1989 Oldsmobile Ciera

○ Not enough data
1989 Oldsmobile Ciera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:47:49.747Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

Complaints
32
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 25 complaints 1989: 32 complaints 1989 32 1990: 20 complaints 1994: 46 complaints 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 1989: 32 complaints 1989 32 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 1989: 32 complaints 1989 32 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996

1989: 32 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19843
19858
198614
198717
198825
198932
199020
199446
199534
199683

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

28% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

Electrical system

19% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

Vehicle speed control

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Sudden acceleration, caused loss of control/accident/injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-16

Service brakes

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Tires

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1994-06-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Sub-frame absorber failure
  2. R
    1995-10-19Seat belts95V173000 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."

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V173000 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera 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 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.