These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."
1983-1996 · 11 model years
Oldsmobile Ciera Problems by year
Owners have filed 209 complaints about the Oldsmobile Ciera across 11 model years, and it has 10 recalls. The 1996 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (83), while 1983, 1984 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the brakes, followed by the engine & cooling.
- Complaints
- 209
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 24
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 19
- Deaths
- 0
Ciera complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Ciera problems
Oldsmobile Ciera recalls 10
The right hand spindle nut was not properly tightened during assembly. This can cause premature wheel bearing failure and over time, the spindle can fracture.
Water intrusion can cause a short circuit in the power door lock assembly.
In the event of a primary accelerator control spring failure, the secondary (back-up) accelerator control return spring will not return the throttle to the fully closed position, as required by fmvss no. 124, "Accelerator control system."
The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.
Fuel feed hose could leak at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly.
Poor bond adhesion between the windshield glass and mounting could allow the windshield to separate during a 30 mph frontal barrier test required by fmvss 212.
The fuel system may leak at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection. Consequence of defect: this leakage...
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.
The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.
Latest Ciera complaints
Head gasket leaked. Consumer indicated that when he went into garage there was water on the floor. Consumer had vehicle checked out by mechanic, who determined there was a head gasket leak. Consumer was quoted a price to have vehicle repaired. Consumer felt that oldsmobile should repair the problem free of charge since this was a common problem with this vehicle.*Ak
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK INTO OIL
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK ON GM 3.1 L V6. *NLM
The engine stopped working in december of 2002. Which had to be replaced. *Jb
The car was hit from behind while stopped and the seat and shoulder belts did not hold us in place. Dt
Began noticing steering column would not stay locked into desired angle. Further noticed entire wheel would have side-to-side movement. At this stage it has about 1-inch play in all directions, feel unsafe when steering. Repair shop said it is common problem in this car; repair involves removing most upper components and tightening 2 bolts at base of column at dashboard. Because of complexity of disassembly, repair requires 2 to 3 hours @ $75/hour nyc rates. I feel this type of defect should have some recourse through manufacturer since this is a major driveability issue which could cause serious accident if not corrected.*Ak
Questions about the Oldsmobile Ciera
Which Oldsmobile Ciera years have the most problems?
Which Oldsmobile Ciera years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Oldsmobile Ciera problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (31), engine & cooling (31), seats & seat belts (23) most often.
How many recalls does the Oldsmobile Ciera have?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls across all Oldsmobile Ciera model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data