1985 Oldsmobile Toronado problems
The Oldsmobile Toronado is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1966 to 1992 over four generations. The Toronado was noted for its transaxle version of GM's Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, making it the first U.S.-produced front-wheel drive automobile since the demise of the Cord 810/812 in 1937.
The Toronado used the GM E platform introduced by the rear-wheel drive Buick Riviera in 1963 and adopted for the front-wheel drive 1967 Cadillac Eldorado. The three models shared the E platform for most of the Toronado's 26-year history.
The name "Toronado" had no prior meaning and was originally selected for a 1963 Chevrolet show car.
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Common 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado, several common problems have been reported:
- Frameless Door Glass Rattling: Some owners have reported that the frameless door glass on the 1985 Toronado was loose and would rattle when the doors were closed.
- Small Trunk Space: Another common complaint was related to the trunk size of the 1985 Toronado, with some owners finding it to be smaller than desired.
- Front Wheel Drive Strain: The front-wheel-drive layout of the Toronado meant that 60% of its weight was carried at the front wheels, leading to strain on the front tires and brakes. Initially equipped with bias ply tires and drum brakes on all four wheels, the Toronado faced issues like premature rear lockup due to the lack of height-sensitive brake proportioning valves. The introduction of standard front disc brakes in 1967 improved braking performance, but the front-wheel-drive setup posed challenges in weight distribution and braking efficiency.
- Hidden Headlight Issues: In earlier models, like the 1970 Toronado, hidden headlights were considered too expensive by GM's cost-cutting measures, leading to their removal and affecting the overall front-end design of the car.
- Energy Crisis Impact: The 1985 Toronado, like many other cars of its time, faced a decline in sales due to the energy crisis. Despite attempts to boost sales through redesigns like a significant rear extension in 1990, sales did not recover, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of the Oldsmobile Toronado in 1992.
These reported issues highlight some of the challenges faced by owners of the 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado, ranging from digital dash malfunctions to design and performance-related concerns.
What was the problem with the Oldsmobile Toronado?
Handling and braking were our biggest disappointments in this car — hard to explain after five years' development. The engine apparently is too heavy for the chassis to benefit from front-wheel drive in terms of cornering. Especially in low-speed maneuvering, the front end showed excessive plowing.
What engine is in a 1985 Toronado?
The 307 cubic-inch V8 (a smaller-displacement version of the 350 Rocket), was standard on 1985 Toronados.
How much is a Oldsmobile Toronado worth?
A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Toronado is $17,681.
How much horsepower does a 1984 Oldsmobile Toronado have?
This Oldsmobile is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 providing 170 hp through a 4-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Both front and rear suspension are independent. All power options are present including power windows, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, power seats, power mirrors and a tilt wheel.
What was the problem with the Oldsmobile Toronado?
Handling and braking were our biggest disappointments in this car — hard to explain after five years' development. The engine apparently is too heavy for the chassis to benefit from front-wheel drive in terms of cornering. Especially in low-speed maneuvering, the front end showed excessive plowing.
How much is a Oldsmobile Toronado worth?
A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Toronado is $17,681.
How much horsepower does a 1984 Oldsmobile Toronado have?
This Oldsmobile is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 providing 170 hp through a 4-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Both front and rear suspension are independent. All power options are present including power windows, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, power seats, power mirrors and a tilt wheel.
What was the first year for the front-wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado?
1966
The 385-hp 1966 Toronado was America's first front-driver since the 1930s, though GM had been playing with the idea for more than a decade.
1985 Oldsmobile Toronado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Toronado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Oldsmobile Toronado complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-30
- VIN: 1GE3EZ57Y8F
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE RIDE SIDE OF THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY PULLED COMPLETELY AWAY FROM THE FRAME. OWNER NOTICED PROBLEM WHEN TURNING WHEELS TO THE RIGHT WHILE BAKCING OUT OF A PARKING PLACE. THE PROLBEM WAS REPORTED TO GENERAL MOTORS. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-21
- VIN: 1G3EZ57Y8FE
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING COLLISION.
1985 Oldsmobile Toronado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado problems:
1985 Toronado the fuse for the radio,antenna,cigarette lighte blows ...
Jul 4, 2012 ... The most common problem was the cigarette lighter itself. GM lighters are screwed together and if the heating element begins to unscrew it ...
Q&A: 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo - Common Issues & Solutions
Feb 16, 2014 ... We have a 1992 Olds Toronado Trofeo with an electrical draw which kills the battery overnight. The visual - Answered by a verified ...
1985 toro shifting issue - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Sep 7, 2016 ... So ive just recently purchased a 1985 olds toronado and its running really nice, not too many hiccups so far. I do have a few problems here ...
Curbside Outtake: 1979 -1985(?) Oldsmobile Toronado - Can ...
Apr 24, 2020 ... They were as bold as the Toronado was anonymous. Still, it's pretty cool; there's something to like about any old car. I'd have no problem ...
Code 41 problems : 1987-1991
It is a pretty common problem on 1988-91 3800 engines. 1993 Bonneville SLE 1988 Olds Toronado Trofeo 1985 Olds Cutlass Ciera Holiday
Other years of Oldsmobile Toronado
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