AI DamageOldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera across 5 model years: 19 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 21% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 21% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 16% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 6 Seat belts 11% of all complaints
- 7 Equipment 5% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 5% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (21% of all).
- Steering: 4 complaints (21% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (16% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (16% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1993–1994
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1984–1992
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1986–1989
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1984–1985
- 3.1 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1994–1995
- 3.3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1989–1993
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1984–1988
- 4.3 L · diesel · 6 cyl 1984–1985
- automatic, 3-speed 1984–1994
- automatic, 4-speed 1984–1995
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 19 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
She noticed smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that she purchased an aftermarket fuel pump (brand name unavailable) approximately nine days before the fire. She felt that the aftermarket fuel pump caused the failure. As october 18, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle.
While driving driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic for checkup, and results showed that engine failed, and was no longer able to start and operate.
When negotiating a corner, the engine ignition switch inside of the steering column disconnected, the engine stopped, the power steering and the power brakes failed. The steering wheel wobbled from side to side.
Engine problem : for the past 3yrs.the ignition module continues to go bad and prevents the fuel pump and the spark plugs to work causing the engine to stall out and laeving me stranded.we replaced the module several times and even replaced the distributor and the problem continues.
Consumer complained about a steering problem. While driving at a moderate speed and making a turn it became very difficult to steer. When vehicle was halfway through the turn,it veered, and landed in the next lane. Also, this was the second engine installed in this vehicle. This problem caused the tires to wear.
Seat belt failure on passenger side front, fails to retract.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.