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.
The worst 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes22
- Engine15
- Transmission11
- Airbags8
- Electrical8
- Body6
- Acceleration5
- Fuel system4
- Suspension4
- Visibility3
- Lights2
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
Recalls 1
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
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Lower intake manifold gasket leak into oil
Lower intake manifold gasket leak on gm 3.1 l v6.
The engine stopped working in december of 2002. Which had to be replaced.
The car was hit from behind while stopped and the seat and shoulder belts did not hold us in place. Dt
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.
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
Consumer states the service engine light illuminated without warning dealership has serviced the vehicle light anf found that the transmission had failed. Nlm
Was driving vehicle and noticed coolant was getting low. Checked under hood, and fluid was on engine. Head gasket was leaking from right side.
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.
Compare the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
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Questions about the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?
Owners have filed 83 complaints about the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera, 1.8 times a typical Ciera model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera?
Brakes, with 22 complaints. Next is engine (15).
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
What year does the Oldsmobile Ciera have bad brakes?
The Oldsmobile Ciera model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (22 complaints), 1994 (10 complaints) and 1995 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 29 highway.
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