1988 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 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems

The 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is a mid-size car known for its reliability, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of this car:

Leaks: Some owners have reported leaks inside the car, but these leaks have been known to disappear without any repairs. However, it's still important to investigate any leaks to ensure that they are not a sign of a more serious problem.

Rod Bearings: Rod bearings can wear out at around 92,000 miles, which can lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly. It's important to check the rod bearings regularly and replace them if necessary to avoid any major engine problems.

Faulty Fuse Inlet: The fuse inlet for the indicator lights, radio, and interior dome lights can blow every fuse that is put into it, causing electrical issues in the car. This issue can be resolved by replacing the fuse inlet or the entire wiring harness, depending on the severity of the problem.

Low Fuel Economy: The 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has a reputation for low fuel economy, which can be a significant issue for owners who rely on the car for daily commuting.

Speedometer Limitations: The speedometer only goes up to 85 miles per hour, which can be a problem for owners who frequently drive at high speeds.

High Turning Radius: The turning radius of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is substantially high, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine Stalls: Some owners have reported that the engine stalls when the gas pedal is pressed, which can be a significant safety issue. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty fuel injectors or a malfunctioning throttle position sensor.

In summary, while the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is known for its reliability, it's still important to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly to avoid any major problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help ensure that the car remains in good working order for many years to come.

What engine is in a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Engine: 2.8 L/135 hp MFI. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive Automatic. Body Style: 2DR Coupe.

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 many 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classics were made?

27,678

1988 was the final year for the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme. It was badged Cutlass Supreme Classic, and 27,678 were built.

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.

What engine is in a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Engine: 2.8 L/135 hp MFI. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive Automatic. Body Style: 2DR Coupe.

Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

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.

Was the Cutlass a muscle car?

Built only in 1970 and 1971, the Cutlass Supreme SX offered muscle car power, without air-induction hoods and body stripes.

1988 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:

Structure problems
Equipment problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera.

2000-11-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
VIN: 2G3AJ51R7J2
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A CRADLE BOLT LOSS ON RIGHT SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Add Complaint

1998-03-11

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
VIN: 2G3AJ51W6J2
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: THIRD REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE.

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1996-11-22

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: STEERING
Summary: EA87-006, COLD STEERING, HARD TO TURN, TEMPORARY OF LACK OF POWER . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Add Complaint

1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems:

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