1986 Oldsmobile Calais

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1986 Oldsmobile Calais
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:25:30.944Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1986: 7 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1984	0
1985	3
1986	7
1987	5
1988	18
1989	18
1990	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and starter assembly.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING CAR STALLED OUT AND UPON STARTING IGNITION AGAIN ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960102

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED 2 YEARS AGO FOR $1000.00 AND HAVE SPEND CLOSE TO $2000.00 JUST KEEPING THE THING RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

FIRE

STEERING

2 of 7 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

Show complaint excerpts

THE STEERING DOES NOT WORK WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950612

WHEELS

1 of 7 total reports mentions: wheels.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860915 — latches/locks/linkages

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

R 19870827 — structure

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

I 19910715 — PE (closed 19911107)

SAFETY BELT CUT AT D-RING

I 19911107 — EA (closed 19921026)

SEAT BELT SEPARATION

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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

1986 Oldsmobile Calais — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
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 1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile Calais?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Oldsmobile Calais have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.