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.
The worst 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration7
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Body2
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration7
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Seat belts2
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 95V173000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material.
- Remedy
- Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.
Recall number 92V124000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera
Defect investigations
Sub-frame absorber failure
There is no summary currently available
PE94048
What 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Back door will not close. While driving, door may come open when children are in the back.
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.
Fuel throttle linkae system problem.
Engines stalls.
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.
Windshield wipers inoperative, causing poor visibility.
A/c leaks due to improper installation at factory.
Water pump failed 3 times.
Driver's side door fell almost 3 inches due to rusty hinge/poor welding.
Compare the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera, fewer than a typical Ciera model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera?
Acceleration and speed control, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
2 recalls, covering seat belts and seats.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history