Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1990 Oldsmobile Calais
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
527.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
316.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
211.1%
Brakes
211.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Seats
15.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Seat Belts
15.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.6%
Suspension
15.6%
Steering
15.6%
Airbags
15.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 5May 2002
Recalls on the 1990 Oldsmobile Calais
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199103723,611 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Cracks may develop in the casing of the integrated direct ignition coil. Correction: Ignition coils will be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Recall 19901269,446 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) MODULE, WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY, COULD OVERHEAT AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL MODULE, INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS WITH FUSES AND INSTALL A MODULE COVER.
Recall 199008334 units in Canada
Fuel System
VEHICLES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF THE FRONT FUEL FEED/RETURN HOSES TO THE FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL. A FITTING MAY LOOSEN ENOUGH TO LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA, AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: FRONT FUEL FEED/RETURN HOSE FITTINGS WILL BE PROPERLY TORQUED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Oviedo, FL1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)*YH
NHTSA complaint #562717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)
NHTSA complaint #562717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE IT TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED WITHOUT APPLICATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING TREE AND FENCE. DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE.*AKAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, THE DRIVER ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES, BROKEN RIBS, CRACKED COLLAR BONE, SPINE INJURY AND HEADACHES. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #896368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Creighton, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTED.
NHTSA complaint #831753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CHANGE AT 7,000 MILES, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND FAILED .
NHTSA complaint #968110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. LUC, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHEN REAR ENDED, DRIVERS SEAT BOLT SEVERED ALLOWING SEAT TO FLIP BACKWARDS. DRIVER RECEIVED LOWER LEG INJURIES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #963016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oviedo, FL1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)*YH
NHTSA complaint #562717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER PUT GEAR IN REVERES TO BACK OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURING THE DRIVER AND DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INVESTIGATION BY THE MANUFACTURER. (THE ADDRESS IS THE OWNERS FATHER)
NHTSA complaint #562717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE IT TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED WITHOUT APPLICATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING TREE AND FENCE. DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE.*AKAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, THE DRIVER ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES, BROKEN RIBS, CRACKED COLLAR BONE, SPINE INJURY AND HEADACHES. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #896368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkston, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TRUNK RUSTED OUT DUE TO LEAKAGE.
NHTSA complaint #544490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Lyon, MI
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS OF THE CAR HAVE DEVELOPED RUST AT THE SEAM WHERE THEY MEET THE TRUNK FLOOR. THIS RUST HAS CAUSED HOLES TO FORM, AND THEREFORE WEAKENING THE ENTIRE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR END. THE HOLES ALSO LEAK WATER INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER. THE SEAMS HAVE ALSO TORN INTO THE FRONT PART OF THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND NOW LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. SEVERAL BODY SHOPS HAVE TOLD ME THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO TEAR OUT ALL OF THE OLD STEEL AND PUT NEW STEEL IN. THIS WILL COST AROUND $2500.00. THEY HAVE ALSO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OLDMOBILE CALAIS LIKE THIS AND THE REASON FOR THIS RUST IS A MANUFACTUERS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE TRUNK AND SHOCK TOWERS.
NHTSA complaint #702574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Lyon, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS OF THE CAR HAVE DEVELOPED RUST AT THE SEAM WHERE THEY MEET THE TRUNK FLOOR. THIS RUST HAS CAUSED HOLES TO FORM, AND THEREFORE WEAKENING THE ENTIRE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR END. THE HOLES ALSO LEAK WATER INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER. THE SEAMS HAVE ALSO TORN INTO THE FRONT PART OF THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND NOW LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. SEVERAL BODY SHOPS HAVE TOLD ME THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO TEAR OUT ALL OF THE OLD STEEL AND PUT NEW STEEL IN. THIS WILL COST AROUND $2500.00. THEY HAVE ALSO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OLDMOBILE CALAIS LIKE THIS AND THE REASON FOR THIS RUST IS A MANUFACTUERS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE TRUNK AND SHOCK TOWERS.
NHTSA complaint #702574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Creighton, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTED.
NHTSA complaint #831753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterpeak, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
TWO SMALL WINDOWS ON EACH SIDE OF VEHICLE, LOCATED IN REAR, CAUSE LEAKAGE WITHIN THE OVERHEAD UPHOLSTERY AND INTO THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THAT THE WINDOWS WERE NOT SEALED AT THE FACTORY. OWNER WISHES TO BE COMPENSATED FOR COST OF REPAIRS. *AK
NHTSA complaint #827877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DU Quoin, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FAILED DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE OIL. (SECOND VEHICLE ON 508114)
NHTSA complaint #601595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnstown, PA
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ARE ATTACHED TO DOORS, CAUSING INABILITY TO HOLD DRIVER/PASSENGER SECURE IF DOOR OPENS DURING ACCIDENT. *SKD
NHTSA complaint #485154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CHANGE AT 7,000 MILES, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND FAILED .
NHTSA complaint #968110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL PAN MADE OF ALUMINUM, CAUSING AN OBJECT FROM STREET TO KNOCK A HOLE IN OIL PAN, LEAKING OIL ONTO ENGINE, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #489256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. LUC, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHEN REAR ENDED, DRIVERS SEAT BOLT SEVERED ALLOWING SEAT TO FLIP BACKWARDS. DRIVER RECEIVED LOWER LEG INJURIES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #963016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lake, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKES PULSATE WHEN STOPPING.
NHTSA complaint #962115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lake, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
REPLACED NOISY MUFFLER.
NHTSA complaint #962115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lake, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
REPLACED ALTERNATOR BELT.
NHTSA complaint #962115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lake, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
AT 47,000 MILES THE WHOLE ENGINE BLEW. TT
NHTSA complaint #962115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lake, OH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
REPLACED POWER STEERING BELT.
NHTSA complaint #962115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.