1987 Oldsmobile Calais
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01
While driving, the engine caught fire. Please describe.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29
Oil pump/balancer assembly on 2.5L 151CI. Tech 4 (Not sure on specific years) can crack from normal wear, and destroy crank shaft and engine. The balancer assm. And oil pump are located in oil pan. A simple replacement of oil pump assm.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1988-03-23Fuel system, gasoline88V032000 The fuel feed or fuel return hose at the engine may rub against a shift lever on the 5 speed transaxle.
Remedy: Replace the fuel feed and return hose/pipe assemblies.
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1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
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1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
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1991-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Seat belt separation
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Oldsmobile Calais — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V032000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile Calais?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Oldsmobile Calais have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.