Oldsmobile Firenza problems
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car which was produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird. It was not based on the European market Vauxhall Firenza, but on the same platform as the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2 / Opel Ascona C. The Firenza name was previously used as a performance package on the previous generation Oldsmobile Starfire hatchback.
Overview
The all-new Firenza was introduced in March 1982, as a replacement for the departed rear-wheel drive Starfire. Initially available as a two-door hatchback and four-door sedan, the lineup was expanded to include a 4-door "Cruiser" wagon in 1983, and a two-door notchback coupe in 1986. The name "Cruiser" was applied to all Oldsmobile station wagons at the time; this included the mid-sized Cutlass Cruiser and full-size Custom Cruiser. The Firenza was positioned as Oldsmobile's entry-level compact car, priced below the slightly larger Omega and later Calais/Cutlass Calais. Despite this, the Firenza could be equipped with premium options such as power windows, power locks, and 14-inch alloy wheels. The 1982 Firenza LX sedan was listed for $8,080 ($25,511 in 2023 dollars ). It is named for the Italian translation of the city of Florence.
As a badge engineered, variant of the GM J-car platform, the Firenza received its own front and rear-end styling. The upper portion of the Firenza front end featured quad rectangular headlights separated by signal lights in recessed housings, with a sloped body-color panel between the headlights. The dashboard unit was shared with the Buick Skyhawk.
A horizontal-barred grille was mounted in the lower portion of the front fascia. The rear featured nearly square taillights with a slight wraparound at the outboard ends of the upper rear panel. The suspension was shared with the front-wheel-drive Omega and Cutlass Ciera, which consisted of MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs and a stabilizer bar for the front, and a torsion-beam rear axle, along with coil springs and rear stabilizer bars.
The Firenza was launched with a 2.0-liter OHV inline four-cylinder engine as the sole powerplant, but an overhead-cam 1.8-liter engine was added during the model year. Oldsmobile did not utilize turbo on these engines, while Buick and Pontiac offered a turbo. Wraparound amber turn signal lights were added immediately outboard of the headlights for 1984. In 1985, the 2.8 L LB6 V6 was added as an option with the GT package.
For the Firenza's last model year in 1988, it received a conventional horizontal bar grille between new aerodynamic composite headlamps and new tail lights, styled similar to the Cutlass Ciera. Also for the Firenza's final year, the hatchback was dropped along with the V6, leaving just the four-cylinder notchback coupe, sedan, and wagon models. Also for 1988, all previous trim-level designations were dropped. All Firenza body styles came in a single unnamed base model that could be equipped with six various option packages.
Sales of the Cavalier and Sunbird annually dwarfed the Firenza. Due to this, the Firenza was not replaced in Oldsmobile's lineup, leaving the Cutlass Calais as the division's smallest car. The Cimarron was discontinued that year as well. Leeds Assembly, which built the Firenza, was closed. The Skyhawk lasted another year, while GM kept the first-generation Sunbird and Cavalier in production until 1994.
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Oldsmobile Firenza model years
Common Oldsmobile Firenza problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Oldsmobile Firenza, common problems with this car include:
- Rear End Problems: The rear end of the Oldsmobile Firenza was reported to be giving out due to accidents, affecting the overall drivability and safety of the car.
- Engine Stabilizer Bracket Breakage: The engine stabilizer brackets in the Oldsmobile Firenza were prone to breaking, causing transmission and starter problems. This issue can lead to significant mechanical issues and impact the car's functionality.
- Transmission Issues: Owners experienced transmission problems such as shifting delays, grinding during acceleration, and shaking at various speeds. These issues can affect the driving experience and may require repairs to ensure proper functionality.
- Head Gasket Failure: Some owners reported head gasket failures in the Oldsmobile Firenza, leading to smoking issues and potential overheating problems. Addressing this problem is crucial to prevent further damage to the engine.
- AC Compressor Failure: Another common problem was the failure of the air conditioning compressor, impacting the comfort of the vehicle's interior. Repairing or replacing the AC compressor is necessary to maintain a comfortable driving environment.
- Rust Prone Frame: The Oldsmobile Firenza was noted for having a frame that was particularly prone to rust, affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle. Rust issues can compromise the safety and longevity of the car if not addressed promptly.
- Electrical Issues: Some owners reported electrical problems, such as unplugged components affecting the transmission and other electrical malfunctions. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure the proper functioning of various systems in the car.
These common problems highlight the mechanical and structural issues that owners of the Oldsmobile Firenza faced, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and timely repairs to keep the vehicle in optimal condition.
Who made the Firenza car?
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car which was produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird.
Is the Oldsmobile silhouette reliable?
It ranks 7th 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 Silhouette comes in at 3.
How much horsepower does the Oldsmobile Firenza have?
Nothing European about the current Starfire engine family: An 85-horsepower four-banger is standard here; next comes a 231-cubic-inch, 105-horse, Buick-style V6; and finally a 305-inch, 145-horse, Chevy-style mouse motor like the unit that motivated our test car (which, incidentally, was the first Firenza ever built).
What was the Italian car in The Godfather?
Michael's Alfa Romeo 6C in Sicily, 1946. The Alfa Romeo 6C was Michael Corleone's favorite car for driving during his exile in Sicily.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile Firenza years
We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile Firenza cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Oldsmobile Firenza model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile Firenza model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile Firenza years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Oldsmobile Firenza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile Firenza , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Oldsmobile Firenza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Firenza model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Firenza model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile Firenza . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile Firenza vehicles.
List of Oldsmobile Firenza complaints
Oldsmobile Firenza 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-23
- Date Complaint: 2000-01-10
- VIN: IG3AD69P77E
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LATCH FELL APART, AND CONSUMER HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE CONSOLE TO GET INTO DRIVER'S SEAT. *AK
Oldsmobile Firenza 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-21
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SHOULDER STRAP OF SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY OFFERS NO RESTRICTION WHEN PULLED RAPIDLY TO STIMULATE EFFECT OF CRASH. RECEIVED A CITATION FROM CHP FOR FAILURE TO KEEP SEAT BELT IN WORKING CONDITION. A DILIGENT SEARCH HAS FOUND NO INFORMATION RELATED TO THE OPERATION, INSTALLATION OR FIELD TESTING OF SEAT BELTS.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-21
- Date Complaint: 1996-06-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3JC69PXFK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FIRE, SUSPECTED TO HAVE STARTED WITHIN FUEL SYSTEM. FIRE STARTED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *AK
Oldsmobile Firenza 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-31
- Date Complaint: 1995-08-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3JC69P6GK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED AFTER OPENING, CAUSING GLASS TO CUT DRIVER. *SKD
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR REPLACED.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED DUE TO AN OIL LEAK.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAN BELT REPLACED.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-18
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-21
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER REPLACED.
Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-18
- Date Complaint: 1994-12-27
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COMPUTER MODULE REPLACED.
Latest 5 recalls Oldsmobile Firenza
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Oldsmobile Firenza.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Oldsmobile Firenza 1985
- 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).
- Model: Oldsmobile Firenza 1984
- 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).
- Model: Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- 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).
- Model: Oldsmobile Firenza 1986
- 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).
- Model: Oldsmobile Firenza 1983
- Report Received Date: 1987-10-26
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Summary: INTERNAL CORROSION OF PULSAIR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY COULD PERMIT EXHAUST GAS TO MELT THE PLASTIC SHUT OFF VALVE AND DRAW VALVE PIECES INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence: IF VALVE PIECES LODGE AGAINST THROTTLE PLATE, ENGINE MAYNOT RETURN TO IDLE RESULTING IN LOSS ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE PULSAIR CHECK VALVE AND SHUT OFF VALVE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED VALVES.
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