Is the 1990 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 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1990 Oldsmobile Ciera

○ Not enough data

1990 Oldsmobile Ciera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:47:16.130Z

Only 20 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 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 20
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1990: 20 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	3
1985	8
1986	14
1987	17
1988	25
1989	32
1990	20
1994	46
1995	34
1996	83

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

7 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brakes failed during accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-25

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

3 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and ignition.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Structure

2 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.

Service brakes

2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

1992-09-24Seats92V124000 The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.

Remedy: Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1994-06-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Sub-frame absorber failure
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Oldsmobile Ciera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 92V124000 · Seats
Recall 95V173000 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1990 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 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera?: The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Ciera 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.