1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan problems
The Oldsmobile 98 (spelled Ninety-Eight from 1952 to 1991, and Ninety Eight from 1992 to 1996) is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996. The name – reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine – first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76 was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the 98 in 1997.
Occasionally additional nomenclature was used with the name, such as L/S and Holiday, and the 98 Regency badge would become increasingly common in the later years of the model. The 98 shared its General Motors C-body platform with Buick and Cadillac.
Since it was the top-line Oldsmobile, the series had the most technologically advanced items available, such as the Hydramatic automatic transmission, the Autronic Eye, an automatic headlight dimmer, and Twilight Sentinel (a feature that automatically turned the headlights on and off via a light sensor and a delay timer, as controlled by the driver), and the highest-grade interior and exterior trim.
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Common 1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan problems
The Oldsmobile Touring Sedan, produced in 1989, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues range from electrical malfunctions to mechanical failures, affecting the overall driving experience and reliability of the vehicle.
- ABS System: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan is another area where problems have been reported. The ABS system can malfunction, leading to hard pedal issues and, in some cases, complete brake failure. This can be a serious safety concern, requiring immediate attention and potentially expensive repairs.
- Electrical Switches and ABS Modules: The 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan suffered from a range of electrical issues, including faulty switches and ABS modules. These problems could lead to malfunctions in various systems, such as the air conditioning, radio, and other electrical components. These issues were part of a larger trend of quality problems that plagued GM vehicles during this time period.
- 440 Transmission: The 440 transmission used in the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan was another source of frustration for owners. This transmission was known for its poor reliability, leading to numerous repairs and replacements.
- Fuel Economy and Styling: While not a mechanical issue, the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan also faced criticism for its fuel economy and styling. Despite the 3800 engine's impressive fuel economy, many customers were disappointed with the car's overall performance and design. This contributed to falling sales and a decline in the Oldsmobile brand's reputation.
- Interior Controls: The interior controls of the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan, such as the cigarette lighter and passenger seat controls, were also known to fail. These issues could lead to inconvenience and additional repair costs.
In summary, the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan faced a range of common problems, including window motor failures, ABS system malfunctions, electrical issues, transmission problems, and design criticisms. These issues contributed to a decline in the car's reputation and the overall health of the Oldsmobile brand.
1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Touring sedan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,SEATS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- VIN: 1G3CV54C8K1
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DOOR IS FALLING APART, AND ALL THE PARTS INSIDE KEEP COMING OUT. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 1G3CV54C8K1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC/CUT OFF AND LOST POWER. VEHICLE IS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN DRIVING. HAVE TO KEEP FEET ON THE BRAKES. WHEN THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-10
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CV54C7K4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING VEHICLE, CAME TO COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED OLDSMOBILE NEAR LEFT SIDE BY GAS TANK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POLICE AND FIRE DEPT ARRIVED PUT FLAMES OUT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-10
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CV54C7K4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED OLDSMOBILE WHICH WAS HIT ON LEFT SIDE BY REAR LAMP, NEAR GAS TANK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POLICE AND FIRE DEPTS ARRIVED, PUT OUT FLAMES. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile Touring sedan problems:
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