Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 1994 Oldsmobile Ciera with NHTSA between 1995 and 2003.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Ciera. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1994 compares with every other Oldsmobile Ciera
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
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.
Jan 1995peak 5Jan 2003
Recalls on the 1994 Oldsmobile Ciera
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.
United States — NHTSA
95V173000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
94V189000
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
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.
Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
94V159000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
94V008000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
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."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995165184,500 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGE. VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. DURING LOADING, STRESS COULD CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH NEW SHOULDER BOLTS AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL ALSO BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Recall 19941515 units in Canada
Suspension
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO(4) AND BRITISH COLUMBIA(1). THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDER TORQUED RIGHT HAND FRONT SPINDLE NUT. IF THIS NUT WERE TO FALL OFF, THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND IF THE RIGHT HAND FRONT SPINDLE NUT IS UNDER TORQUED, THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY AND NUT WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 19941418,999 units in Canada
Electrical
THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY ON THESE VEHICLES CAN SHORT INTERNALLY DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY AND ANY CORRODED TERMINALS WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE NEW RELAY WILL BE RELOCATED TO AN AREA WHERE WATER INTRUSION IS LESS LIKELY
Recall 199408555 units in Canada
Structure
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 215 - BUMPERS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT MEET THE 8 KPH BUMPER IMPACT REQUIREMENTS. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLE HEIGHT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS.
Recall 19940151,159 units in Canada
Engine
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 124 - ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS. IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL SPRING FAILURE, THE SECONDARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING MAY NOT RETURN THE THROTTLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT SECONDARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING.
Recall 199313956 units in Canada
Engine
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND 3.1 LITRE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONDUIT END FITTING. IN THIS EVENT, ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE TO A LEVEL ANTICIPATED BY THE OPERATOR. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: A REPLACEMENT CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Casper, WYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PARKED AT A DRIVE IN PHARMACY, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND IT LURCHED BACKWARD, HITTING VEHICLE BEHIND THE CONSUMER. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. CONTACTED DEALER . DEALER FOUND A VACUUM LEAK ON THE UPPER INTAKE NEAR THE THROTTLE. THEY REPAIRED VACUUM LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #860922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Falmouth, MACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH OR LESS IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND HAD NOTHING POSITIVE TO SAY. SEEKING HELP FROM NHSTA IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #835711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duran, WICrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT, STARTED & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, W/FOOT ON BRAKES (ABS); VEHICLE TOOK OFF BACKWARDS, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE & IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT DEALER'S NOW IN EAU CLAIRE.
NHTSA complaint #812672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #503878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dexter, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. TT
NHTSA complaint #976486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smyrna, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE, EXCESSIVE STOPPING DISTANCE. TT
NHTSA complaint #973644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Baton Rouge, LA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
I HAVE FIRESTONE SUPREME RADIAL TIRES ON MY 94 CUTLESS SIERRA. ABOUT A MONTH AGO ONE WENT FLAT. I NOTICED TREAD SEPARTION AT THE SITE OF THE FLAT BUT DISCOUNTED IT. YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING ON A SMOOTH INTERSTATE MY OTHER FRONT TIRE SAME BRAND HAD THE ENTIRE TREAD SEPARATE. THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED AS I PULLED OFF THE ROAD. MY TWO REAR TIRES ARE THE SAME MODEL AND I AM CONSERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES. I HAD CHECKED THE PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES LESS THAN A WEEK AGO AND THEY WERE TO MANUFATOROR SPECS.
NHTSA complaint #10004937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN City, AZ
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHEN VEHICLE EXCEEDS 65MPH, THE FRONT END VIBRATES, CAUSING THE FRONT TIRES TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, AND CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER CAN ALSO FEEL THE SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER SAYS IF SHE DRIVES OVER 68 MPH, THE SHAKING SEEMS TO IMPROVE SOMEWHAT. THIS SITUATION HAS WORN OUT THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAS HAD A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF ALIGNMENTS, BALANCING OF TIRES-FORCED ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER HAS PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN TO A STOP OR WHEN ONE DRIVES ABOUT 20 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRAME SHAKES. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8017422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN City, AZ
TIRES
WHEN VEHICLE EXCEEDS 65MPH, THE FRONT END VIBRATES, CAUSING THE FRONT TIRES TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, AND CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER CAN ALSO FEEL THE SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER SAYS IF SHE DRIVES OVER 68 MPH, THE SHAKING SEEMS TO IMPROVE SOMEWHAT. THIS SITUATION HAS WORN OUT THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAS HAD A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF ALIGNMENTS, BALANCING OF TIRES-FORCED ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER HAS PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN TO A STOP OR WHEN ONE DRIVES ABOUT 20 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRAME SHAKES. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8017422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FOX Lake, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DEFECTIVE FUEL SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #9003644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen Park, MI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
4 PASSENGER CAR REPLACEMENT TIRES PURCHASED FROM FIRESTONE ON JULY 23, 1999 AT 64,097 MILES; TREAD COMPLETELY PEELED OFF OF ONE OF THE TIRES ON AUGUST 15, 2000 AT 83,685 MILES. (DOT NUMBER: FR360 TIRESIZE: 18575R14)
NHTSA complaint #734356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen Park, MI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
4 PASSENGER CAR REPLACEMENT TIRES PURCHASED FROM FIRESTONE ON JULY 23, 1999 AT 64,097 MILES; TREAD COMPLETELY PEELED OFF OF ONE OF THE TIRES ON AUGUST 15, 2000 AT 83,685 MILES.( DOT NUMBER: FR360 TIRE SIZE: 18575R14 )
NHTSA complaint #734356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eldersburg, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
DURING RAINY WEATHER THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT GETS WET AND SLIP, SLIPPAGE RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER ACCELERATION AND MAKES CAR PRONE TO REAR COLLISION, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS, SLIPPAGE ALSO CAUSES ALL ACCESSORIES POWERED BY THE BELT TO LOSE POWER
NHTSA complaint #9001358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield Beach, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
IN 1/00 AT 56000 MILES BLOWN HEADGASKET,,, FACTORY COVERED REPAIR WITH $300 DEDUCTIBLE..REPAIR DONE AT MARVIN K. BROWN OLDSMOBILE IN SAN DIEGO......MOVED TO FLORIDA 10/99 HAD CAR SHIPPED ON TRUCK ....6/00 HEADGASKET BLOWN AGAIN AT 73,000 .. THIS CAR NEVER OVERHEATED!!!AT FACTORIES REQUEST I HAD CAR CHECKED OUT BY KING OLDSMOBILE , DEERFIELD BEACH, FL...THEY CONFIRMED BLOW HEAD GASKET...FACTORY DENIED CALIM...SAID CAR WAS TOO OLD AND TOO MUCH MILEAGE...THEN WHY DID THEY REQUIRE ME TO SPEND $77.30 AT KING OLDS..IF THEY ALREADY MADE THERE DECISION....I THINK THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE THAT GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT ADMIT..I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE...THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS...BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING AS YOU KNOW GM'S REPUTATION IN DECEIVING THE PUBLIC WHEN IT MAY COST THEN MONEY...I APPRECIATE YOU HELP.
NHTSA complaint #724371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casper, WYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PARKED AT A DRIVE IN PHARMACY, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND IT LURCHED BACKWARD, HITTING VEHICLE BEHIND THE CONSUMER. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. CONTACTED DEALER . DEALER FOUND A VACUUM LEAK ON THE UPPER INTAKE NEAR THE THROTTLE. THEY REPAIRED VACUUM LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #860922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER'S/PASSENGERS' SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT OR LOCK UP IN EMERGENCY STOPPING. *AK
NHTSA complaint #837800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT OR COMING TO A LIGHT THE VEHICLE JERKS, LURCHES FORWARD AND STALLS. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #544715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Falmouth, MACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH OR LESS IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND HAD NOTHING POSITIVE TO SAY. SEEKING HELP FROM NHSTA IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #835711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OIL City, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE BALL JOINTS CAME OFF, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO GO UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER.
NHTSA complaint #835030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Albany, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES.
NHTSA complaint #542060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS INDICATING SYSTEM HAS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #538829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring GRO, IL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TIRE BELTS CAME APART, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #523804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hibbing, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CRUISE CONTROL AND ABS FAILED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE STOP LIGHT FILAMENT, POOR DESIGN OF GROUNDING.
NHTSA complaint #532268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington Hills, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
GEAR SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE, CAR WENT AIRBORNE, APPLIED BRAKES, CAR WENT INTO A SPIN, ENGINE ROARING, ACCELERATOR KEPT GOING FASTER, RESULTING IN A TOTALLED LOST, CAUSE UNDETECTED.
NHTSA complaint #512625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lansing, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
SEVERE SPIN OUT OCCURS AT RELATIVELY HIGH/LOW SPEEDS ON SUDDEN BRAKING; NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #978520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duran, WICrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT, STARTED & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, W/FOOT ON BRAKES (ABS); VEHICLE TOOK OFF BACKWARDS, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE & IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT DEALER'S NOW IN EAU CLAIRE.
NHTSA complaint #812672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lauderhill, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR JUST STARTED TO ACCELERATE FOR NO REASON. DRIVER DIDN'T HAVE FOOT ON THE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #812404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonnie DOO, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION ACCESS TO FIRST GEAR FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #514566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina DEL REY, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
GAS TANK HAD A PIN HOLE, CAUSING GAS LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #602518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina DEL REY, CA
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MOTOR INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #602518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina DEL REY, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VALVE COVER CRACK, CAUSING OIL LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #602518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.