1996 Oldsmobile Ciera: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 83 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints); the 1994 and 1995 model years look more trouble-free.
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 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004
“While driving vehicle will stall out for 2 minutes and start back up, and stall back out again without any warning.contacted dealership, cannot find problem.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2002
“While yielding onto highway, stepped on gas pedal to accelerate, after releasing pedal, accelerated at 80mph. Throttle became stuck and vehicle continued to accelerate, had to gear into neutral to slow vehicle down. *ak *tt”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Was driving vehicle and noticed coolant was getting low. Checked under hood, and fluid was on engine. Head gasket was leaking from right side. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2001
“While traveling at approximately 40 mph vehicle hydroplaned into a ditch and impacted a tree head-on. Driver's air bag failed to deploy. Manufacturer was sending an investigator to examine vehicle, and determine a cause for poor performance of air bag. Driver experienced light injuries. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2001
“Vehicle skids if applying brakes on least amount of ice or slush. Low traction lights comes on, and ABS locks up. *ak consumer says ABS is not useful in winter driving. *yh”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2001
“When driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle will cut off and come to a dead stop. Consumer has contacted dealer, and dealer has replaced some wiring. Repairs were not covered under warranty. *ak *ml”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000
“Oct 99 while driving heard a noise $ vehicle started to slow down. Pulled to side of road.contacted dealer & informed by mechanic to bring vehicle in . Had vehicle towed. Transmission's reverse went out. Transmission repair was $2,200 . This car is unsafe please recall it. Please send rebate to help repair or get new vehicle. Thanks. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2000
“#6 cylinder failed resulting in engine failure. Dealer wants to rebuild or replace with a new engine. Consumer feels this major engine problem should not have happend at 44k miles. Nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2000
“Transmission went out due to a hardened stove pipe gm# 24202422. The part became defective (eaten up). Transmission shop stated that it shouldn't have worn out so fast. *ak *ml”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
How other years compare
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 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.