1984 Oldsmobile Omega problems

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The Oldsmobile Omega is a compact car manufactured and marketed from 1973 to 1984 by Oldsmobile, as the brand's most affordable, entry level vehicle — across three distinct generations.

The first two generations of the Omega used rear-wheel-drive configuration, as a badge engineered variant of the Chevrolet Nova. The third generation was marketed from 1980 to 1984 in a front-wheel-drive, as a variation of the Chevrolet Citation.

The omega nameplate derived from the last letter of the Greek alphabet.

1984 Oldsmobile Omega

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Common 1984 Oldsmobile Omega problems

The Oldsmobile Omega, produced in 1984, faced several issues that were common among cars of that era. These problems were primarily related to the engine, drivetrain, and overall build quality.

  • Drivetrain Problems: The Omega's three-speed automatic transmission was another source of frustration for owners. This transmission was often criticized for its lack of responsiveness and poor fuel efficiency. Additionally, the transmission's design made it prone to slipping and eventual failure, which could result in expensive repairs.
  • Build Quality: The 1984 Oldsmobile Omega, like many cars of its time, suffered from poor build quality. This was a result of the industry's focus on meeting new emissions, safety, and fuel economy standards, which often came at the expense of build quality. As a result, the Omega was plagued by issues such as flaking paint, dings, and other cosmetic imperfections.
  • Parts Availability: Due to the low number of Omegas still on the road, finding replacement parts can be a challenge. This is especially true for rare options or features, such as the camper package mentioned in one owner's post.
  • Carburetor Problems: The carburetor, a common feature in cars of the Malaise Era, was another source of frustration for Omega owners. These carburetors were prone to issues such as belt problems, carb problems, and other malfunctions, which could result in poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency.
  • Suspension Tuning: The Omega's suspension tuning was another area where it represented a culture clash. Traditional, soggy suspension tuning, which was more common in older cars, was mixed with Brougham-style luxury features, creating a car that was not particularly well-suited for either performance or comfort.

In conclusion, the 1984 Oldsmobile Omega faced several common problems that were indicative of the era in which it was produced. These issues, which included engine knocking, transmission slipping, poor build quality, and parts availability, were largely the result of the industry's focus on meeting new regulations at the expense of build quality and performance.

1984 Oldsmobile Omega engine

What was the top speed of the Oldsmobile Omega?

Performance: Maximum speed 96 mph (6-cylinder versions), or 112 mph (V8 versions). Fuel consumption 15.3 mpg (6-cylinder).or 14.5 mpg.

What was the Omega car in the 80s?

The first two generations of the Omega used rear-wheel-drive configuration, as a badge engineered variant of the Chevrolet Nova. The third generation was marketed from 1980 to 1984 in a front-wheel-drive, as a variation of the Chevrolet Citation. The omega nameplate derived from the last letter of the Greek alphabet.

What Oldsmobile looks like a Nova?

Oldsmobile's version of the mid-1970s Chevrolet Nova

A Pontiac-ized version of the Chevrolet Nova went on sale as the Ventura starting in the 1971 model year, and Buick and Oldsmobile got their own versions of the Nova — the Apollo and Omega — starting in 1973.

How many 1973 Oldsmobile Omega were made?

In 1973 Olds made about 60,000 Omegas.

What was the top speed of the Oldsmobile Omega?

Performance: Maximum speed 96 mph (6-cylinder versions), or 112 mph (V8 versions). Fuel consumption 15.3 mpg (6-cylinder).or 14.5 mpg.

What was the Omega car in the 80s?

The first two generations of the Omega used rear-wheel-drive configuration, as a badge engineered variant of the Chevrolet Nova. The third generation was marketed from 1980 to 1984 in a front-wheel-drive, as a variation of the Chevrolet Citation. The omega nameplate derived from the last letter of the Greek alphabet.

What Oldsmobile looks like a Nova?

Oldsmobile's version of the mid-1970s Chevrolet Nova

A Pontiac-ized version of the Chevrolet Nova went on sale as the Ventura starting in the 1971 model year, and Buick and Oldsmobile got their own versions of the Nova — the Apollo and Omega — starting in 1973.

How many 1973 Oldsmobile Omega were made?

In 1973 Olds made about 60,000 Omegas.

1984 Oldsmobile Omega car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Omega problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Oldsmobile Omega vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Oldsmobile Omega complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Oldsmobile Omega.

1996-04-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-08
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G3AE69X8EW
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE SHUT OFF, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
1995-06-05

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
  • VIN: 1G3AE69X7EW
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
1994-11-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-22
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE CAUSED BY LEAKING OIL, OHIO STATE POLIC REPORT. *TW

1984 Oldsmobile Omega recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1984 Oldsmobile Omega.

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).
1985-03-29
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY LEAK AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHICH COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL FEED PIPE.
1984-11-28
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: THE REAR AXLE CONTROL ARM LOCATES AND HELPS CONTROL AXLE MOVEMENT; IT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME WITH A BRACKET. THE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET ATTACHING BOLTS USED ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY FRACTURE. FRACTURE OF ALL FOUR BOLTS ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAN RESULT IN THE CONTROL ARM DROPPING ENOUGH TO CUT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE. A SEVERED BRAKE HOSE WOULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LOSS AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL EIGHT CONTROL ARM BRACKET BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE.
1984-02-06
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
  • Summary: SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.
  • Remedy: INSPECTION OF SEAT BACK LOCKS WILL BE PERFORMED. LOCKS THAT HAVE BENT, BROKEN OR MISSING HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1984 Oldsmobile Omega problems:

How many of you have an Omega?? - ClassicOldsmobile.com
How many of you have an Omega?? - ClassicOldsmobile.com
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/other-oldsmobiles-31/how-many-you-have-omega-7781/

Aug 6, 2008 ... ... engine in it so i am going to use that engine but upgrade it ... 1984 and i am only 24 years old. My dad is a ... problems with this one . . .

Crapmobile Memories - 1980 Oldsmobile Omega
Crapmobile Memories - 1980 Oldsmobile Omega
https://www.joesherlock.com/BadOmega.html

Aug 9, 2006 ... Car blogger Jack Baruth of The Truth About Cars wrote, "It's a little-known fact that the infamous General Motors X-car brake problem was ...

Cohort Pic(k) Of The Day: 1983 Oldsmobile Omega - One Still ...
Cohort Pic(k) Of The Day: 1983 Oldsmobile Omega - One Still ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-cohort/cohort-pick-of-the-day-1983-oldsmobile-omega-one-still-around/

Nov 13, 2023 ... My family had an '82 Phoenix which was reasonably reliable; most of the 1980 X body issues like rear wheel lockup when braking had been fixed by ...

Clarification on
Clarification on "common" Traverse problems and what's causing ...
https://www.traverseforum.com/threads/clarification-on-common-traverse-problems-and-whats-causing-them.4257/

Sep 1, 2014 ... ( Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Omega, Pontiac Phoenix and the Citation. Traverse 2017, chevy Uplander 2009 LT short wheelbase, Impala 2003 ...

CC/Auto-Biography: 1980 Buick Skylark - True Confession: I Gave ...
CC/Auto-Biography: 1980 Buick Skylark - True Confession: I Gave ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classicauto-biography-1980-1981-buick-skylark-x-marks-the-spot/

Oct 21, 2021 ... The Skylark was the second-best selling of the X-factors, with the Pontiac Phoenix and Olds Omega a rather distant third and fourth, ...

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