1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems
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 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, produced from 1982 to 1996, is known for its durability, comfort, and affordability as a daily driver. However, it has faced several common problems over the years, particularly in the engine, electrical system, interior, transmission, and cooling system.
Engine
The most common engine issues include stalling, stuttering, and misfiring. These problems have been reported in various model years, with the highest concentration of complaints in the 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, and 1996 models.
Electrical System
Electrical issues in the Cutlass Ciera have been reported, with the primary concern being the ABS light coming on due to low voltage. This issue has been observed in the 1996 model year, and it is typically caused by a faulty TCC solenoid converter.
Interior
Interior problems include the malfunctioning of the cup holders, which were not popular in the 80s and early 90s. The early Cutlass Ciera models featured small cutouts in the lid of the glove box for cupholders, while later models had a single foldaway cupholder added to the armrest storage compartment.
Transmission
Transmission problems have been reported in the Cutlass Ciera, with the most common issue being the transmission not shifting properly or remaining in a low gear for a long time. This problem has been observed in the 1984 Citation and the 1986 Calais, and it can be resolved by replacing the torque converter control (TCC) solenoid.
Cooling System
Cooling system issues have been reported in the Cutlass Ciera, with the most common problem being the temperature gauge stopping to work. This issue has been observed in various model years and is typically caused by a faulty temperature sensor or damaged wiring connection.
In conclusion, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has faced several common problems over the years, primarily in the engine, electrical system, interior, transmission, and cooling system. While the car has been praised for its durability, comfort, and affordability, these issues have affected its overall reliability and performance.
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 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.
How much horsepower does the Cutlass Ciera have?
160 horsepower
How fast is the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? The 1995 Cutlass Ciera boasts 160 horsepower.
What was the last year they made the Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a series of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's entry-level model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate.
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.
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.
How much horsepower does the Cutlass Ciera have?
160 horsepower
How fast is the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? The 1995 Cutlass Ciera boasts 160 horsepower.
What was the last Oldsmobile Ciera?
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. As a result, the 1996 Cruiser wagon was the final Oldsmobile station wagon model produced.
1989 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-08
- VIN: 1G3AJ51R3KG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR CHECKUP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT ENGINE FAILED, AND WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO START AND OPERATE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G3AJ51W2K2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALL INSTRUMENTS FAILED DUE TO FIRE IN THE TRUNK. THE CONSUMER SAYS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS AN INSULATION SHORTING OUT. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-12
- VIN: 2G3AJ51W6K2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DISENGAGE CAUSING CAR TO STALL IN TRAFFIC, WHEN STOPPING. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2G3AM51R1K2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER-SIDE SEAT-LAP BELT FAILS TO ENGAGE AND IF LOCKS, FAIL TO RELEASE. MICH HAS A MANDATORY SEATBELT LAW & I MUST USE THE PASSENGER-SIDE STUB-END TO CONNECT TO.*AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass ciera problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - Common ...
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 ...
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Questions - Problems with my 93 cutlass ...
Dec 21, 2014 ... And the injectors on these cars are known to fail electronically. They're quite easy to change out, but make sure the ...
oldsmobile cutlass ciera timing chain — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
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 ...
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
Top Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Problems · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · Inside Door Handles May Break · Failed Fuel Pump Can Cause Engine to Stall.
95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems — Car Forums at ...
Aug 1, 2000 ... Failure of alternators seems to be an all too common problem with GM cars. ... I have a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera with the 2.5 L, 4-cylinder ...
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