to issues, and adherence to towing guidelines to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle.

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 year did they stop making the Cutlass Ciera?

1996

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.

How much was the Cutlass Supreme in 1986?

By 1986 the success of these cars was starting to wane, but there were still plenty of people who took home a new Olds that year. The Brougham Sedan had a base price of $11,551 (about $30,850 today). They rode a 108.1-inch wheelbase, were 200.4 inches overall, had a curb weight of 3253 pounds, and 27,967 were built.

Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?

Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.

Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?

What are the trim levels of a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Trim levels included the Cutlass Supreme and Cutlass Supreme Brougham, and body styles included a basic coupe and sedan, Calais coupe, and the Cruiser wagon.

Why was Oldsmobile discontinued?

The Aurora caused only a minor stir, however, and by 2000 GM announced plans to phase out the Oldsmobile brand due to dwindling sales. On April 29, 2004, after 106 years, the last Olds rolled off the assembly line.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera.

2004-04-20

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G3AM37W7GD
Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A STEERING PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING AT A MODERATE SPEED AND MAKING A TURN IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN VEHICLE WAS HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN,IT VEERED, AND LANDED IN THE NEXT LANE. ALSO, THIS WAS THE SECOND ENGINE INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE. *AK THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE TIRES TO WEAR. *SC

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1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera.

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).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems:

Q&A: 89 Olds Cutlass Ciera - Common Issues & Solutions

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Nov 30, 2006 ... I have an 89 olds cutlass ciera. When i put it in gear after a rough start it tries to die until i give it gas. If i'm - Answered by a ...

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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 ...

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 ...

1986 oldsmobile cutlass problem - ClassicOldsmobile.com

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Aug 14, 2021 ... Other - 1986 oldsmobile cutlass problem - So problem with my 86 cutlass when im driving its smooth then every 2ish seconds it feels like im ...