1990 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.
Social links
Common 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo, several common problems have been identified:
- Gauge Failure: Another prevalent issue is gauge failure on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Owners have experienced problems such as the speedometer, gauges, and air conditioning not working correctly. This problem is particularly common in the analog gauge cluster of the 1990 Toronado Trofeo.
- Reliability of V8 Diesel Engine: The V8 diesel engine offered in some models has been criticized for being slow and unreliable, leading to a poor reputation for reliability among owners. This engine struggled to produce adequate power and faced significant issues with performance.
- Power Distribution Block: Some owners have encountered problems with the power distribution block located under the center console. Issues related to this component can cause electrical malfunctions, such as screens not turning on and persistent door chime sounds. Replacing or repairing the power distribution block may be necessary to address these issues.
- General Maintenance and Repair Costs: Owners have highlighted that maintaining and repairing the 1990 Toronado Trofeo can be costly, especially when dealing with electrical or gauge-related problems. Repairing components like the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) can involve significant expenses, impacting the overall ownership experience.
These common problems with the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo highlight the challenges faced by owners in maintaining and enjoying this classic vehicle. Addressing these issues often requires specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure the car remains in optimal condition.
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.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado have?
Beneath the hood rests the robust 3.8-liter Buick V6 engine, delivering a smooth 150 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission for a driving experience that is both relaxed and responsive.
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 fast is the Toronado?
It was also capable of a maximum speed of 135 mph (217 km/h). Testers found the Toronado's handling, despite its noticeable front weight bias and consequent understeer, was not substantially different from other full-size U.S. cars when driven under normal conditions.
How much is a Oldsmobile Toronado worth?
A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Toronado is $17,681.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado have?
Beneath the hood rests the robust 3.8-liter Buick V6 engine, delivering a smooth 150 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission for a driving experience that is both relaxed and responsive.
1990 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Oldsmobile Toronado complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-17
- VIN: 1G3EV13C7LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT UNLOCKS BY ITSELF. CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE COMPUTER CHIP TO START THE VEHICLE IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DASHBOARD READS STARTING DISABLED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. MR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
- VIN: 1G3EV13C7LU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ENGINE CRADLE BROKE UPON MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. DRIVER LOST STEERING CONTROL OF CAR BUT MANAGED TO STOP IT BEFORE IMPACTING ANYTHING. CRADLE WAS REMOVED FROM CAR AND FOUND TO BE SOUND AND ALMOST RUST FREE EXCEPT FOR A SECTION ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG IN THE VICINITY OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL (AND DIRECTLY BELOW THE AC UNIT). THAT 6 INCH LONG SECTION WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND WHAT LITTLE MATERIAL REMAINED APPARENTLY BROKE DURING THE LEFT HAND TURN. THE ENGINE CRADLE REMAINED FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE BODY AT THE 6 MOUNTING POINTS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH EXPERIENCED AND ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE DASH LIGHTS AND INDICATOR NOT TO WORK ON DAMP OR COLD WEATHER. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3EV13C5LU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER NOW EXPERIENCING TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING POWER WITH ABS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-06
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: INSTRUMENT PANEL IS INOPERATIVE. OCCUPANT CANNOT SEE OR USE THE GAUGES ON THE PANEL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-27
- VIN: 1G3EZ13C2LU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKED BACKWARDS, WHEN CHECKED OUT THE STEEL BRACKET WAS BROKEN ON THE LEFT SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *ML
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3V13COLU3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3V13COLU3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3EV13CXLU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: UPON APPLICATION OF ABS BRAKES IN PANIC STOP, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AND EXPERIENCES REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS FOR ABOUT A SECOND, THEN BRAKES BEGIN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WITH OWNER NO LONGER KNOWING DISPLAYED INFORMATION. DEALER SAYS ANALOG CLUSTER NEEDS REPLACEMENT. NO REPLACEMENT AT THIS TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS; 95V224000. LISTED FOR SAME PROBLEM UNDER CADILLAC ELDORADO. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IS COMING A LOOSE . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1G3ECZ13C5L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT, CAUSING NO VISUAL SIGHT IN THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER COULD BE THE CAUSE, INSURANCE SAID THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICIAL, FIRE TOTALLED THE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-18
- VIN: 1G3EV1C37LU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS SYSTEM FAILURE, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-20
- VIN: 1G3EZ13C6LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LAP/SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER SIDE IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE, LATCH AND WILL NOT UNLATCH, A CHILD WAS IN THE SEAT BELT OVER TIGHTEN AND COULD GET CHILD OUT. TT
1990 Oldsmobile Toronado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
- Consequence: INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASESTO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
- Consequence: DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL GEARPOSITION THE TRANSAXLE IS IN, WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENTAND AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
Positive 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado problems:
1990 Toronado Trofeo : r/Oldsmobile
Jun 7, 2023 ... Considering buying this 1990 Toronado Trofeo, has 72K miles and is rust free, any common problems with them?
Q&A: 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo - Common Issues & Solutions
Aug 13, 2011 ... What causes intermittent failure of 92 Olds Toronado Trofeos? - Answered by a verified Oldsmobile Mechanic.
1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo - Oldsmobile Forum - Oldsmobile ...
Sep 27, 2004 ... I have seen this problem before in other GM vehicles with this type of security. This is a common problem for cars with resistors imbedded in ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo Anti-Theft ...
Nov 1, 2010 ... What usually happens(even if this was already replaced previously)is one or both of the two tiny wires will break off of the cylinder at the ...
1990 Olds Trofeo VIC - Buick Reatta - Antique Automobile Club of ...
May 2, 2013 ... 1990 Olds Trofeo VIC ... I do know a common problem on these is loss ... 1990, 1991, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo Instrument Cluster- Repair Cost ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Toronado
Are you having problems with your 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado?
Nathanael Stamm 2025-01-06
The Toronado is truly one of the great ones from Oldsmobile. I'm so glad to hear that you've owned the car from a pup and it now has over 171,000 miles. The 3800 V6 is strong as can be and it's wonderful to hear that it has never given any problems. This car was way ahead of its time and it's still a pleasure to drive. It's great to hear that it's one of the best cars you've owned.
Freddie Lueilwitz 2024-10-29
I had a 1990 Toronado that I loved for about 5 years until the frame rotted. Unfortunately, living in the northeast rust belt meant I had to let it go. However, 11 years ago, I noticed a Trofeo sitting in a driveway that had been there for a long time. I left a note asking if it was for sale and received an answer a year later that I could have it for the price of the transmission rebuild he had done on it 10 years before - $1000. I bought it, replaced the headliner, fuel pump, and all fluids. Now it runs excellently and people keep asking me who made it and what year it is! I was lucky enough to find the VIC option from a car I found in the junkyard and replaced the base model radio and heater controls. I'm still driving it today, albeit only on nice summer days.
Dallas Carter 2024-08-05
This is a car that was truly ahead of its time.
Cleve Auer 2024-05-01
What an awesome car! I remember seeing a Toronado for the first time when I was just 10 years old back in 1968. I told myself that one day I would own one, and now I do! I was lucky enough to find this one at a Ford dealership, which had originally been slated for demolition derby. Luckily, the body was in great shape and had been undercoated. Although the K frame was coming apart, it was repaired with u-bolts and high carbon steel, making it even stronger than the original. I replaced the struts, windshield, and more, and took it for a spin on the highway. It's now getting an impressive 35 mpg on a 25 mile loop at 55 mph, and it just keeps getting better with distance. Plus, it's fast too - going from 0-60 in about 4 seconds! The cranberry color with silver trim is already stunning, but I decided to paint the wheels and side trim in a glossy gold, making it even more eye-catching. I have to wear shades just to look at it!
Bennett Hyatt 2024-03-24
What can I say? Your car is amazing! It's clear that you take great care of it, and it shows in how well it handles. I can tell that you have a real connection with it, almost like a pet. I understand that it may need some maintenance, but I'm sure you'll be able to find the right parts to keep it running smoothly. Overall, it's a true classic beauty and you're lucky to have it.