1990 Oldsmobile Ciera: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer started automobile and the pawl was in park. When she placed it in drive the automobile suddlenly accelerated at a high rate of speed. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 1998
“When taking vehicle out of park with foot still on brake, the vehicle went into reverse, causing the vehicle to increase its speed, resulting in a crash. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 1997
“Driver and passenger shoulder/lap belt does not lock up upon impact; vehicle rearended, shoved into another vehicle; occupants hit windshield and steering wheel”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 1995
Show 2 more owner reports
“Spot welding on front by console broke loose; back rest wiggles while occupied; split bench seats; vehicle never involved in accident. Tt”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1994
“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”Owner report · Steering
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
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.
Remedy: REPAIR ANY ABRADED WIRING AND REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS USING A WIRING HARNESS CLIP.
Check your exact Ciera by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.