1983 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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Common 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza problems
The 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza, as a subcompact car, had its fair share of common problems reported by owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues was a light tapping sound from the engine at idle, which did not affect performance but also never improved, even under heavy use. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as worn engine components or a loose heat shield, and would likely require a mechanic's diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause.
Another common problem was a slight noise from the passenger side CV joint while driving. This issue did not cause clicking around corners, but the seller had warned the owner that it needed replacement. Eventually, the CV joint failed, leaving the owner stranded. This is a known issue with the Firenza and other GM J-body vehicles from this era, and it is usually caused by wear and tear on the CV joint's rubber boots, which can lead to debris accumulation and eventual failure.
The Firenza was also known for being a bare-bones vehicle with no power features and no factory tape deck. This lack of amenities was a common complaint among owners, who often found the car to be unrefined compared to other Oldsmobiles of the era. However, the car's durability and reliability were often praised, with many owners reporting that the car held up well under heavy use and abuse.
In terms of safety, the Firenza received mixed reviews. While the car's build quality was often praised, its safety features were not always up to par. The car did not have airbags or anti-lock brakes, which were not yet standard features on most vehicles at the time. However, the car did receive decent crash test ratings, with a 3-star frontal crash rating and a 4-star side crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Overall, the 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza was a reliable and durable vehicle, but it was not without its flaws. Common problems included engine noise, CV joint issues, and a lack of amenities. However, many owners found the car to be a dependable and cost-effective mode of transportation, with some even praising its surprising build quality and reliability under heavy use.
Are Oldsmobile cars reliable?
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 Intrigue comes in at 4.25.
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.
What is the best Oldsmobile engine ever made?
The 7.0 L (6,967 cc; 425.2 cu in) big-block was the first tall-deck "big block," produced from 1965 through 1967. It is arguably the best engine Olds made in the muscle car era, although it never made it into a "muscle car". It used a 4.126 in (104.8 mm) bore and 3.975 in (101.0 mm) stroke.
What caused Oldsmobile failure?
Oldsmobile, one of the oldest American car brands, faced challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Similar to Plymouth and Pontiac, Oldsmobile suffered from a lack of brand identity and differentiation (as you might see, there is an area-curing mistake in every example so far).
Are Oldsmobile cars reliable?
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 Intrigue comes in at 4.25.
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.
What caused Oldsmobile failure?
Oldsmobile, one of the oldest American car brands, faced challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Similar to Plymouth and Pontiac, Oldsmobile suffered from a lack of brand identity and differentiation (as you might see, there is an area-curing mistake in every example so far).
Why did GM stop making Oldsmobile?
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.
1983 Oldsmobile Firenza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Firenza problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Oldsmobile Firenza complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED DUE TO AN OIL LEAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-23
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAN BELT REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-18
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-21
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-18
- VIN: 1G3AC69P0DK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COMPUTER MODULE REPLACED.
1983 Oldsmobile Firenza recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza.
- 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).
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
- Consequence: DRIVERS SEAT COULD TIP REARWARD UNEXPECTEDLY; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR AT THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
- Summary: POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
- Remedy: THE FUEL FEED LINE FITTING BOLT AND TWO WASHERS WILL BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Oldsmobile Firenza problems:
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Other years of Oldsmobile Firenza
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