Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck problems

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The Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is an automobile that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1971 until 1992. Marking the return of Oldsmobile to the full-size station wagon segment, the Custom Cruiser was initially slotted above the intermediate Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, ultimately above the later mid-size Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser.

For three generations, the Custom Cruiser shared the General Motors B platform with the Buick Estate, Pontiac Safari, and the Chevrolet Caprice (initially Chevrolet Kingswood) station wagons. Within Oldsmobile, the Custom Cruiser shared its trim with the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. During 1985 and 1986, all three GM mid-price divisions downsized their B-platform full-size sedans, leaving the Custom Cruiser with no sedan counterpart. After the discontinuation of the Cutlass Supreme Classic, the model line became the sole Oldsmobile sold with rear-wheel drive.

Following the 1992 model year, production of the Custom Cruiser was discontinued. Alongside an extensive redesign for 1991, Oldsmobile had already initiated station wagon alternatives, introducing both the Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan (1990) and Oldsmobile Bravada mid-size SUV (1991). In total, Oldsmobile produced 451,819 Custom Cruisers over 21 years. Following the discontinuation of the model line, GM ended full-size station wagon production after 1996, becoming the final American-brand manufacturer to do so at the time.

photo of Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck car production

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Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck model years

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Oldsmobile truck 2002
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Common Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck problems

Oldsmobile, a brand known for its sturdy and dependable cars, has had its fair share of problems over the years. While the brand was one of the oldest, most respected, and most reliable car manufacturers in the world, even the best cars have occasional problems, especially when they've already got a lot of miles on them. Here are some of the most common problems found in Oldsmobiles:

  • Transmission failure: Transmission failure is a common problem in Oldsmobiles, particularly in the Alero and Delta 88 models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, low fluid levels, or faulty sensors. In some cases, transmission failure can result in the car being unable to move at all, making it a serious safety concern.
  • Overheating: Overheating is another common problem in Oldsmobiles, particularly in the Alero and Intrigue models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, or low coolant levels. In some cases, overheating can result in engine damage, making it a serious concern for Oldsmobile owners.
  • Coolant leaks: Coolant leaks are a common problem in Oldsmobiles, particularly in the Alero and Delta 88 models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty radiator, a damaged hose, or a cracked engine block. In some cases, coolant leaks can result in overheating, making it a serious concern for Oldsmobile owners.
  • Electrical faults: Electrical faults are a common problem in Oldsmobiles, particularly in the Alero and Aurora models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty alternator, a damaged battery, or a blown fuse. In some cases, electrical faults can result in the car being unable to start, making it a serious safety concern.
  • Engine stalling: Engine stalling is a common problem in Oldsmobiles, particularly in the Aurora and Cutlass Supreme models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a damaged ignition system. In some cases, engine stalling can result in the car being unable to move, making it a serious safety concern.

In addition to these common problems, Oldsmobile also had a notorious diesel engine that was produced from 1978 to 1985. This engine was known for its poor performance, frequent breakdowns, and high maintenance costs. In fact, the engine was so bad that it spurred a class-action lawsuit and led to the creation of early lemon laws in several states. The Oldsmobile diesel engine was also responsible for ruining the American consumer's appetite for diesels for 30 years or longer.

In conclusion, while Oldsmobiles are generally regarded as sturdy and dependable cars, they have had their fair share of problems over the years. From transmission failure to electrical faults, Oldsmobile owners have had to deal with a variety of issues that can be costly and time-consuming to fix. However, with proper maintenance and care, many of these problems can be avoided or minimized, ensuring that Oldsmobiles continue to be a reliable choice for car owners.

Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck

Why did the Oldsmobile diesel V8 fail?

This led to catastrophic head bolt failures as diesel engines have compression ratios that are as much as three times higher than a gasoline engine. In addition to the head bolt issues, General Motors also decided not to install a water separator in order to cut costs.

What was the weakness of the Olds 455?

These engines only had 2 bolt mains and a cast crank. They are low RPM torque monsters (shifting at 5,200 RPM but making 550 Ft Lbs of torque) but they suffered from weak cranks and weak main block webbing. The cranks and bottom end would "flex" under heavy loads and RPM and wipe out main and rod bearings.

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).

How reliable are Oldsmobiles?

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.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck years

We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

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

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Oldsmobile truck 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.

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck vehicles.

List of Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck complaints

Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-12-23
  • Date Complaint: 2012-02-05
  • VIN: 1G3HY52K6T4
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: SECURITY LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ILLUMINATED. CAR STARTS AND RUNS WITH OWNERS IGNITION KEY. DEALER DETERMINED THAT PASS-KEY II DECODER MODULE PN 88964942 IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-12-21
  • Date Complaint: 2007-12-22
  • VIN: 1GHDT13W6X2
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, DRIVER SIDE BROKE PULLING THE WHOLE UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY OFF THE VEHICLE AND THUS RESULTING IN THE WHEEL FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED. I REPLACED THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND BOLTS AND SO FAR HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AFTERMARKET PARTS. REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE. *TR
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-03-04
  • Date Complaint: 2005-03-07
  • VIN: 1GHDT13SX22
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ON A CLEAR DRY DAY IN MIDAFTERNOON THE AWD SYSTEM ENGAGED AND WON'T DISENGAGE. THE CAR WILL NOT DRIVE SAFELY IN THIS CONDITION. GENERAL MOTORS HAS ISSUED A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT BUT NO RECALL AS YET. THE VEHICLE IS AT A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I UNDERSTAND THE COST COULD EXCEED $2000.*AK
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-31
  • Date Complaint: 2005-02-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GHDT13W0X2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ON THIS EVENING I STARTED MY VEHICLE AT APPROX. 8:30 PM AND BACKED UP, IT THEN SHUT DOWN SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WERE FLAMES. I PUT OUT THE FIRE MYSELF AND REPORTED IT TO GM MOTORS INC. THEY INVESTIGATED AND COULD COME TO NO CONCLUSION ON WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. THEY ALSO DENIED IT TO BE FAILURE OF GM VEHICLE PARTS. *JB
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-13
  • Date Complaint: 2005-01-14
  • VIN: 1GHDX03E3WD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: DEFECT IN INTAKE MANIFOLD, IN MY 1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE VAN, WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL. THIS WAS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO WORK AND I WAS LEFT GETTING RIDES FROM NEIGHBORS. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE $1000.00 TO $2000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. I AM A MOTHER OF SIX AND DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SHELL OUT. THE VAN BROKE DOWN ON MY WAY TO WORK, AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VAN THAT I CANNOT DRIVE. *JB
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2004-11-24
  • VIN: 1GHDT13W4T2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN WHICH I AM SLOWING TO A STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND A "MOANING"SOUND OCCURS AS WELL AS THE TRUCK NOT STOPPING. TODAY THIS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT SLIDING ALTHOUGH IS DOES TEND TO HAPPEN ON WET SURFACES IT ALSO OCCURS ON BUMPY ROADS OR STREETS. NO LIGHTS LIGHT UP ON THE CONTROL PANEL TO EVEN POINT AT A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WORSENING ALTHOUGH TO BE FAIR SO DO OUR ROADS. *NM
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-27
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-30
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING SEAT BELT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP, AND PASSENGER CANNOT GET OUT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile truck 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-05
  • Date Complaint: 2000-06-10
  • VIN: 1GHDX03EXWD
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: INSIDE OF HEADLIGHT SHIELD FOG UP,GREATLY REDUCING LIGHT OUTPUT. DEALER REPLACED IN FIRST INSTANCE,NOW OTHER SIDE GOING BAD. EVEN WHEN WORKING PROPERLY, HEADLIGHTS INADEQUATE FOR SAFE HIGHWAY/RURAL ROAD ILLUMINATION! *AK

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