1985 Oldsmobile Calais
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 18 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING COLUMN WHEEL HAS CRACKED ON TWO OCCASIONS, INDICATOR LIGHT LEVER ALSO BROKE OFF. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960118
1 of 3 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
HOOD LATCH FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, CAUSING HOOD TO FLY UP. (86V-1210) *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950511
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING COLUMN WHEEL HAS CRACKED ON TWO OCCASIONS, INDICATOR LIGHT LEVER ALSO BROKE OFF. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960118
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
A LOSS OF BONDING ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT AND THE WINDSHIELD OPENING AREA COULD ALLOW THE WINDSHIELD TO SEPARATE DURING A 30 MILE PER HOUR FRONTAL BARRIER TEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212, WINDSHIE
Remedy: REMOVE AND REINSTALL WINDSHIELD IF A LACK OF PAINT BONDING IS EVIDENT.
Campaign 85V047000 — check if this car was fixed
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL PREVENTING THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.
Campaign 86V030000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY BE INCORRECTLY ALIGNED, OR MAY EXHIBIT A BINDING CONDITION OF THE LATCH PIVOT.
Remedy: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WILL BE REPLACED AND INSPECT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH POP-UP LEVER.
Campaign 86V121000 — check if this car was fixed
SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
Remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.
Campaign 87V124000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
SEAT BELT SEPARATION
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Oldsmobile Calais — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V047000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V030000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V121000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V124000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Oldsmobile Calais reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile Calais?
The most-reported component is steering: steering wheel/handle bar, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Oldsmobile Calais have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.