Owners have filed 45 complaints
about the 1995 Oldsmobile Ciera with NHTSA between 1995 and 2003.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 33
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Ciera. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
35.6% 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 1995 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.
Jul 1995peak 5May 2003
Recalls on the 1995 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wausau, WI2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING VEHICLE ROLLOVER COLLISION DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY CAUSING DRIVER TO SLIDE RESULTING IN INJURIES. MJS
NHTSA complaint #545739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonvil, FLCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELT RECALL WORK FAILED, DURING COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN INJURIES TO HEAD AND NECK OF OCCUPANTS, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #534663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonvil, FLCrash4 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT RECALL WORK FAILED, DURING COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN INJURIES TO HEAD AND NECK OF OCCUPANTS, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #534663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
CONSUMER WAS REARENDED IN CRASH WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT. WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLE HIT FROM BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED WHILE CONSUMER WAS BELTED IN THE SEAT. CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK/SHOULDER AND ARM INJURIES. SEATBACK HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY SUNRISE OLDSMOBILE DEARLERSHIP. (NO FORWARDING ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER.)
NHTSA complaint #817252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfeesbor, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP IN WET WEATHER, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #811882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Horatio, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #980595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Englewood, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL LEAKED ONTO ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED FUMES TO COME THROUGH THE VENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10020209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
TIRES
WHILE IN MOTION, VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT THAT INTENSE VIBRATION,CONSUMER PULLED INTO A GOOD YEAR TIRE CENTER. ONE TIRE HAD SHREDDED, WHICH WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE FOR TIRE INSPECTION AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE OTHER THREE WERE DEFECTIVE ALSO. *JG (MICHELIN TIRES)
NHTSA complaint #566098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aberdeen, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IS DRAINING BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN OFF POSITION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REPLACING DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #880761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phelan, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
4 FUEL PUMPS, 2 TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED,HAS A 3.8 ENGINE IN IT, IT IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE A 3.1 ENGINE IN IT,RELAY SWITCH REPLACED AT WHICH TIME FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD BEEN RUNNING HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE THE WHOLE TIME WE OWNED THE CAR, 1 ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MOTOR IN RESULT OF ELECTRICAL, 1 VACUUM MANIFOLD, TO TOP IT OF WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS BUILT ON A FRIDAY! WHAT LUCK ? THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TWO FUEL PUMPS THAT FAILED/WE THINK BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT PUT IN RIGHT. MY MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THE CAR HAS A PICKUP ENGINE IN IT INSTEAD OF WHAT IT SHOULD. MY HUSBAND & I ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR & THE MANUFACTURE THAT BUILT THIS CAR SO POORLY!!
NHTSA complaint #733248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phelan, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
4 FUEL PUMPS, 2 TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED,HAS A 3.8 ENGINE IN IT, IT IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE A 3.1 ENGINE IN IT,RELAY SWITCH REPLACED AT WHICH TIME FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD BEEN RUNNING HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE THE WHOLE TIME WE OWNED THE CAR, 1 ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MOTOR IN RESULT OF ELECTRICAL, 1 VACUUM MANIFOLD, TO TOP IT OF WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS BUILT ON A FRIDAY! WHAT LUCK ? THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TWO FUEL PUMPS THAT FAILED/WE THINK BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT PUT IN RIGHT. MY MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THE CAR HAS A PICKUP ENGINE IN IT INSTEAD OF WHAT IT SHOULD. MY HUSBAND & I ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR & THE MANUFACTURE THAT BUILT THIS CAR SO POORLY!!
NHTSA complaint #733248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phelan, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
4 FUEL PUMPS, 2 TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED,HAS A 3.8 ENGINE IN IT, IT IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE A 3.1 ENGINE IN IT,RELAY SWITCH REPLACED AT WHICH TIME FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD BEEN RUNNING HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE THE WHOLE TIME WE OWNED THE CAR, 1 ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MOTOR IN RESULT OF ELECTRICAL, 1 VACUUM MANIFOLD, TO TOP IT OF WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS BUILT ON A FRIDAY! WHAT LUCK ? THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TWO FUEL PUMPS THAT FAILED/WE THINK BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT PUT IN RIGHT. MY MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THE CAR HAS A PICKUP ENGINE IN IT INSTEAD OF WHAT IT SHOULD. MY HUSBAND & I ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR & THE MANUFACTURE THAT BUILT THIS CAR SO POORLY!!
NHTSA complaint #733248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Park Ridge, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
REVERSE SHELL CRACKED AND EXPLODED SENDING SHRAPNEL THROUHOUT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION, DAMAGING MANY MORE PARTS OF TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST HAD NEVER SEEN A REVERSE SHELL CHEWED UP AND DEMOLISHED AS THIS ONE. INCIDENTALLY, REPLACEMENT NEW PART IS MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL- CARBON STEEL.
NHTSA complaint #726193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willaimsville, NY
STEERING:LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING BOTH TIE RODS BROKE, CAUSING T LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #867126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, CA
SUSPENSION
WHILE GOING ABOUT 55 OR 70 MPH ENGINE WILL START VIBRATING. COULD FEEL IT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AT THE TIME OF SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING.
NHTSA complaint #865436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
REVERSE DRUM EXPLODED AND SENT SHRAPNEL THROUGH THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION UPON ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR FLEW THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING MY HEAD TO SNAP BACK RESUKTING IN A VERY STIFF NECK.
NHTSA complaint #718383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fres, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WHEN HOT WILL NOT SHIFT TO OVERDIVE; ENGINE RATTLES WHEN STARTED COLD
NHTSA complaint #712134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fres, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
TRANSMISSION WHEN HOT WILL NOT SHIFT TO OVERDIVE; ENGINE RATTLES WHEN STARTED COLD
NHTSA complaint #712134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wausau, WI2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING VEHICLE ROLLOVER COLLISION DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY CAUSING DRIVER TO SLIDE RESULTING IN INJURIES. MJS
NHTSA complaint #545739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonvil, FLCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELT RECALL WORK FAILED, DURING COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN INJURIES TO HEAD AND NECK OF OCCUPANTS, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #534663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonvil, FLCrash4 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT RECALL WORK FAILED, DURING COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN INJURIES TO HEAD AND NECK OF OCCUPANTS, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #534663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alamogrando, NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
WHILE DRIVING THE EXHAUST PIPE ON THE FRONT PART OF THE MUFFLER BROKE, CAUSING THE MUFFLER TO BECOME LOOSE. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #823036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
APPLYING BRAKE ON ICY ROAD DID NOT SLOW VEHICLE AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #528658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
APPLYING BRAKE ON ICY ROAD DID NOT SLOW VEHICLE AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #528927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pheonix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING FUMES FROM OTHER VEHICLES ARE ENTERING THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE, CAUSING THE PASSENGER IN THIS VEHICLE TO HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS. HAS TO TAKE MEDICATIONS TO MINIMIZE ERRATIC BREATHING CAUSED BY FUMES. CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN AUG. 96, AND HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM SINCE DAY OF PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #817254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
CONSUMER WAS REARENDED IN CRASH WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT. WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLE HIT FROM BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED WHILE CONSUMER WAS BELTED IN THE SEAT. CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK/SHOULDER AND ARM INJURIES. SEATBACK HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY SUNRISE OLDSMOBILE DEARLERSHIP. (NO FORWARDING ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER.)
NHTSA complaint #817252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milo, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE DEVELOPED A HESITATION. THE VEHICLE HESITATES FOR 4-5 SECONDS ERRATICALLY. DEALER HAS BEEN TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #815067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING AT OR ABOUT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF . VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #814316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfeesbor, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP IN WET WEATHER, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #811882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
AIR BAGS
OTHER: REQUESTING REMOVAL OF AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #516813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pencil Bluff, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER OR SPEED, THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #810204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.